Stubby vs full-width, which to get?

[Ruby Jack]

So let me preface by stating that I will NOT be doing any hardcore off-roading or mods on my Rubicon as it is my current daily driver.

With that said, I do plan on taking it to medium rated trails whenever I break the engine in at 1k miles (still only 200 miles) and I would like to replace my plastic OEM front bumpers sometime soon.


So my dilemma is deciding which style to go with. I basically don't need a stubby since I don't require the extra clearance it gives, however, I like two things about the stubby:

1. They are lighter than the full-width, and wherever I can save weight, I tend to. Heavy Jeeps don't make for good daily drivers (less highway power and less fuel economy)

2. I like the look of the stubby better. I like that it leaves the front wheels exposed which looks pretty cool, especially if you have some nice 35"s+

As for the full width, there is only one reason why I'd get it over the stubby, but it's a big reason, safety. Like I mentioned, the Jeep will be used for my daily commute for most of the time and the full-width adds that extra layer of small-side (most common car crash) impact resistance. God forbid I'm ever in such a crash, but having something that'll increases my chances of walking away if it did happen is very good.


So what do you guys think? If I go stubby, there are various 3rd party makers that I have my eyes on. The only full-width bumper that looks good to me is the WARN Elite one.

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[raqball]

I am having the same debate.. I need to look a bit further into how I'd mount my required front plate to either but I am leaning towards the full width as I think aesthetically, it look better.

Then again, I might just keep my Sport bumper for now and find a way to mount a plate to it..

 

[Kenny]

Why not get the Rubicon steel bumper with the removalable end pieces?

 

[Ron_H]

I recently went through a similar decision process myself through my issues were different. I needed attachment points for my Blue Ox tow bar for flat towing our JlU Sahara, I did not want to limit my approach angle with a stock baseplate hanging below the front bumper and I was considering installing a winch, which precluded future use of the stock front bumper.

in the end, I chose to go with a Rock Hard aluminum full-width front bumper with tow-bar brackets. It is very lightweight, enhances the off-road look of the Jeep and enables the installation of a winch. The downside is that the aluminum bumper is not cheap.

 

[Ruby Jack]

I recently went through a similar decision process myself through my issues were different. I needed attachment points for my Blue Ox tow bar for flat towing our JlU Sahara, I did not want to limit my approach angle with a stock baseplate hanging below the front bumper and I was considering installing a winch, which precluded future use of the stock front bumper.

in the end, I chose to go with a Rock Hard aluminum full-width front bumper with tow-bar brackets. It is very lightweight, enhances the off-road look of the Jeep and enables the installation of a winch. The downside is that the aluminum bumper is not cheap.

Interesting. I'm digging this mid-width bumper from them: http://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-90249.htm

It's a bit expensive though.

 

[Ruby Jack]

Why not get the Rubicon steel bumper with the removalable end pieces?

I think the hand made aftermarket ones are just stronger and look better to be honest. I'm sure if I wait a few months I could get a killer deal on a second hand OEM steel bumper since tons of people will be replacing theirs with aftermarket ones.

 

[Red Jeeper]

I recently went through a similar decision process myself through my issues were different. I needed attachment points for my Blue Ox tow bar for flat towing our JlU Sahara, I did not want to limit my approach angle with a stock baseplate hanging below the front bumper and I was considering installing a winch, which precluded future use of the stock front bumper.

in the end, I chose to go with a Rock Hard aluminum full-width front bumper with tow-bar brackets. It is very lightweight, enhances the off-road look of the Jeep and enables the installation of a winch. The downside is that the aluminum bumper is not cheap.

 

[Ron_H]

Good lookin' setup

 

[Jeepsk8]

I've been thinking about the steel version of this bumper with the recessed winch mount. The skid plate is part of the construction of this bumper whereas it's an add on to most of the others. Their full width bumper is very similar but adds some protection for the fender flares / turn signals and I like that too.

 

[Ruby Jack]

https://www.quadratec.com/p/lod/jfb...h-front-bumper-with-bull-bar-jeep-wrangler-jl

What do you guys think of LOD? These mid-width look pretty well built.

 

[RisingEagle]

I've also been trying to make a decision on a bumper. I knew the aftermarket for Jeep was huge (this is my first Jeep) and I didn't care for the Mopar factory steel one. I like more "full" solid bumpers (in case of accidents - but if it's intimidating-looking enough people just don't pull out in front of you as much).

My challenge is I want a bumper that
- is either mid or full (have you considered a mid)
- has a recessed spot for the winch (instead of riding on top of the bumper)
- has a solid bull bar, preferably with multiple bars not just one
- has extra mounting for lighting (and super bonus if it can take the LED lights from the stock plastic Rubicon bumper)

The closest I've come so far from what's available is DV8's FS14
https://dv8offroad.com/products/copy-of-fs-14-hammer-forged-front-bumper

It's pretty close to exactly what I'm looking for, just not positive if it's a straight bolt-on fit for the JL (some talk of having to "oval" the mounts out a bit) and if it will take the factory LED fog lights or not.

one thing is for sure - there are enough after-market bumpers out there (for the JK right now anyway - JL will be soon enough) that you should be able to find exactly what you're looking for.

good luck - and maybe give a couple mid-widths a look; it's sort of in the middle of what you're looking for.

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