Rear Bumper Options

[daldriver]

I just installed a front bumper and winch (which I already used). When removing the factory bumper, I don't think it would stop anything. The rear bumper looks just as weak. I wasn't going to change out rear bumper but now I want the safety. I don't want to change the spare tire mount. Does anyone have suggestions?

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[Ratbert]

Are you wanting something that'll match your front bumper?

 

[Aonar]

Post #9 of this thread gives you my perspective: How are you liking your Metalcloak Bumpers? | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) -- Rubicon, 4xe, 392, Sahara, Sport - JLwranglerforums.com

 

[alphawolff]

The factory bumpers are designed to crush in the event of a collision. By replacing it with something more sturdy your frame rail is now going to be the crush point. If all you're looking for is safety stick with the factory bumps.

 

[autotragic]

I just installed a front bumper and winch (which I already used). When removing the factory bumper, I don't think it would stop anything. The rear bumper looks just as weak. I wasn't going to change out rear bumper but now I want the safety. I don't want to change the spare tire mount. Does anyone have suggestions?

As long as you don't drop your stock bumper straight down into a rock ledge it's probably gonna be okay.

Get yourself one of these;
https://41twentytwo.com/product/hitch-slider/

And a pair of these;
https://www.maximus-3.com/product-page/jl-jt-closed-rear-tow-loops

And you'll be well on your way to protecting your stock bumper. Without having to replace the whole thing. Not real cheap but any bumper cheaper than those isn't worth a hill of beans anyway.

Otherwise the sky is the limit.

 

[dragoneggs]

You want improved safety or ability to take abuse?

 

[4xFUN]

I really like the MetalCloak full width rear bumper, it's not only very robust with drastically improved departure angles but it's modular design and textured finish is a great aesthetic match to the OEM steel front bumper. (Once you ditch the gold bolts for black button head bolts that is!)

 

[Terrymo]

ARB supposedly does extensive crash testing. But their looks are an “aquired taste” i.e. you either love them or hate them. I mostly like mine.

 

[zouch]

seconded.
def not just Bumper Jewelry.

As long as you don't drop your stock bumper straight down into a rock ledge it's probably gonna be okay.

Get yourself one of these;
https://41twentytwo.com/product/hitch-slider/

 

[zouch]

tell me about your Rear License Plate mount, and how you get light on it.
this seems to be a the Achilles Heel on a lot of rear bumper solutions and a lit rear license plate is not optional where i travel.

I really like the MetalCloak full width rear bumper, it's not only very robust with drastically improved departure angles but it's modular design and textured finish is a great aesthetic match to the OEM steel front bumper. (Once you ditch the gold bolts for black button head bolts that is!)

 

[4xFUN]

tell me about your Rear License Plate mount, and how you get light on it.
this seems to be a the Achilles Heel on a lot of rear bumper solutions and a lit rear license plate is not optional where i travel.

The mount is the Rebel rear mount for Jeep JL's and comes with two lights that also act as top license plate bolts, I chose not to use those as it has never been an issue around here, surprisingly there seems to be enough 'splash' lighting in this area to illuminate our reflective plates.
As for mounting the plate mount, I carefully measured and marked its location on the bumper and then drilled the bumper and installed nutserts for ease of installation and adjustment. I also used some small rubber stick-on bushings between the mount and bumper to insure just a bit of flex and eliminate any chance of rattles. Made in USA and sells for $100 dollars.

When I installed the bumper I opened and re-taped the bumper harness as needed and coiled up the license plate wiring below the bumper under the plate area for easy access if I ever do have to add them. I also have a thin profile license plate frame with a center light just in case,,,

Rebel Off Road JL Plate Mount:

 

[The Chubbernaut]

For what it's worth, I was rear-ended at a red light hard enough to wreck the car in front of me. I'll link to the thread. I had stock bumpers, and the Jeep actually looked near pristine after being struck. The spare tire took more of the impact than the rear bumper, but my front bumper was the only point of impact for the car in front of me. After inspection, the jeep took the slightest buckle in the frame above the rear driver-side tire and had to be written off. I'm not entirely sure a steel bumper would've made much of a difference.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/a-case-of-the-mondays.127313/

 

[daldriver]

WOW. Glad you were ok. I've had an accident like this. It didn't take much to total a vehicle when the frame is touched. I am getting some good feedback and may be glad I just change the front and not rear bumper.

 

[roaniecowpony]

A 1/4" welded steel bumper weighing a couple hundred pounds, should be stout enough to keep from bending the bumper. The frame will take it.

 

[Ratbert]

For what it's worth, I was rear-ended at a red light hard enough to wreck the car in front of me. I'll link to the thread. I had stock bumpers, and the Jeep actually looked near pristine after being struck. The spare tire took more of the impact than the rear bumper, but my front bumper was the only point of impact for the car in front of me. After inspection, the jeep took the slightest buckle in the frame above the rear driver-side tire and had to be written off. I'm not entirely sure a steel bumper would've made much of a difference.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/a-case-of-the-mondays.127313/

That's exactly what happened to me / mine. The hitch receiver was bent under, which slightly bent the frame on the passenger side.

They offered to replace the frame. Screw that. Fortunately it was during COVID, so I got a shitload more than I paid for it a year and a half earlier.

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