2026 model year frame bracket change

[Buddy Lee]

Saw this on Facebook. Looks like they changed the frame brackets and added them to both sides on the 26 model year. I wonder how this will affect mods?

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[GinaC]

Yikes. I smell another mudflap fiasco coming on when I get a new 2026.

 

[Heimkehr]

Mm. We'd first want to confirm their purpose. Perhaps rollover mitigation?

That knowledge would allow owners to make an informed choice about the brackets' removal, if they interfere with accessory installation.

 

[Vatdevil]

Tire deflection bracket. Part # 68640856AB

 

[gato]

That looks like a nice upgrade. Probably the first passenger side bracket was a rushed job due to all the Wranglers rolling over on the offset crash tests. It looked like it would be hung up off road.

These new brackets, now on both sides, look properly engineered and integrated. They look like them may even provide some minor benefit protecting the frame from scraping off road.

I don't think they will interfere with much aftermarket. Maybe some fender linings and sliders/side-steps, but should be easy to work around it.

 

[YBABRAT]

That looks like a nice upgrade. Probably the first passenger side bracket was a rushed job due to all the Wranglers rolling over on the offset crash tests. It looked like it would be hung up off road.

These new brackets, now on both sides, look properly engineered and integrated. They look like them may even provide some minor benefit protecting the frame from scraping off road.

I don't think they will interfere with much aftermarket. Maybe some fender linings and sliders/side-steps, but should be easy to work around it.

I was thinking its a simple and effective added protection of factory rock sliders. The lower parts of the front frame can hit rock coming down with front tires uneven.

 

[Kyanche]

That looks like a great idea! But I do wonder about the potential for dirt and water building up and producing rust right there.

It took them some time, but I'm glad to see they're finally addressing some of the goofy engineering decisions on the JL.

 

[link3721]

If these can be put on an older model, I'd definitely add them to my 2023.

 

[Vatdevil]

Wheel assembly pushing into floorboard area....2024 test.

 

[GeorgeYJ2JL]

Would this also be something for the 2 door?

 

[Tr4ckD4ys]

That looks like a great idea! But I do wonder about the potential for dirt and water building up and producing rust right there.

It took them some time, but I'm glad to see they're finally addressing some of the goofy engineering decisions on the JL.

If these can be put on an older model, I'd definitely add them to my 2023.

Would this also be something for the 2 door?

We don’t even know yet what they’re there for and why they were changed vs MY24/25. I can’t believe some people are this eager to go “I need those on my older JL” when you don’t even know what they’re for and how big of a difference it makes? If Stellantis adds a pink pig tail to the rear tire carrier, are you also going to immediately ask for it to be downward compatible?

 

[GeorgeYJ2JL]

If it's a safety requirement related to NHTSA, I would expect some sort of recall.

 

[link3721]

We don’t even know yet what they’re there for and why they were changed vs MY24/25. I can’t believe some people are this eager to go “I need those on my older JL” when you don’t even know what they’re for and how big of a difference it makes? If Stellantis adds a pink pig tail to the rear tire carrier, are you also going to immediately ask for it to be downward compatible?

If it's a safety modification (which seems likely), I'd like to add it if possible. I'm all for a safer Jeep. I was a little bummed when I saw that side curtain airbags were added the year after I bought mine.

 

[pablo_max3045]

Mm. We'd first want to confirm their purpose. Perhaps rollover mitigation?

That knowledge would allow owners to make an informed choice about the brackets' removal, if they interfere with accessory installation.

Likely for SORB mitigation. Designed to prevent the wheels from cabin intrusion.

 

[Ratbert]

If it's a safety requirement related to NHTSA, I would expect some sort of recall.

There was no recall when they added the previous chunk of metal.

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