Modular Bumper theory

[The Great Grape Ape]

It's been a little slow around here recently, so in response to another thread, I thought I'd post this theory I have about the front bumper, and what some of the features might mean.

I think with the bumpers we've seen there is some hidden modularity under the surface.

It's just a theory, but I think the front cross-section unhooks and flips up over the tow hooks , and then;
a) allows you to move the fog light segments inwards either slightly across to additional mounting points inwards
b) or else either rotating them or swapping them across, with both options allowing for reusing the existing mounts, but puts a flatter edge to the outside, but also allows a few inches more space between the fog lights.

I've done a quick cut/paste/chop, it's not about looking good with multi-layer photoshop, it's just to illustrate the concept. The large center chunk that shrouds the pieces would be removed, which would also lighten the front end as an added benefit.

As much as I was iffy on the design aesthetic when I first saw them, if they have that modularity to them it would explain why they have those seams and why they look the way they do.

Normal

Moved inward (a)

Flipped (b) showing single point possible flip by either rotating or swapping across

Anywhoo, I thought I'd share that idea out loud while otherwise waiting in silence for the next leak.

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[DanW]

How about space for a winch? I really hope they allow for that while still having removable ends.

 

[The Great Grape Ape]

How about space for a winch? I really hope they allow for that while still having removable ends.

Remember the bumper is extended out a bit, so there is still space in the gap between and behind for a winch, you only need to accomodate the smaller space for the fairlead in the front. And if it has bolts on top and bolts on the bottom to keep the big cover piece in place to begin with then they might also be used to keep a yoke or shroud for supporting the winch in place too, perhaps a front plate with integrated fairlead.

 

[BillyHW]

I want a winch-ready bumper, like the Recon.

 

[DanW]

I want a winch-ready bumper, like the Recon.

Yep, the Recon bumper looks great!

 

[JeepinOutfitters]

The bumper on the Recon has been in use since 2013. Considering the bumper above is just a single-piece plastic take on that design, I fully expect we'll see an updated version of the steel 10A/X/HardRock/Recon winch-capable bumper on certain editions of the JL.

 

[DanW]

I'm only concerned because I've zoomed in on JL photos and I see no seam or fasteners.

 

[JeepinOutfitters]

I'm only concerned because I've zoomed in on JL photos and I see no seam or fasteners.

All we’ve seem so far on the mules are the non-modular plastic bumpers. I figure these are the new standard bumpers.

 

[AVENTUS]

I think it's possible maybe to shift the fog lights inward, but I doubt all the other suppositions, especially flipping the fog light segments lol

 

[Ahmed]

By the way, maybe we can do this on all versions of JL and take advantage of that place.

 

[Jeeptimus Prime]

By the way, maybe we can do this on all versions of JL and take advantage of that place.

Would be nice but typically anything as unique as this will be an option. Fixed bumpers will most likely be default but is a great idea; as long as it actually works!

 

[The Great Grape Ape]

I'm only concerned because I've zoomed in on JL photos and I see no seam or fasteners.

The seams are the big gaps surrounding the fog light structures.
Having that gap for no reason is strange, especially on a vehicle that goes off-road and collects mud and pebbles that just going to get caught in those gaps. It could just be aestherics, but form usually follows function on the Wrangler and rarely would you just have a cosmetic feature that doesn't have a reason for the drawback.

The mounting fasteners would be underneath the bumper behind the air dam, and the top ones would be around the tow hooks in recesses, or on the upper side of the bumper.

 

[The Great Grape Ape]

Here's a few sooms that show the large cutouts around the towhooks themselves, plus possible mounting points.
Admittedly from behind or the side it doesn't offer much eithe way other than 'not solid' but that's no different from the current config of not solid for the base model.

Needed to rezoom and copy to highlight (doesn't add detail but for people who can't zoom while browsing).

 

[The Great Grape Ape]

but I doubt all the other suppositions, especially flipping the fog light segments.

Shifting would be primary, but if you think of how the design would have to work either you create additional mounting points (in yellow) or reuse the ones for the default position (in blue) in order to move inward.
Using the existing blue mounting points offers two simple methods of moving things inward (either shift across to opposit side or rotate around the axis) without requiring more inward mounting points, which would occupy the space you want to leave free for a Winch or whatever.

It's all just spitballing a theory, and the possible design solutions/challenges.

 

[The Great Grape Ape]

By the way, maybe we can do this on all versions of JL and take advantage of that place.

Some look a little more seamless than others, making them likely more fixed in place, especially the export model, which doesn't even have tow hooks, but does have the faux winch space in the centre likely for easier license-plate mounting, though might still be to short for some overseas plates.

I doubt we've seen all the models, and likely won't see a high-end trim version like something all steel one would expect on the next Rubicon+ Special Edition.

To me this would be the mid-level trim replacing the current uni-mould model found on Saharas and Rubicons (& sports) with something more modular that brings capability and looks to the mid-range, with possibly the Sport getting something more fixed in place like the seamless variety.

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