who has what bumpers?

[XJensen]

Originally Posted by rocknxj

Others hamsters. I prefer blondes.

What's the point of a blond hamster? Doesn't it just come out brown anyway?

back on topic.

I run stock bumpers front and rear with a tailbone tire carrier.

Pros:
Came free with the Jeep
color matches the Jeep
tailbone was cost effective way to get it out of the rear storage area
Tailbone mounting system is second to none

Cons:
Offers little protection
Tailbone offers a little more protection
plastic end caps end up in the back of the jeep almost every trail

Josh

[SharkXJ]

I run the TnT PreRunner Front Bumper







I am running the RigidCo rear bumper & tire carrier. I don't ahve the tire carrier installed just yet but it requires to cut and fold the lower corners which is always a good idea.

[rocknxj]

Originally Posted by XJensen

What's the point of a blond hamster? Doesn't it just come out brown anyway?

back on topic.

I run stock bumpers front and rear with a tailbone tire carrier.

Actually Josh, the reference to hamsters and blondes was two entirely different things, but I suppose it could be confusing when taken out of context like that. And yes, blonde hamsters would ultimately turn brown when used by those with that affinity.

Anyway, I like this thread because it finally provides a single point of reference for identifying the pros and cons of aftermarket bumpers. I wanted to get the Backbone system like you have until I hosed my rear stock bumper. Now I will wait for the reviews to pour in so I can make a wise decision on my rear protection. In a way, bumper selection is much like choosing the right hamster...

[XJensen]

Originally Posted by rocknxj

I wanted to get the Backbone system like you have until I hosed my rear stock bumper. Now I will wait for the reviews to pour in so I can make a wise decision on my rear protection.

Yeah I plan to have my JCR lower quarter guards tied into the frame rail and extended around the corner of the bumper. Essentially replacing the plastic end caps with 3/16 steel.

I don't wheel very hard though. If I did a full bumper and cut n folds would be best.

Josh

[100K XJ]

I've got the C-Rok Rear bumper with the tire gate and built in rear 1/4 panels, so far i'm loving it. The tire does obstruct a lot of your view but your get used to it pretty quick. IllustratedXJ , the PO, installed a quick disconnect handle to release the gate which is awesome. The tabs for D-rings are fine but I like the look of the JCR tabs much better. The hitch is nice to have but there's a band across the end I'm assuming for strength but it prevents me from locking it with a normal hitch lock, lame. Even with some minor problems I'd take it any day over the others.




I also have a Rigid-Co front bumper with a front hitch built in. Another great choice by the PO.



I had a JCR Stage IV on my last Cherokee with unibody brackets. Loved it until I saw how the Rigid-Co snugged up to the grille and how it was built and tied in, now I'd choose the Rigid-Co in a heartbeat.

[brothrDave]

JCR almost like RocknXJ But I have a winch on mine I love its looks and function nice d-ring holes too it helped me out of that frickin Mud @ seirrafest But I have to say it needed a little per swaying to get it installed I think my XJ is alittle tweaked or bent and it makes it seem strengthens the whole front end

[poomero]

Thanks for all the info guys. I am going to be doing light wheeling but i want something that will last through the years. I am doing light stuff right now but who knows where the future will take me so i want to build once and build it right.

For the back i know i want a tire carrier and a place for a gas can. I dont like the c-rok rear carrier though because it mounts the tire to high and blocks to much of the rear window. I also want a place for the hi lift but this is not a must because i can mount it on the roof. I don't like roof racks because they can get hung up on trees and shit so i have a rack in the back of the jeep i am building. i can also mount the hi lift inside.

Thanks again for all the info.

[MaxxXJ]

i cant decide if i want the JCR pre runner bumper or the stage IV but JCR def. seem like the best bang for the buck IMO

[Letterman]

If you want my advice, if you are going to get into real offroading and going into some of the harder trails, get a bumper with a real winch mount.

I don't trust the detachable winch mounts at all. They kill your aproch angle if they are installed when driving, and if it is out and you get stuck in a muddy spot, you have to pull it out and hook it up and get all muddy.

[scottmcneal]

Originally Posted by Letterman

If you want my advice, if you are going to get into real offroading and going into some of the harder trails, get a bumper with a real winch mount.

I don't trust the detachable winch mounts at all. They kill your aproch angle if they are installed when driving, and if it is out and you get stuck in a muddy spot, you have to pull it out and hook it up and get all muddy.

What? So if i have a winch bumper and get stuck in the mud, I won't get muddy?

[Letterman]

Originally Posted by scottmcneal

What? So if i have a winch bumper and get stuck in the mud, I won't get muddy?

Good question!

Just climb out the window, crawl on the hood, pull out enough rope onto your hood to throw the hook to someone on dry land. If you still have cable it can be done but not as easy.

Very hard to lift a reciver hitch winch out a window and install it upside down as you are liing on your hood.

[SharkXJ]

Originally Posted by scottmcneal

What? So if i have a winch bumper and get stuck in the mud, I won't get muddy?

What he means is, if your winch is sitting in the back of the Jeep and you get stuck in mud, you will have to get out, get the winch out of the back of the Jeep then try and attach it to your front bumper. Which might be completely submerged in the mud and good luck digging it out. I just had to winch out of a mud hole and didn't get muddy at all. All I had to do was reach across and plug in the winch controller.

Another worst case is what if you flop and need to use your own winch to right yourself. Have you tried lifting a 80 pound (not sure of the exact weight) winch and mount plate into position on a rig that's on it's side???

The idea of a detachable winch if great BUT not very practical if you are going to wheel anything other than fire roads. If you are going to spend the $$$ on a front bumper and plan on adding a Winch then get a bumper that mounts the winch directly to it.

Plain and Simple :-)

[SeansXJ]

those tread wrights are so stiff!!!

[srmitchell]

Actually, it seems that way, but mine were SUPER sticky. They worked great, and that pic is weird, they aren't that stiff.

Another bumper pic.

[poomero]

Who makes a front bumper with a place to put a winch so you cant see it. I dont like how bulky they look. I would rather a hidden one.