Aluminum Front Bumper?

[Omotose]

Plan to replace the stock plastic Rubicon bumper. I have a nice fitting full width bumper and winch on my JK. ( don’t remember the brand). So I’ve been looking at JL bumpers and I’m intrigued by the aluminum concept over steel. What are your experiences? I’m thinking Badlands Apex 12k winch.

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[Donkey Fluffer]

I'll let you know. Ordered and received today the MP Concepts aluminum front and rear bumpers. Bought the APEX (my third... the other two have been flawless so far) to install also.

 

[Mine&Hers]

I have Rival front and rear on my JL very pleased with them.

 

[Mine&Hers]

I have Rival front and rear on my JL very pleased with them.

 

[Fuel Fire Desire]

If I were to do it again, I’d go aluminum. The bumper/ winch combo was too much for my stock suspension. After it settled, it lost about 1.5” in the front, leaving me with about 1” to the bump stops. Just a light tug on the bumper, maybe 50 lbs, would give me that 1” back. Same after I put on my mopar lift. The front is about 1.5” lower than the rear, and it hasn’t settled yet. Just 30-50 lbs lighter overall would really help with the front end sag. My front bumper/ winch combo weighs around 180 lbs. The factory bumper can’t be more than 30 lbs. So it’s like having an adult sit on my factory bumper all the time.

I’d add a spring puck leveling kit to what I have now, but I’m planning on adding a 120 lbs bumper and a 110 lbs spare to the back....which will level it on its own.

 

[hockeynut258]

I went with Rock Hard 4x4 patriot mid-width with lowered winch plate. Weighs only 35lbs! They have full width and stubby options too. I flat tow my Jeep and they have adapters to connect the tow bar. I wanted aluminum and towable. It also has an integrated lower ‘skid plate’ to protect the sway bar disconnect. Very happy with it.

https://www.rockhard4x4.com/Jeep_Wrangler_JL_Bumpers_s/483.htm

 

[Reinen]

I have the Rival full-width aluminum front & rear, had them 6 months. So far they're fantastic. Highly recommend them. Lightweight, easy install, steel only where it's required (winch plate, frame connections, recovery points, nuts/bolts), can't rust, sturdy. I use the full width rear bumper as a step to get to the roof very often. Even though the part I step on is as far from a mounting point as possible it's still a rock solid step, and I'm not a lightweight guy. I'm not going to intentionally bash them into rocks but I'm confident that it won't easily crumple if it does. Might scratch easier than steel but we'll see.

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