Front bumper advice?

[yokramer]

Do you know if they offer powder coated ones? I'm only seeing exposed aluminum versions

I believe Cavfab everything is bare but NV offers powder coating.

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[Eyeball]

It is quite possible that things have changed but based on my purchase and install in 2023, I have one piece of advice on aluminum front bumpers based solely on my personal experience.

Do not buy a Next Venture Aluminum Adventure series front bumper unless:

1. You are looking for an exercise in frustration in installation due to poorly thought access to fasteners
2. Enjoy trying to use the documentation they provide which is for a different bumper
3. Want to be able to remove your grill in a reasonable amount of time without removing your bumper and winch.
4. Take pleasure in grinding away parts of the bumper to make their fasteners fit and the parts assemble to each other properly

In fairness, I will say after the excessive amount of time and effort necessary to install the bumper, it is attractive and functional.

Note: I have been modifying, breaking, repairing, welding snd and fabricating custom solutions for my Jeeps since I bought my YJ in the late 80’s. I am very aware that “every Jeep is different”. However, where I draw the line is when I have to modify the parts supplied by the manufacturer to properly assemble the product before it can even be put on the Jeep. It is even more frustrating when you have to scour the internet for answers because the manufacturer did not address the issues in production nor acknowledged them.

 

[Whec716]

I had the same experience with Savvy offroady. First rear bumper didn't fit at all, they sent another it was close to fitting but still didn't fit. Let me try the front bumper, I though. No dice. Retaining clips they sent to hold the bolt were too big, winch plate didn't fit. Trying to get the bolts to light up was a disaster.

It is quite possible that things have changed but based on my purchase and install in 2023, I have one piece of advice on aluminum front bumpers based solely on my personal experience.

Do not buy a Next Venture Aluminum Adventure series front bumper unless:

1. You are looking for an exercise in frustration in installation due to poorly thought access to fasteners
2. Enjoy trying to use the documentation they provide which is for a different bumper
3. Want to be able to remove your grill in a reasonable amount of time without removing your bumper and winch.
4. Take pleasure in grinding away parts of the bumper to make their fasteners fit and the parts assemble to each other properly

In fairness, I will say after the excessive amount of time and effort necessary to install the bumper, it is attractive and functional.

Note: I have been modifying, breaking, repairing, welding snd and fabricating custom solutions for my Jeeps since I bought my YJ in the late 80’s. I am very aware that “every Jeep is different”. However, where I draw the line is when I have to modify the parts supplied by the manufacturer to properly assemble the product before it can even be put on the Jeep. It is even more frustrating when you have to scour the internet for answers because the manufacturer did not address the issues in production nor acknowledged them.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

After looking at a lot of options, even going so far as buying and OEM steel bumper (then selling it), I went with Metalcloak. Not a budget option though.

 

[NINTH]

After looking at a lot of options, even going so far as buying and OEM steel bumper (then selling it), I went with Metalcloak. Not a budget option though.

How much does that metalcloak one weigh? I don't see any weight specs on the site

 

[NINTH]

I had the same experience with Savvy offroady. First rear bumper didn't fit at all, they sent another it was close to fitting but still didn't fit. Let me try the front bumper, I though. No dice. Retaining clips they sent to hold the bolt were too big, winch plate didn't fit. Trying to get the bolts to light up was a disaster.

Dang that's a bummer

 

[NINTH]

It is quite possible that things have changed but based on my purchase and install in 2023, I have one piece of advice on aluminum front bumpers based solely on my personal experience.

Do not buy a Next Venture Aluminum Adventure series front bumper unless:

1. You are looking for an exercise in frustration in installation due to poorly thought access to fasteners
2. Enjoy trying to use the documentation they provide which is for a different bumper
3. Want to be able to remove your grill in a reasonable amount of time without removing your bumper and winch.
4. Take pleasure in grinding away parts of the bumper to make their fasteners fit and the parts assemble to each other properly

In fairness, I will say after the excessive amount of time and effort necessary to install the bumper, it is attractive and functional.

Note: I have been modifying, breaking, repairing, welding snd and fabricating custom solutions for my Jeeps since I bought my YJ in the late 80’s. I am very aware that “every Jeep is different”. However, where I draw the line is when I have to modify the parts supplied by the manufacturer to properly assemble the product before it can even be put on the Jeep. It is even more frustrating when you have to scour the internet for answers because the manufacturer did not address the issues in production nor acknowledged them.

Yeah that's a headache I will gladly avoid haha

 

[KDrag]

I went with Motobilt, but it ships bare metal. It snugs up tight to the body giving really good clearance. pricing is reasonable, there are definitely some cheaper and some more expensive.

Regardless if you go steel or aluminum i recommend at minimum 3/16" steel or 1/4" aluminum.

 

[Snacktime]

If you drag your bumpers you want steel, if you don't aluminum is better.

I went with Motobilt, but it ships bare metal. It snugs up tight to the body giving really good clearance. pricing is reasonable, there are definitely some cheaper and some more expensive.

Regardless if you go steel or aluminum i recommend at minimum 3/16" steel or 1/4" aluminum.

I really like the look with the nudge bar!

 

[Odyssey USA]

Had the Genright aluminum skin bumper with a steel winch plate. It was a fight and lots of grinding on the winch, a little on the winch plate to get it on with a Warn Platinum 10s. Nope, not again. Had to slide down the nuts to the bolts using a screwdriver to start with finger tips. Used an impact to thread it since the through bolt head was accessible from the front and barely held the rear nuts with what was left of their nut plates which I also had to cut down to clear the witch body.

That made me want a fab’d top mount. That and being able to clean out mud, leaves, and twigs easier too. Went with a, now defunct, VKS Informant. Wish I still had it but traded that Jeep and didn’t have a spare. I would have rather used it on the Rubicon I have now but it has the factory steel bumper.

I went with the Grimm Offroad winch plate. 1/4 steel but a one piece design with weight reducing cutouts. Vs the Warn winch plate for the steel bumper that weighs 40lbs the Grimm is 25. We’ll see how it goes as I just installed it. They both have fairlead support, which I like. Used a Comeup Seal Slim 9.5 RS winch the past two times but in the steel bumper, loads of room around the winch. Still need a thin wall 18mm socket for the bumper nuts but much easier install. It’s a traditional, old school design winch more popular with the Aussies is my understanding.

https://www.comeupwinch.com/products-view.php?ID=67

If I were in the market, I might take a look at the Adventure Labs bumper. I’m not sure how thick the plate is. You can build it how you want it to an extent. Just pick your options. I think it starts around $500 by the time you get the bare minimum. It’s basically a winch plate with aluminum skin.

https://americanadventurelab.com/product/jeep-wrangler-jl-jt-modular-front-bumper-combo/

 

[Atomic-Mouse]

My 24 Rubicon came with the plastic front bumper, I added the factory steel bumper along with a warn zeon 12s with Grimm winch plate and it definitely sagged the front. I plan on lifting it soon so it wasn’t a concern. I like the look of the factory bumper I think Jeep did a good job designing it, I did consider this.
https://www.extremeterrain.com/mp-c...-forged-aluminum-front-bumper-j134510-jl.html

 

[Chowbaby]

Awesome, no issues with rust or anything either? Yeah no plans to rock crawl anytime soon

No rust or other issues - honestly it was a very solid bumper and if I didn't get the oem steel bumpers on my current jeep, I would've swapped the bumper onto it

 

[TikiRick]

I've had Rockhard 4x4 aluminum bumpers on my last three Wranglers (including the current one). Quality is top notch, everything bolts right up, and the powder coating is really nice. I tow mine behind the motorhome, so being able to attach right to the bumper and the weight savings over a steel bumper are huge pluses for me....

 

[AzCoronaDog]

I have this bumper on my '24, and have been quite happy with it. Since I bought new instead of used like I originally planned, I needed to keep my budget low. Two of my friends have the same bumper, and have had them several years without issues.

 

[Aonarch]

How much does that metalcloak one weigh? I don't see any weight specs on the site

It isn't heavy at all. I installed it by myself without a jack or anything.

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