Bumper quandary

[CJ7 and 4 wheel drive]

Ok folks, I have a quandary.

I want to get rid of the plastic bumper on my JLU and replace it with a metal bumper of the same style. Two options. Aftermarket or OEM.
I called the dealer I bought the jeep from and they told me that changing out the bumper is not a problem but if it affected something that was cover under warranty, they were not responsible for honoring the warranty. I can think of many things that could be damaged in a head on crash that could be affected by a bumper. The first thing that comes to mind is the crumple zone. So I have backed off from getting the bumper I want due to the warranty issue.
So what would you guys and gals do? Buy the OEM bumper and have piece of mind that I am covered by warranty if I have a problem, leave the stock bumper on, or buy the cheaper aluminum ( I would really prefer steel as the bumper should be stronger) OEM bumper and say to heck with the warranty issue?

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[TX_Ovrlnd]

Ok folks, I have a quandary.

I want to get rid of the plastic bumper on my JLU and replace it with a metal bumper of the same style. Two options. Aftermarket or OEM.
I called the dealer I bought the jeep from and they told me that changing out the bumper is not a problem but if it affected something that was cover under warranty, they were not responsible for honoring the warranty. I can think of many things that could be damaged in a head on crash that could be affected by a bumper. The first thing that comes to mind is the crumple zone. So I have backed off from getting the bumper I want due to the warranty issue.
So what would you guys and gals do? Buy the OEM bumper and have piece of mind that I am covered by warranty if I have a problem, leave the stock bumper on, or buy the cheaper aluminum ( I would really prefer steel as the bumper should be stronger) OEM bumper and say to heck with the warranty issue?

That’s the typical fear tactic they use, you could find one that’s safety rated or stick with OEM if worried. Front end collisions which is what most issues are with these is going straight to insurance over the dealer.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Get the bumper you really want. Of course Jeep wont warranty an aftermarket bumper. Oh, aluminum bumpers usually cost more than steel, unless you are referring to the OEM knock off.

 

[aldo98229]

I’d get the Mopar bumper...and find another dealer. I wouldn’t even give them the pleasure of selling you the bumper.

I got mine from BAM WHOLESALE. Part number is 82215121AB
https://www.bamwholesaleparts.com/oem-parts/mopar-mopar-3-piece-steel-rubicon-front-bumper-2018-2021-jeep-wrangler-jl-and-gladiator-jt-oem-82215121ab?c=bD00Jm49U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM=

Good luck.

The Mopar is a great bumper, and retains the factory look.

 

[Zandcwhite]

You do realize a front end collision is not covered under warranty? That is an insurance issue and they could care less what bumper you have. If you transfer factory fog lights to an aftermarket bumper, a chicken shit dealer may try to weasel out of covering them if one failed, but that's about the only potential warranty issue that I could see from a bumper swap.

 

[CJ7 and 4 wheel drive]

Get the bumper you really want. Of course Jeep wont warranty an aftermarket bumper. Oh, aluminum bumpers usually cost more than steel, unless you are referring to the OEM knock off.

The OEM bumper is about $500.00 more than the aftermarket aluminum bumper.

 

[CJ7 and 4 wheel drive]

You do realize a front end collision is not covered under warranty? That is an insurance issue and they could care less what bumper you have. If you transfer factory fog lights to an aftermarket bumper, a chicken shit dealer may try to weasel out of covering them if one failed, but that's about the only potential warranty issue that I could see from a bumper swap.

Of course I know that. But, I can see the insurance company saying that because the vehicle had an aftermarket bumper rather than an OEM bumper, they would not pay because the aftermarket bumper is not safety rated. Yes, I am paranoid about such things. I have been burned by more than one insurance company. I would rather take a beating with a 2x4 with nails in it than deal with an insurance company. Unfortunately, they are a necessary evil we must deal with.

 

[Jmos4]

Of course I know that. But, I can see the insurance company saying that because the vehicle had an aftermarket bumper rather than an OEM bumper, they would not pay because the aftermarket bumper is not safety rated. Yes, I am paranoid about such things. I have been burned by more than one insurance company. I would rather take a beating with a 2x4 with nails in it than deal with an insurance company. Unfortunately, they are a necessary evil we must deal with.

Hi,

If you're that worried about it ask the questions to the bumper manufacturer and also make your insurance know, if they have a issue they will tell you and if not don't worry about it, just document everything.

Also the bumpers shouldn't affect the crumple zones if they mount the same as factory bumper, if they have additional mounting then maybe.

Regards,
Jim

 

[MyDaughters20JL]

just glanced at the initial post, but one thing to consider is the ironman 4x4 bumpers: theyve integrated the "crumple zones" into their bumpers & they're up to code with all kinds of austrailian manufacturer requirements: jsut bought my daughter their rear bumper

 

[rkwfxd]

Honestly it sounds like you just need to leave it completely factory stock and original and just enjoy it as it is.

 

[entropy]

Of course I know that. But, I can see the insurance company saying that because the vehicle had an aftermarket bumper rather than an OEM bumper, they would not pay because the aftermarket bumper is not safety rated. Yes, I am paranoid about such things. I have been burned by more than one insurance company. I would rather take a beating with a 2x4 with nails in it than deal with an insurance company. Unfortunately, they are a necessary evil we must deal with.

The "crumple zones" on the bumper are crush cans designed to crush at very low speed collisions. Youll be fine with any bumper. There are thousands of people having accidents with steel aftermarket bumpers and insurance covers it.

 

[aldo98229]

The OEM bumper is about $500.00 more than the aftermarket aluminum bumper.

Indeed. But the Mopar bumper comes with red hooks and the LED fogs, which are another $500 if you were to buy them separately.

 

[CJ7 and 4 wheel drive]

Honestly it sounds like you just need to leave it completely factory stock and original and just enjoy it as it is.

Let's just say that I am not afraid to modify the Jeep. I am also trying to protect the most expensive vehicle I have ever owned. And as I have stated previously, I xo not trust insurance companies as far as I can throw them.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Let's just say that I am not afraid to modify the Jeep. I am also trying to protect the most expensive vehicle I have ever owned. And as I have stated previously, I xo not trust insurance companies as far as I can throw them.

I don't think I could name a single jeep mod more meaningless to an insurance company than a bumper (maybe an angry eye grill). We routinely modify everything from suspensions, to steering, to wheels and tires, all things that one could blame as a contributing factor in an accident and insurance companies don't bat an eye. It doesn't matter if you run the biggest, heaviest steel bumper on the market or no bumper at all, insurance companies still pay. They may not want to cover the cost of a custom fabbed bumper, but they definitely won't try to claim increased damage to your vehicle from a stronger bumper.

 

[rkwfxd]

Let's just say that I am not afraid to modify the Jeep. I am also trying to protect the most expensive vehicle I have ever owned. And as I have stated previously, I xo not trust insurance companies as far as I can throw them.

Like I said, sounds to me like you should leave it completely stock and just enjoy it. ??

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