Steel Bumpers Or No Steel Bumpers?

[Jeepster2018]

And what’s with that gray insert on the standard factory Rubi bumpers around the fog lights????

Steel bumpers for me. I know, they're pricey and not nearly as tough as the aftermarket ones, but I love the look of the 10A bumper. I have them on my JK and they work. The rear is a joke, but the front is actually pretty damn stout. I like being able to take the corners off, I like how well it fits the contours of the Jeep, and winches fit so nice and clean inside.

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[Andy2434]

Another nod to the steel bumpers for my JLUR.

 

[Indio]

So benefit of steel over plastic?

Depends on the design. Coming from the CJ7 world, I use the front steel channel bumper as a quick base for hammering, sawing, etc. You can easily clamp items to it as well, sort of a mini makeshift workbench. A plastic bumper probably would not work so well, least ways I wouldn't want to miss with the hammer/saw and smash/cut/crack the plastic.

 

[mjf4241]

I remember watching some reviews about this new JL and an issue brought up was all the technology in the rear OEM bumper. The question raised was what will the aftermarket do about the backup sensors and rear view camera (If going with bumper mounted tire carrier. Because of this, I think going with the OEM steel bumpers makes sense, and waiting to see what aftermarket does on down the road.

I wonder how the aftermarket will handle the backup camera with swing away carriers.

 

[AZCrawl]

I remember watching some reviews about this new JL and an issue brought up was all the technology in the rear OEM bumper. The question raised was what will the aftermarket do about the backup sensors and rear view camera (If going with bumper mounted tire carrier. Because of this, I think going with the OEM steel bumpers makes sense, and waiting to see what aftermarket does on down the road.

Same.

 

[Billy]

I wonder how the aftermarket will handle the backup camera with swing away carriers.

I think the easy answer is a swing away like AEV has, where the tailgate and tire carrier swing out together.

And as far as the backup sensors go, it's got to be a simple swap over from a plastic bumper to steel, so the same would be true for OEM to aftermarket. My guess is that the aftermarket bumper would simply need some holes drilled.

 

[Jeepster2018]

Probably, sure not messing with that...if getting the Active Safety Group, steel bumpers from factory are the way to go...not messing with sensors and wiring.

I think the easy answer is a swing away like AEV has, where the tailgate and tire carrier swing out together.

And as far as the backup sensors go, it's got to be a simple swap over from a plastic bumper to steel, so the same would be true for OEM to aftermarket. My guess is that the aftermarket bumper would simply need some holes drilled.

 

[Phenomenon]

How much stronger is a steel bumper in a crash, compared to the plastic? That's really my main interest in it.

 

[word302]

Probably, sure not messing with that...if getting the Active Safety Group, steel bumpers from factory are the way to go...not messing with sensors and wiring.

I’m sure it will be pretty simple to swap.

 

[Billy]

How much stronger is a steel bumper in a crash, compared to the plastic? That's really my main interest in it.

They both meet crash certs, so it's not a thing. IMHO

I did like that somebody backed into my TJ a while back, hard enough to bend it slightly, and left a little dark red paint. The Jeep really didn't care, but I bet the other car was friggin trashed. A$$hole didn't leave a note either. Karma.

 

[Jeepster2018]

Getting the Active Safety Group...not even thinking about messing with aftermarket and taking any risk.

They both meet crash certs, so it's not a thing. IMHO

I did like that somebody backed into my TJ a while back, hard enough to bend it slightly, and left a little dark red paint. The Jeep really didn't care, but I bet the other car was friggin trashed. A$$hole didn't leave a note either. Karma.

 

[RussJeep1]

Somewhat tangent, apologies, but if you go with the steel bumpers, what's involved in the process of removing or reinstalling the sides of the bumper in front of the tires?

 

[AZCrawl]

Somewhat tangent, apologies, but if you go with the steel bumpers, what's involved in the process of removing or reinstalling the sides of the bumper in front of the tires?

I think it is just bolts.

 

[TTEChris]

If it's like the JK Hard rock just a few Torx bolts. Quick removal especially if you have an impact driver.

Somewhat tangent, apologies, but if you go with the steel bumpers, what's involved in the process of removing or reinstalling the sides of the bumper in front of the tires?

 

[Jeeptimus Prime]

Its amazing that plastic bumpers are even a possibility, next thing ya know some angry Orange dude will be President

The plastic bumpers are not just plastic. There is steel under the plastic cladding. The steel bumpers are of course all steel with added capabilities.

I like the OEM steel bumpers since it is more integrated into the look of the Wrangler. Downside is they are not custom but unfortunately most aftermarket bumpers have cheesy logos and in most cases ugly. Subjective of course.

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