I saw the thread about the Road Armor front bumper posted here on Wednesday. There are several front bumpers out there I've been considering, but I have my reservations about making a purchase. Can anyone tell me what happens to the air bag function when you install an aftermarket front bumper? I saw that AEV advertises their bumper as preserving operation of the air bags with the built in crush cans. If certain bumpers are going to cause the air bags to stop working, then I want to know that before I go buy one of those bumpers. I like the AEV bumper, but I think there are others that I like a little better. However, if the others are going to screw up the air bags, then I'll go with AEV. Any help here? Thanks.

 

Me too i am waiting!!!

 

Im not a fan of Air Bags so I really could care less about deployment.

 

The main reason the crush cans are there is so in a low speed collision they will bend instead of the frame. It is much easier to replace the can than to straighten a frame. The airbags are run off a sensor within the Jeep so they will still be axactly the same as before.

 

[QUOTE=Littlejon;741953]The main reason the crush cans are there is so in a low speed collision they will bend instead of the frame. It is much easier to replace the can than to straighten a frame. The airbags are run off a sensor within the Jeep so they will still be axactly the same as before.[/Q

YEP WHAT HE SAID

 

^^^What he said. I've heard from more than one source that the airbag sensor will not be defeated by an aftermarket bumper.

As far as airbag deployment...yes...they can be a colossal PITA if they deploy when you don't need them...but they also do save lives. If you only run your JK on trails, then there's not much point in having airbags. As soon as you get on the pavement, they're worth having. Even the best driver in the world can get hit by someone else.

 

What everyone else has said.
The crush can is just that, a mini crumple zone to absorb a lower speed impact instead of transfering it to the frame.
That is of course, if you manage to hit that section of the bumper. They are utterly worthless off center or direct hit on a pole.

• The airbag sensors are NOT in the front bumper at all.
• Removing & Replacing the stock front bumper has NO effect on the airbag system as far as the sensors go.

#3 are the impact sensors:

 

Good question and great response! Glad to hear my airbags will still function on the highway. Airbags on JK's disengage when you shift to 4 low. So don't try this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GlHD...eature=related

You cannot go wrong with Warn bumpers. They are litterally bulletpoof. Plus. you get to keep your factory foglights.

 

Oh it was a great question, I asked the same one. My family rides in my Jeep, i wouldnt have a new bumper if doing so disabled the airbags.

 

That was one of my concerns at first, till I found the info you're being given about the sensors not even being IN the bumper...lol.

My favorite so far is the ARB front winch bumper. You can also keep your stock fog lights with it. But, I have to admit, I've not looked at all of the available bumpers yet, so there may be others I'd like more.

More to come....

Mac