Rugged Ridge XHD Bumper
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: N.E. California
This shows where the vertical support was ground down to fit under the body correctly. Then when that was fixed another clunk developed because the body was hitting on the horizontal piece that is in the shadow under the body in this photo. That had to be fixed as well.
This photo shows on a nice big and ugly chip on the bumper where the powder coat chipped off just from removing the D-rind plate bolts for installation.
This photo shows on a nice big and ugly chip on the bumper where the powder coat chipped off just from removing the D-rind plate bolts for installation.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Suwanee, GA
I installed both front and rear Rugged Ridge bumpers on my 2008 X. The front was fine and still is. The rear one was a real problem though.
On the drivers side the frame supports were made incorrectly and at every bump hit the bottom of the body, making a terrible clunking sound. I had to do a lot of cutting, both to the vertical and horizontal supports, to provide enough clearance so this would stop.
And I had to take it to a welding shop to have it corrected because I lacked the correct tools.
There was also also a problem when I took the D-ring's off so I could install the bumper. The powder coat chipped off when the plate was removed. A chip about the size of a quarter. Oh now that really looks nice. I emailed Rugged ridge and they totally ignored the fabrication issue. Didn't even mention it on the reply. And they told me what kind of spray paint to buy to match the powder coat.
Their service sucks.
But call me nuts. I still really like the bumpers.
On the drivers side the frame supports were made incorrectly and at every bump hit the bottom of the body, making a terrible clunking sound. I had to do a lot of cutting, both to the vertical and horizontal supports, to provide enough clearance so this would stop.
And I had to take it to a welding shop to have it corrected because I lacked the correct tools.
There was also also a problem when I took the D-ring's off so I could install the bumper. The powder coat chipped off when the plate was removed. A chip about the size of a quarter. Oh now that really looks nice. I emailed Rugged ridge and they totally ignored the fabrication issue. Didn't even mention it on the reply. And they told me what kind of spray paint to buy to match the powder coat.
Their service sucks.
But call me nuts. I still really like the bumpers.
As for the the fitment you should not have had to grind the bracket to fit. We have not had this type of report before. Its could have been a hole misaligned that caused this bracket to sit higher on your frame. Hard to tell from your images.
PM me here on the forum and we will take another look at it for you.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Suwanee, GA
I even sent a PM to the rugged Ridge rep here on this site explaining the issue. I did not ask him to reply or demand service but I was surprised when he did not reply to me at all. That is two of their reps that disappointed me. I didn't want to hash this out in the forum for all to see. Nor did I want to be demanding. But it is obvious that anyone who would like service from them would be wise to do either. I'll just live with it. Everyone that sees the chips in the bumper will make their own decision on purchasing products Rugged Ridge or not. I have another glaring chip on the rear bumper now and it is obvious to anyone who sees my rig that is is very well cared for.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: N.E. California
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM
Please keep us informed. I was going to order the rear bumper probably early next year. I know that there are alot of jeepers here that have the front bumper but it would be nice to hear from anyone else that has the rear bumper to see if they had any of the same issues.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: galveston tx
I have both front and rear RR bumpers. install was very easy and I have had these bumpers on for over a year and no problems what-so-ever. Also I have sent RR PM's and Email's and IMO i received a reasonable responce in a timely manner.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: N.E. California
I will certainly post again when the issue is resolved.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: N.E. California
I am happy to report that the issue had been resolved to my complete satisfaction. I do believe that my bracket was an oddity but the Rugged Ridge rep has been great to work with and very helpful. I won't hesitate to purchase their merchandise again.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 1
From: Stamford, CT
I have both front and rear bumpers. The rear was definitely more challenging to install especially with the tire carrier. The key is to keep all bolts loose until all parts are fitted making sure the latch is correctly aligned, and then tighten all down once everything is lined up. I have not had any problems with the powder coating aside from normal wear & tear. IMO, they are a good product at a good price.
