Front bumper hoop mod

[Rick12785]

Just wanted to share a mod I did today. I had done this to my JK also. This is the over hoop for the XHD bumper that I fit to the stock one. It’s bolted to the frame. Very sturdy and I really like the look.

Sponsored

 

[faisal123]

Just wanted to share a mod I did today. I had done this to my JK also. This is the over hoop for the XHD bumper that I fit to the stock one. It’s bolted to the frame. Very sturdy and I really like the look.

I purchased the hoop several months ago but never got a chance to install it. How would you rate the difficulty level of the installation out of 10?

 

[MikeinDelaware]

Can i get a link or part number please?
I definitely wanna try this

 

[TJ2018]

Just wanted to share a mod I did today. I had done this to my JK also. This is the over hoop for the XHD bumper that I fit to the stock one. It’s bolted to the frame. Very sturdy and I really like the look.

That actually looks pretty awesome! Nice job and thanks for sharing

 

[Rick12785]

I purchased the hoop several months ago but never got a chance to install it. How would you rate the difficulty level of the installation out of 10?

Sorry, I haven’t been on the forum lately and just saw this. Wasn’t hard, rate it a 6. Scariest thing is cutting the front plastic bumper.

 

[four low]

Nice ! Is there a p/n for the Hoop ? Thanks..just what I've been looking for.

 

[J&L'sJLU]

Finally had enough time to install the bumper hoop.
The hoop is the Rugged Ridge - XHD Over Rider Hoop. Part # 11540.14

Thanks #@Rick12785 for the write up.

Overall install isn't too bad. I drilled new holes in the base and used the included bolts and washers through the existing frame hole and added one more hole in the frame toward the front. I used flanged nylock nuts inside the frame.

The challenging part is cutting the bumper. I cut a little bit at a time, test fitting and marking the next amount to cut.
I used a Dewalt oscillating multi tool to notch the inner plastic bumper support and a utility razor knife to cut the bumper skin.

Next step will be adding some lights on the hoop or below it attached to the bumper.

 

[Htfan]

Love this mod!

Do you think it would be an option to install the hoop further back closer to the grill so less bumper trimming is required? To do this, you would probably loose the ability to reinstall that plastic filler piece behind the bumper. I would be fine with that.

 

[J&L'sJLU]

Love this mod!

Do you think it would be an option to install the hoop further back closer to the grill so less bumper trimming is required? To do this, you would probably loose the ability to reinstall that plastic filler piece behind the bumper. I would be fine with that.

You could move it back about 1" closer to the grill.

The new hole you would need to drill into the frame would be VERY close to the grill and you would have to remove the grill to drill the holes.

You will still have to trim a little over an inch into the bumper. The way described earlier in the original post only trims 2" into the bumper.

IMO, moving it back would make the install more difficult.

Cutting the bumper is unnerving at first but isn't that bad. Make the larger rough cuts with an oscillating multi tool or small cutoff wheel, test fit and remark as you go and make the clean finishing cuts with a utility knife.

 

[Htfan]

You could move it back about 1" closer to the grill.

The new hole you would need to drill into the frame would be VERY close to the grill and you would have to remove the grill to drill the holes.

You will still have to trim a little over an inch into the bumper. The way described earlier in the original post only trims 2" into the bumper.

IMO, moving it back would make the install more difficult.

Cutting the bumper is unnerving at first but isn't that bad. Make the larger rough cuts with an oscillating multi tool or small cutoff wheel, test fit and remark as you go and make the clean finishing cuts with a utility knife.

Appreciate your reply! This may be my next project.

 

[obiwankabaldi]

Awesome job. I too want the hoop strictly for looks and did not want to spring for a new bumper....Do you happen to know if the aluminum version is the same configuration? Thanks a lot.

 

[J&L'sJLU]

Awesome job. I too want the hoop strictly for looks and did not want to spring for a new bumper....Do you happen to know if the aluminum version is the same configuration? Thanks a lot.

I was hoping the aluminum version would work also. It doesn't look like it has the same configuration.

The aluminum version looks to have more of a forward lean. IE: more cutting into the bumper and the possibility of contacting the tow hooks.

It looks like the tube would land over the Jeep's frame in the same location as the steel one but when you look close at the mounting flange there is no material in the front or back to directly fasten to the Jeep's frame, so you will have to fabricate a separate mounting bracket.

It might work.?. Knowing the steel one works and being $100 more expensive turned me away from the aluminum.

Pics below are of the aluminum version.

 

[obiwankabaldi]

Thanks a lot...

 

[obiwankabaldi]

Thanks a lot...Looking at it I had the same thoughts and why I asked. Love the one you did so I will probably got with it....

 

[Tangokilo]

I've been studying this thread. Thanks guys! I ordered and have the hoop now. I'm going to try spacers under the bumper mounts. Looks like the bumper studs (Plastic Rubicon) could allow maybe up to a 1 inch spacer. Even a half inch would help move the bumper forward and more space for the hoop... Then if I cut something it's going to be the grill shell. Definitely the hard way I know. I'm not sure when I can get to this (work/family) but wanted to put the idea out there for consideration.... Tom. Picture of "extra" threads = max spacer thickness.

Sponsored