LOD Destroyer matchups

[Sheddenb]

So obviously in the market to get a new bumper from the OEM Stock Steel XD

Basically dead set on full width (daily + wife and 1 (soon to be 2) very young kids)
Novice off-roader looking to get more adventurous with time, so wanting an elevated end cap style that nearly meets the stock fender (the look I like)
Needs to be able to incorporate a winch, would love if it could be recessed
Also a bull-bar or able to add one

Things I have come across so far in my search:
https://www.quadratec.com/p/rugged-ridge/hd-full-width-front-bumper-jeep-wrangler-jk-jl-gladiator-jt
The style seems to be what I like but the quality and fit for the JL doesn't seem to be so good

https://www.quadratec.com/p/reaper-offroad/immortal-f2-front-bumper-wrangler-jfbmw-jl
Haven't seen too many pictures but a little lacking in how high the end caps go, and not sure on its quality

https://lodoffroad.com/products/2018-jl-jt-destroyer-full-width-front-bumper
The best so far, obviously, but don't see an availability for recessing a winch, and just a tiny bit fatter than I'd like, still love it the most so far, also a bit expensive but it seems to live up to that in quality

Any additional leads would be greatly appreciated

Sponsored

 

[GATORB8]

One thing to remember is that the Rubi fenders are higher than the sports they are shown on, so there will be additional gap. Xtreme Terrain does a good job with showing customer installs that can be helpful.

We have the Rugged Ridge HD, and it did not clear 35s with 2" bump stops. I resorted to using the DV8 bumper spacers to resolve the issue. You'll want to take that into consideration as it moves the bumper forward and changes the profile a bit.

 

[rcadden]

What are you looking to gain that the stock steel doesn't currently provide?

I was in the same boat late last year, with basically the same wish list. Hours of research initially led me to the Rugged Ridge HD as well, but I ultimately went back to the stock steel. Was able to get one off FB Marketplace for an unbelievable $500, and it's damn near perfect.

I had a chance to wheel with the wings off a few weeks ago and it totally confirmed it for me. IMO you're not going to find a better solution that offers the things on your list. Especially if you already have one.

My personal advice based on your wish list is to sit tight with the stock steel bumper and spend the $$ elsewhere for now.

 

[Sheddenb]

One thing to remember is that the Rubi fenders are higher than the sports they are shown on, so there will be additional gap. Xtreme Terrain does a good job with showing customer installs that can be helpful.

We have the Rugged Ridge HD, and it did not clear 35s with 2" bump stops. I resorted to using the DV8 bumper spacers to resolve the issue. You'll want to take that into consideration as it moves the bumper forward and changes the profile a bit.

Ah okay good to know about the difference in fender height I definitely did not know that. I currently have the stock 33s and would like to go 35s in the future. Wasn’t sure how to address a rubbing issue when the time came other than a removable cap

What are you looking to gain that the stock steel doesn't currently provide?

I was in the same boat late last year, with basically the same wish list. Hours of research initially led me to the Rugged Ridge HD as well, but I ultimately went back to the stock steel. Was able to get one off FB Marketplace for an unbelievable $500, and it's damn near perfect.

I had a chance to wheel with the wings off a few weeks ago and it totally confirmed it for me. IMO you're not going to find a better solution that offers the things on your list. Especially if you already have one.

My personal advice based on your wish list is to sit tight with the stock steel bumper and spend the $$ elsewhere for now.

There isn’t really an issue with the stock bumper I just had someone who was willing to buy it in a time manner of my choosing that fit and I had been considering a new bumper almost purely for my own aesthetic purpose (and still matching safety and functionality of the stock steel).

Sponsored