I have a stock 2012 JK and pretty much plan on keeping it stock for the most part until it gets a little older seeing as its my daily driver. But is there a good light weight off road bumper that doesn't require leveling the front? Just wondering for the future.

 

There are a few manufacturers that make aluminum bumpers that will likely meet your weight limit. Alternatively, consider something minimalistic like the offering from VKS with their frame chop stubby.

I've got the Genright stubby in steel and noticed no loss until I added a winch. Even in steel it's not crazy heavy, certainly not as overweight and underprotective as the rugged ridge stubby.

 

May I suggest figuring out what your end goal for your Jeep will be. Reason I suggest this is two fold one you will only have to buy once and two you will be done. Also since you have a 2012 you will need a vacuum pump relocation bracket.

May I suggest companies like Rock Hard 4x4, EVO MFG, VKS, LoD, Warn, Barnes and JCR as vendors to start with. All these vendors are American made companies and some are forum sponsors.

R/
Will

 

Thank you for the suggestions, I will do some research on which ones I like. And what do you mean a vacuum pump relocation bracket? I have to move it so I can put the bumper on? Or is that something that goes bad after a while? This is my first Jeep so I'm still learning some stuff if you can't tell!

 

The vacuum pump sits right up in front of the bottom right corner of your grill. You'll just need to relocate that to inside the engine bay in order to fit most after market front bumpers. It's not a big deal, you'll just need to get a new bracket to mount it with. There are a few manufacturers that will leave a cut out in the bumper to accommodate leaving it in the factory location, but you'll most likely need to relocate it.

 

I see what you mean now, thank you so much. I won't be doing the bumper for a good while but it's always good to know everything before I go butchering anything.

 

Just to add to what's already been said which is great advise. Not all replacement bumpers require re-location of that vacuum pump but if you ever decide you want to mount a winch then most all of them will require a re-location of the vacuum pump. The necessary winch mounting plate will almost always interfere with that vacuum pump. So good to know if you plan on mounting a winch to that bumper or not. I'm a little uncertain about an aluminum bumper being strong enough for winching as well.

 

I just mounted the RockHard plate to the stock bumper... Don't have to move the vacuum pump, but the plastic screws on the grill air dam are a PITA.

 

You're right. I guess I should have said all winch plates that mount inside of the bumper.

 

Well, I don't want the Jeep to get too heavy by adding a steel bumper. I know that the steel is better for winching but I don't really do major off roading if any I mostly go to the beach with it. A tow strap is all that's really need for beaching.