Bent Rail Extensions

[Concrete King]

Are the Front Rail Extensions (front bumper attaches here) "consumable" (meaning thrown away if bent) or are they designed to be bent back in place? Both of mine are bent.

Left:
https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/m...mdD11bmxpbWl0ZWQtcnViaWNvbiZlPTMtNmwtdjYtZ2Fz

Right:
https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/m...mdD11bmxpbWl0ZWQtcnViaWNvbiZlPTMtNmwtdjYtZ2Fz

Thanks.

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[Concrete King]

After further research and inspection it seems, even if they could be bent back, bending them doesn't make sense and that doesn't even factor in integrity of the structure. So, it looks like they're being replaced.

I wonder how big of a DIY job it is.

 

[Jeep&dogs]

If they are slightly bent they can be repaired if they are damaged in any of the collapse zones they need to be replaced. It will actually change air bag timing in another collision. I have done several and I would not consider it a DYI job unless you have an accurate way to measure the placement of the new rail. Also you need a 200 amp + MiG welder and .035 wire. I don’t remember off the top of my head but I believe they call call for 80/20 gas also. The rail replaces all the way to the tube crossmember, you need to cut everything out around the tube to get them in fully. They come with a built in sleeve that inserts into the existing rail. You plug weld 10 MM welds around the sleeve then weld them solid.

Most of the time I have seen significant damage behind the crossmember and the frame needs to be replaced completely. The frame on the Jl is ultra high strength steel 890 MPA so it takes a lot to bent it or crush it, and when it does it’s a bitch to pull it back.

 

[Concrete King]

Damage is minor and only in front of the cross member. Your description does not align with my skill and appetite to DIY. Thank you. Off to the shop.....

 

[Flatties 4ever]

The best thing about bent bumpers is; you don’t have to worry about bending them! The second best is it gives your Jeep a bit of character.

My Jeep has those stupid plastic bumpers when I bought it. I promptly ordered steel bumpers, but haven’t had time to install them yet……
Fast forward…….
An 80 something year old lady backed into me in a sparking lot. My spare tire broke out her tail light and my bumper contacted her rear quarter panel - “causing no damage at all to the quarter panel!! I told her let’s not do the insurance thing and I’ll just pay to have your light fixed. I thought to myself - sure glad I didn’t put the steel bumper on yet!
Then when wheeling, I caught the front bumper on a stump and pulled it part way off. I accessed the damage, and oh well, I’m changing out this bumper anyway, so no worries.

Moral of the story: I’m getting to like these stupid plastic bumpers!

 

[Concrete King]

An 80 something year old lady backed into me in a sparking lot. My spare tire broke out her tail light and my bumper contacted her rear quarter panel - “causing no damage at all to the quarter panel!! I told her let’s not do the insurance thing and I’ll just pay to have your light fixed.

Story does not jive. Why would you offer to pay if she hit you?

Though I like character, a bent bumper is not what comes to mind when I think character. And a new straight bumper won't attach to bent rail extensions. Ironically before this situation came about I already had a big stack of Metalcloak boxes in the garage. I have since installed the rear bumper. I also have a set of Rusty's Offroad slides.

Back to topic.

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