RubiSc0tt
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Scott
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2018
- Threads
- 56
- Messages
- 1,357
- Reaction score
- 1,690
- Location
- Upstate NY
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 JLUR in Punk'n Orange
- Build Thread
- Link
- Occupation
- Turn Wrenches/ Write code
I have had the exact same experience with my Warn and 4wd hardware (Discontinued) F/R bumpers on my TJ. I've been hit, slid into, backed into, slid into other things, backed into things, scraped, dragged, bashed, and otherwise abused my bumpers since 2007. in 2013, I bought my second TJ and transferred them over to that Jeep, and repeated the process. If they would bolt up to a JL, I'd be doing the same again, just stripping and painting them. Sadly, they changed the dimensions of the wrangler and they will not fit, so they're going with the TJ when I trade it..... I’ve got aftermarket AEVs in my JKU & they’re more like a tank. My wife got rear ended in it a few years ago & the Jeep came out with a scratch or two on the bumper paint, whereas the other car was totaled. I don’t think the factory mopar steel numbers would come out as unscathed under similar circumstances.
Side note: I had my old TJ (Details in signature) long enough to the point where i had replaced everything that had issues with heavier duty aftermarket parts EXCEPT the drivetrain and frame. It was built to the point where i could hand the keys to my then girlfriend/now wife, who did not drive stick and never drove a Jeep off road before, and let her drive it on the trail and not worry about damage. It went places it had no business being off road, and handled better than some of my friends stock and lesser built Jeeps. Many of the aftermarket parts may not meet "OEM Standard", but most of the time- if you're buying something quality- It's built to withstand the abuse of rookies and ham fisted drivers- Extreme stupidity being the exception (as always).
I guess my point is preference is one thing, and that truly does depend on the user; but for my use case? I just don't see the point of spending $1300+ on a set of steel bumpers that aren't much stronger than the plastic option. Now, if you're buying off the lot and they come with the Jeep, OR you're new to off roading and not really sure if it's for you... they can be a good option- because they're already installed, and there is little time involved in sourcing/ installing new bumpers.
That said- I ALMOST ordered the steel bumpers because I saw several builds where they look great. The thing that drove me away was the thin steel, Plastic swaybar skid, and the need to spend another $250 to buy a winch plate.
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