Solving issues with the mopar rear metal bumper

[ScotM]

Looking to add a steel mopar bumper to my rubicon. Does anyone know if I can simply buy the bumper and use original hardware from the plastiv bumper to mount (brackets, bolts, etc.)?

Yes. I replaced my plastic bumper with a steel one. you can use the original bolts, but you will need some special nutserts. You just need to install them into the existing holes in the frame. The nutserts are listed on the rear bumper drawing. Check it out at Quadratec.

https://www.quadratec.com/sites/default/files/installation_instructions/K6862782.pdf

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[Mreservices]

Thank you. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[21JLURDG]

An old thread that failed to mention one thing, in case people find it doing a search for the OEM bumper. The MetalCload brackets help, but don't eliminate the upward flex. MetalCloak themselves specify that they are designed to take a vertical load DOWNWARDS. I knew this when I installed mine, and found that they do help prevent some upward movement. However, I am now looking to replace my bumper after enough hits have bent the bumper upwards into the spare.

If you don't regularly hit your bumper and just want some added insurance in case you take one hit, the brackets are worth it. For regular hits driving the Rubicon or Moab trails, forget it.

 

[ScotM]

An old thread that failed to mention one thing, in case people find it doing a search for the OEM bumper. The MetalCload brackets help, but don't eliminate the upward flex. MetalCloak themselves specify that they are designed to take a vertical load DOWNWARDS. I knew this when I installed mine, and found that they do help prevent some upward movement. However, I am now looking to replace my bumper after enough hits have bent the bumper upwards into the spare.

If you don't regularly hit your bumper and just want some added insurance in case you take one hit, the brackets are worth it. For regular hits driving the Rubicon or Moab trails, forget it.

For your application the OEM bumper is a no.

 

[1CJ1ZJ2JK1JL]

The Metalcloak brackets are pretty good.

I have a bad habit of forgetting to *ease* down off of obstacles and they have saved me some grief for sure.

This was from Metal Masher:

Given the angle, I'm convinced the bumper would have deflected right up into the tub.

 

[21JLURDG]

There is a tendency by folks who have justified (to themselves or SO) the expenditure of funds to confirm the benefit of their choices to the deafness of alternative viewpoints. I like to believe I'm more open to alternative views. I took a chance when I purchased these and now regret it.

I have nothing against MetalCloak. I've been very happy with their products and customer service with previous purchases. And I've mentioned that they told me (on the phone) ahead of time that these brackets are not recommended for what we use them for. Even their website says these brackets "developed to add additional strength specifically needed when adding an ARS rear rack." In other words, a downward force.

In brief for anyone considering these brackets to shore up the OE rear steel bumper to handle ledge drops:
1. They are not designed for this
2. They do help to a limited extent
3. They will not solve the flex problem completely

Pictures for those that say it didn't happen unless... Notice the differences in gap between body and bracket, and the space between top of bumper and body line on both sides. This was after coming off a rock and hitting my rear right corner a month ago.

 

[ScotM]

That first paragraph is really weird, at any rate, serious rock crawlers should ditch the OEM bumper on day one.

 

[1CJ1ZJ2JK1JL]

As far as justifying funds...$250? I've spent far more on far less performing mods.


But, absolutely, if someone is going to be dragging their hiney off of every ledge they see, double that money and get a decent high clearance bumper.

As for me? I haven't seen an aftermarket bumper I like more than the stock one and my muffler skid or hitch usually hits before my bumper so it works out just fine. YMMV

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