Can front bumper be replaced using hand tools?

[treoguy]

I just picked a Rubicon Steel bumper and plan on upgrading from the plastic bumper on my 18' Sahara. I've watched a few installation videos, but they are all using air tools. How difficult is it to remove and install a bumper using regular hand tools?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

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[chevymitchell]

I just picked a Rubicon Steel bumper and plan on upgrading from the plastic bumper on my 18' Sahara. I've watched a few installation videos, but they are all using air tools. How difficult is it to remove and install a bumper using regular hand tools?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

It's simple to do with regular hands tools. You shouldn't have any issues.

 

[McGilli]

I only needed a socket wrench to replace my front and back.

 

[cosine]

as mentioned above. yes hand tools will work. air tools are just a easier and more convenient / quicker method.

 

[Whiskeybiskit]

Swapped my sport s plastic bumper for a quadratec stubby with hand tools. Pretty easy.

 

[dpike]

if you need a hand with the swap and feel like driving into jersey i'd be more than happy to help you replace it. i've had mine on and off a few times because once you think you're done, there's always more fun shit to bolt on.

 

[Jeepsk8]

Some of the bolts I couldn't even get to with air tools.

 

[MtCamper]

If you need to take apart one of those damn plastic bumpers to get to the fogs or back-up sensors, use a socket adapter in a 1/4" impact. Best tool I own.

 

[treoguy]

Thanks for the advice. For someone who up until 6 months ago had never taken a wrench to a car, this forum has been incredibly helpful. As for the bolts, some of those are wicked tight. I used every ounce of my body weight to remove them. I felt pretty accomplished once the new bumper was bolted on. I didn't realize, but I needed to order a special license plate bracket and closeout panel. I initially thought the four divits in the bumper was for my license plate. When they didn't match up, I thought I could use the bracket from my Sahara bumper. Wrong again. Ordered the part from JustforJeeps and will complete everything once it arrives. All all in all, I probably spent 3 plus hours, but it was time well spent.

Do I need the radiator cover (shown on the ground in first pic)? According to this video, it's no longer needed. I assume no based on the skid plate directions. Guessing the skid plate does double duty.

 

[Grace213]

Thanks for the advice. For someone who up until 6 months ago had never taken a wrench to a car, this forum has been incredibly helpful. As for the bolts, some of those are wicked tight. I used every ounce of my body weight to remove them. I felt pretty accomplished once the new bumper was bolted on. I didn't realize, but I needed to order a special license plate bracket and closeout panel. I initially thought the four divits in the bumper was for my license plate. When they didn't match up, I thought I could use the bracket from my Sahara bumper. Wrong again. Ordered the part from JustforJeeps and will complete everything once it arrives. All all in all, I probably spent 3 plus hours, but it was time well spent.

Do I need the radiator cover (shown on the ground in first pic)? According to this video, it's no longer needed. I assume no based on the skid plate directions. Guessing the skid plate does double duty.

That metal piece from your plastic bumper is no longer needed. It is specific to the plastic bumper only. Great job on the install.

 

[nerp]

I just picked a Rubicon Steel bumper and plan on upgrading from the plastic bumper on my 18' Sahara....

Hey I'm getting ready to do this very thing to my 2018 JLU Sahara... But, I'm a bit confused. Since you've done it - maybe you can help?

I've found the following part numbers to order the grill guard (bull bar) and steel bumper-compatible skid plate ...

Grill Guard: 82215351 (Quadratec)
Steel Skid Plate: 82215183 (Quadratec)

But the bumper is eluding me. I've found no less than four Mopar numbers for the bumper itself: 82215121AE, 82215120AC, 82215121AC and the video you linked (which was HELLA helpful!) says 82215121AB

82215121AE (Gladiator 2020 bumper?)
82215120AC (Gladiator 2020 "offroad" bumper?)
82215121AC (Searching for this on store.mopar.com pulls up the 82215121AE)
82215121AB (Searching for this only results in links to aftermarket sites)

JustforJeeps.com says the 1AE replaces ALL of the previous 1, 1AB, 1AC, and 1AD

The video seemed to indicate that the bumper came "pre-assembled" and suitable for "plug-n-play"... was this because of the part number he ordered? What are these other part numbers??

Other important questions:

1) Will my LED Fog lights hook up with this bad boy? Perhaps in answer to my question, of the 1AE bumper, the sites all say "metal bumper comes with fog lamps." This seems to indicate I won't be moving my fog lamps, but just use the new ones. Right??

2) Will my front park assist sensor install into the new bumper ?? Some descriptions say nothing and others say "no." Hell, I know I have backup beeping stuff when I'm about to hit a wall or forget to open the garage door, but I'm not even sure I have front-side park assist. What does that even mean? What will I lose?

Anyway, given all of my rambling above ... without any other advice, I think I'm going to order 82215121AE , 82215351 , and 82215183 along with an impact driver ('cause that seems like a good idear).

Any suggestions?
Any thoughts about which electrical powered wireless impact driver to purchase??

Just a note: My local 4WheelParts in Denver told me adamantly that I did not need the steel skid plate or any skid plate at all. I don't agree ... I'd much rather fk up a $200 skidplate than a $1000 tie rod and drag link. Besides, my suspension and steering has been through hell and since it's working ATM, I'd rather not bend or break components because of a poor line decision.

Oh, and another note - for those of you who know me: yeah, I still haven't changed my own oil on the JL (or any other car I've ever owned). It took me two days to install my rigid lights (2 hour install? You have to be kidding) and 5-6 hours to install my Smittybilt Atlas doorstep - just on the driver side (20 minute install MY ASS). So, yeah, before I tackle the bumper, I promise to change the oil all by myself like a big boy. Besides, ever since I moved to Denver, I have trust issues with mechanics (see above).

Thanks in advance!!
Terry

 

[treoguy]

I ordered the following from @AllMoparParts.com and it worked out great.

https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/82215121ab.html
https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/82215183ab.html

And don't forget the closeout panel. Finishes up the job nicely.

https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/6bu43rxfabkit.html

It appears the steel bumper part is 82215121AE.

 

[swampdweller126]

I just picked a Rubicon Steel bumper and plan on upgrading from the plastic bumper on my 18' Sahara. I've watched a few installation videos, but they are all using air tools. How difficult is it to remove and install a bumper using regular hand tools?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.
I have removed my front bumper used nothing but hand tools.

 

[melendez69]

Any suggestions?
Any thoughts about which electrical powered wireless impact driver to purchase??

Thanks in advance!!
Terry

Hey, Terry... I'm partial to DeWalt products. I keep this and this in the Jeep everywhere I go. Others will swear by Milwaukee, but you can't go wrong with either. It's one of those 'to each, his own' & buyer's bias things.

If you haven't already, check out the tools sub-thread. It's really not a thread about guys in tank tops & jorts.

 

[nerp]

Thank you so much!

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