In an effort to get some clarity on an install that is currently grounded I wanted to know from those with experience, what the differences are between the '12 and pre '12 bumper assemblies. Is the only difference the vacuum pump? As in, if I relocate the vacuum pump and trim off the pump mount on my 2012, am I left with a pre '12 bumper assembly?

 

I can only speak about my Rugged Ridge bumper...and that was I only had to do what you said about and that allowed pre 12 bumper to fit. I would assume the same would be for other bumpers.

 

The pump is not mounted to the bumper at all. It is bolted to the frame rail behind the bumper. All years, all bumpers are the same except for the 10/11/12 foglights.