Front bumper hoop mod

[Htfan]

After the front bumper is off and the the bare frame horns are sticking out I centered the hoop and marked the new holes to drill and tap with 5/16 inch fine thread bolts into the top of the frame. You could probably use a large self tapping screw but the frame is thick enough to tap. I have a light bar on it now. (Road to crisp point light House Michigan upper peninsula during the fall JEEP CREEP)

Different subject for a moment - how do you like your hood deflector?

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[Tangokilo]

The AVS deflector fits really well and protects the front edge. I don't think it really keeps much of the windshield but the bugs come off easy from the deflector itself.

 

[Big_Mike_NJ]

I came across this thread and tried to figure out how its done. Im not mechanically inclined at all. Is there any better explanation to do this? it will complete my bumper

 

[Htfan]

I came across this thread and tried to figure out how its done. Im not mechanically inclined at all. Is there any better explanation to do this? it will complete my bumper

There are two different options discussed in this thread:

1) Rugged Ridge hoop using spacers (previous posts above)

2) Westin hoop for the JK with a slightly modified mounting bracket to fit JL (my choice in thread link below)

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-on-plastic-rubicon-bumper.42960/post-1388356

Both are good solutions. There are details included on each method. Once you review, let us know what questions you have.

 

[Big_Mike_NJ]

Did it!

this is the style. This seems to be the spacers version. I think the modified bracket that the gladiator has with that specific hoop sticks out more right? in terms of outward part of the top part of the hoop, it seems like it bends outward more. I like the look here with the bar closer to the grill. Where exactly does that spacer go? All you need is the spacer and to take off the back bumper skin piece and drill holes on the frame and it will avoid bumper trimming? I just dont know where the spacer goes or where on the frame the holes need to be. I want to show/explain this for an auto body to do

 

[Htfan]

this is the style. This seems to be the spacers version. I think the modified bracket that the gladiator has with that specific hoop sticks out more right? in terms of outward part of the top part of the hoop, it seems like it bends outward more. I like the look here with the bar closer to the grill. Where exactly does that spacer go? All you need is the spacer and to take off the back bumper skin piece and drill holes on the frame and it will avoid bumper trimming? I just dont know where the spacer goes or where on the frame the holes need to be. I want to show/explain this for an auto body to do

I think the solution I chose without spacers does "bend outward" more, but only slightly.

Hopefully, one of the other guys who used Rugged Ridge with spacers can share more details with you.

 

[Big_Mike_NJ]

I think the solution I chose without spacers does "bend outward" more, but only slightly.

Hopefully, one of the other guys who used Rugged Ridge with spacers can share more details with you.

So with the bracket option you used, i can’t use the rugged ridge bar he used? Only the bar you have?

 

[Htfan]

So with the bracket option you used, i can’t use the rugged ridge bar he used? Only the bar you have?

The Westin bar I installed came with the brackets to mount and are not compatible with the rugged ridge.

 

[Big_Mike_NJ]

damn I was going to go your route but realized it has the light mounting brackets. I just want it as a bull bar not for lights. Will have to figure out the spacer route.

 

[Big_Mike_NJ]

A half inch thick spacer is all it took. I did not need to trim the bumper or grill shell. I did trim the ends off of the panel that attaches to the back top of the bumper. And slotted the lower two bolt holes in the lower plastic skid plate cover.

Hello sir, is there any way to go more in depth about doing this mod? I did read what you posted, but still hard for me to understand. I have been watching videos of taking the bumper off, but not sure where this spacer goes and where to drill etc. I am trying to collect information and pictures to have my auto body do this mod.

 

[Tangokilo]

Hello sir, is there any way to go more in depth about doing this mod? I did read what you posted, but still hard for me to understand. I have been watching videos of taking the bumper off, but not sure where this spacer goes and where to drill etc. I am trying to collect information and pictures to have my auto body do this mod.

This wood spacer goes between the front of the frame (the frame ends with a flat plate with the four mounting holes that match my wood spacer) and the whole bumper assembly.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

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.

Not bad.

 

[Big_Mike_NJ]

This wood spacer goes between the front of the frame (the frame ends with a flat plate with the four mounting holes that match my wood spacer) and the whole bumper assembly.

Thanks for the response. I am using a picture from the thread. Is this where that spacer goes?

 

[Tangokilo]

Yes you got it!

 

[Big_Mike_NJ]

Yes you got it!

do you have any concerns with the wood rotting? or you used like MDF board thats water resistant?

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