"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi)
05/02/2014 at 12:19 • Filed to: None
1
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"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi)
05/02/2014 at 12:19 • Filed to: None | 1
| 23 |
So I've been mulling over bumper options for a little while and I think I have narrowed it down. I like the look of stubbys but seeing as how the build is for overland, I am looking at mid width and full width bumpers which have high clearance ends (so I can clear larger rocks up front), a grill guard, and a winch mount.
Here are my choices:
1. Body Armor Full Steel
2. Body Armor Tubular
3. Smittybilt SRC
4. (the only stubby still in the running) Smittybilt XRC
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
HammerheadFistpunch
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:24 |
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For overland, wouldn't you want full coverage with internal winch mounting? Of the ones listed I like the first one, but check around locally, there are sometimes local places that make a good product and it will save you a grundle on shipping and you make a friend with a local business.
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CAR_IS_MI
> HammerheadFistpunch
05/02/2014 at 12:29 |
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I can get most of these shipped for free so I am not overly concerned on that note. The winch would not necessarily need to be fully concealed, just protected, which most of these do a good job at (the Body Armor Tubular is the worst of the bunch). And yes, you would want full coverage, but I am also considering the fact of my local (desert terrain) and that I will spend the majority of my time on more local trails throughout NV, AZ, UT, and SoCal where there are more rock-stacles than there are trees and brush to worry about.
Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:29 |
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I much prefer having my winch at least partially covered, due to salt and other road gunk. Not sure if this is a problem where you are from. I like the wider bumper too, only because it helps protect the tires a little better.
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CAR_IS_MI
> Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
05/02/2014 at 12:32 |
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Salt is not an issue out here in the desert.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:33 |
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Thats true (about the rocks) which is why I haven't really bothered to look into bumpers yet, I figure Ill smash mine up before I decide I need a new one. Same goes with a winch, I'll hi-lift winch my self out a few times and decide how much I really need the extra cost and weight.
TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:38 |
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None. You want one of these: http://www.jcroffroad.com/category/JKBmp…
TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:38 |
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None of the Smittybilt stuff. I've read that their stuff in made in China and the powdercoating is subpar. If you don't mind me asking, why just the two companies?
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Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:43 |
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Sand all up in the winch housing isn't much better, I think they all look pretty cool, but I would at least try and cover it.
Milky
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:46 |
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IMHO I've always liked the super minimal stubby ones. They seem cheap too.
http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthre…
http://truckprousa.com/i-7197205-roug…
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CAR_IS_MI
> TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
05/02/2014 at 12:46 |
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Just happen to be the ones I like. I have Smitty products that I use and they are pretty decent, granted, none are powdercoated items.
MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:46 |
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I gota vote for #1, might be the lights though...
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CAR_IS_MI
> Milky
05/02/2014 at 12:47 |
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They are great if your crawling, but I will be doing more than just playing on some rocks, so I want something with some protection.
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CAR_IS_MI
> Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
05/02/2014 at 12:48 |
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Were mostly a rock and dirt desert out here. No sandy oasis out here.
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TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:55 |
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Sorry if I came on a bit strong about my dislike for their company, I just don't want you to end up having to buy two front bumpers.
I voted for the first one on your list
I personally like ARB stubby or the AEV full width. They're a little bit on the high side when it comes to price though.
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Milky
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 12:58 |
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Ahh I see, well I voted then. May the car gods bless with many fun miles on the trail.
FJ80WaitinForaLSV8
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 13:02 |
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Make sure there is a good place to stand slash sit on for when you're working in the engine bay.
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CAR_IS_MI
> TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
05/02/2014 at 13:23 |
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AEV is very pricey, I don't quite like it much either.
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CAR_IS_MI
> FJ80WaitinForaLSV8
05/02/2014 at 13:24 |
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Excellent point.
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FJ80WaitinForaLSV8
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 13:24 |
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One you only learn with entirely too much experience!
XJDano
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 18:06 |
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i have an ARB on my XJ and the flatness of the tops are awesome for a shelf, so I voted that top one for that.
BJ
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 19:06 |
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I voted for one based on appearance but i'm sure they're all good choices. Of the full-sized models, which weighs the least? That's an important consideration.
Garrett Davis
> CAR_IS_MI
05/02/2014 at 19:36 |
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I would be cautious about the Smittybilt stuff. My buddy and I both had them on our TJs and the powdercoat was already chipping from out of the box. On his, it started leaking rusty water out of the tubular endcaps after only a month being on the Jeep. And this is in dry SoCal, so you know it was already rusting inside before we installed it.
The hardware that comes with it is also subpar. The machining is poor, and they are lower than grade 5 bolts for sure. We ended up going down to the local hardware store and piecing together some grade 8 hardware for everything. Also, if I'm not mistaken (I've been out of the Jeep game for a few years), Body Armor is sourced from the same company Smittybilt builds there stuff from.
My advice would be to find a smaller off road fab shop that sells bumpers online. You'll get much higher quality stuff, great service, and you'll be supporting the little guy so you get a nice fuzzy feeling inside. You can find a few that make some great bumpers for not a whole lot more than what these guys charge.
Check around Jeepforum.com, they always have the inside line on the good vendors and you always have a few threads to chose from owners of any brand you can think of, along with install threads and reviews. It's worth it to save up the extra dough and get the better product in the end. You'll thank yourself down the line.
DWFMBA
> CAR_IS_MI
05/07/2014 at 12:55 |
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depends on what you're using it for. Protection? ARB(-esque) due to sheer size. Ground clearance/approach improvement? Stubby. Recovery? could be either. What about a custom one? Depending on where you're located you might be able to get a competent shop to make you one to your specs for the same if not less.