Have any of you seen what the front end of the JK looks like behind the bumper or without one on? Well, let me tell you, I have and now know why the new JK's come with the big funky plastic air-dam underneath. Unlike the TJ, which has a the front cross member tube spanning the front frame rails, the JK's frame rail simply protrude independantly with what looks like rows of crumple zone dimples in them. Underneath each frame rail are brackets with a bar connecting them together, kinda like a chin and that's what all the plastic is hiding. Needless to say, it'll be interesting to see how the aftermarket bumper manufacturers are going to deal with this. I suppose they will either have to hide it with a big ass bumper or just leave the ugly thing hanging down there. I guess time will tell

 

Okay, for those of you who are interested, here's a spy shot I was able to find of the front end.



See what I'm talking about?

 

Holy ugly.

 

Have you seen the article in the 4 Wheels Drive and Sport Utility mag ?

There's a couple a good pics and they install aftermarket bumpers also

 

Actually, I haven't. Which issue is this? If it's still on the stand, I may have to pick one up

 

Hmm, It kinda looks like it would be easier to recess an 8274 in the bumper at least. But, you are right, it will have to take some creative engineering to make it look good.

 

Yeah, that's a good point, or any winch for that matter. At least you'd be able to keep more of your grill open up anyway and that's always a good thing

 

I'll check tonight. You should have an answer back by tomorrow. My home computer just died this monday :sad: but the mad scientist (me) is working on it

 

Ha that is what the did in the mag ... i'll try to get something for you folks

 

Bummer about your computer. If you get it working again and if you've got a scanner, please do post some pics