4bangerjp.com
General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: jfrabat on March 10, 2008, 08:23:33 PM
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OK, so I am looking to do my part to reactivate the economy, and spend part of my tax refund in a new set of bumpers. I was looking at these (all of them would be lined, by the way, to increase durability of the finish):
Front (including steering skid):
http://www.shrockworks.com/product.php?productid=16138
(http://www.shrockworks.com/files/products/d_478.jpg)
Rear:
http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SWBR2&Category_Code=YJR
(http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/stg2swbrdsc.jpg)
I would like to know what you guys think about these based on experience... Also, keep in mind that my use is mud, not rocks (although I will get to see some of these when crossing the rivers, which is why I went for the stronger front bumper). I want to hear pros and cons to make a better decision, so any comment is appreciated!
By the way, I droped the Hanson bumper for 2 reasons; too expensive, and too big (I feel the one above allows the wheel to hit possible obstacles and accumulates less mud).
Felipe
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Still a lot of $$$ for a couple chunks of 2x4 steel.
Take a look at these if you don't want to make one yourself:
http://www.nates4x4.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=29
http://www.nates4x4.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=32
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I like them, your front bumper looks alot like the JCR stage 2 front bumper.
http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SWBF2&Category_Code=YJF
Thats what I plan to go with for my YJ, it seems just as well built and cheaper price then the shrockworks one. I'm by no means putting down the shrockworks one, I like it and in the end its your Jeep so you have to go with what you like. ;)
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JCR rocks!!
They are doing my rig build btw....I'll make sure your bumpers are extra strong!! :clap:
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JCR rocks!!
They are doing my rig build btw....I'll make sure your bumpers are extra strong!! :clap:
Yes they do, I really like their 1 ton steering setup to, I've heard nothing but good things about it.
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Shrockworks makes a good rock gaurd. Very well built.
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Yes they do, I really like their 1 ton steering setup to, I've heard nothing but good things about it.
going in my rig :clap:
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Yes they do, I really like their 1 ton steering setup to, I've heard nothing but good things about it.
Their "1-ton" steereing setup really cracks me up. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but GM uses those same TRE's for all K series 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton steering setups.
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I like them, your front bumper looks alot like the JCR stage 2 front bumper.
http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SWBF2&Category_Code=YJF
Thats what I plan to go with for my YJ, it seems just as well built and cheaper price then the shrockworks one. I'm by no means putting down the shrockworks one, I like it and in the end its your Jeep so you have to go with what you like. ;)
The Shrockworks uses thicker metal than the JCR, which is what I like about it... Typically, you are pulled from the front, so I prefer the extra thickness. I do think that JCR offers good product and price (which is why I like their rear bumper), and I specially like that they offer the option to line the bumpers.
Still a lot of $$$ for a couple chunks of 2x4 steel.
Take a look at these if you don't want to make one yourself:
I dont have any welding equipment (or experience!), so I prefer to pay and have something that looks nice and that wont come apart on me on account of bad welding on my part... Thanks for the links.
Shrockworks makes a good rock gaurd. Very well built.
JC, you have one yourself? I read good reviews online about that bumper... Basically, everyone agrees online that is hard as nails!
JCR rocks!!
They are doing my rig build btw....I'll make sure your bumpers are extra strong!! :clap:
Thanks; I'll accept your offer here! I'll let you know once I place the order.
Felipe
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I actually don't have Shrockworks rock gaurds, I went with 4XDoctors. A couple guys in my Jeep club have them though and they are solid. The 4XD are basically the exact same thing just a little cheaper. When I bought them Shrockworks was nickle and diming you for every thing, the starting price was umpainted.
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the starting price was unpainted.
In my case, I want it unpainted, because I plan on lining it...
By the way, any recomendations on the lining? I was thinking of taking it to Line-X and having them line it (Rhino Line is also available here in Miami, but dont know which is better).
Felipe
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Their "1-ton" steereing setup really cracks me up. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but GM uses those same TRE's for all K series 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton steering setups.
It's to go with their 1-Ton brakelines. :wall:
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In my case, I want it unpainted, because I plan on lining it...
By the way, any recomendations on the lining? I was thinking of taking it to Line-X and having them line it (Rhino Line is also available here in Miami, but dont know which is better).
Felipe
I know that with Line-X some of the dealers can apply colors. I don't believe Rhino is anything but black.
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Well, the rear bumper is ordered from JCR Offroad. Since they offer a lined option for finishing (Stone Liner), I went with that option instead of having it lined locally. From what I have read, this bumper should be able to get me out of sticky situations (read: will allow me to be winched out!) that I will surely get myself into, and with the 2" receiver, I can either take my Swagman Bike Carrier or hookup a trailer.
I am still considering the Shrock Works one for the front, but have not decided yet, so the stock bumper is still on.
Felipe
PS: Moz, if you could give JCR a call, I would much appreciated it! I ordered the bumper on May 2, and they said it would take 15 to 18 days to ship because of the high volume of orders, but I have yet to receive any feedback on the shipping date (and today it is officially 18 days).
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PS: Moz, if you could give JCR a call, I would much appreciated it! I ordered the bumper on May 2, and they said it would take 15 to 18 days to ship because of the high volume of orders, but I have yet to receive any feedback on the shipping date (and today it is officially 18 days).
When a vendor of anything says x number of days, they are almost always talking about business days. 15 days = 3 weeks
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Yeah, I know. But I feel like a kid the week before Christmas; you see all the gifts under the tree with your name on them, but you cant open them just yet!
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Bumper was shipped yesterday! WOOOOHOOOO!!! I just hope it gets here on Friday so I can install it this weekend!
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Glad to hear it...I mentioned your name when I was there a couple of weeks ago...those guys are really swamped....guess that's good for them, but leadtimes are out.
You'll be happy with the quality. Pics as soon as it's up please!!
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Hey, oldjeep how are those 4x4nates bumpers? They look pretty good and are a great price!
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Hey, oldjeep how are those 4x4nates bumpers? They look pretty good and are a great price!
Don't have any idea, just one I've heard folks mention. I'd never buy a bumper, they are too easy to make.
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I'd never buy a bumper, they are too easy to make.
If you can weld and have welding equipment...
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If you can weld and have welding equipment...
LOL, and if you don't it's a good excuse to buy some. You can make up the cost of a half decent welder on just a front and rear bumper.
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Yeah, well, that may be true... But I still dont trust my welding skills all that much either, so in my case, I just feel safer buying the bumper. I would hate to have the bumper ripped appart when I am being winched out of a tough situation and injure someone (or myself) in the process. So I rather leave it to the experts even if it means paying a bit more.
In any case, my new rear bumper arrived today, and it looks AWESOME! Cant wait to get it on the Jeep (I'll probably leave work early and try to get it on tonight!).
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Just to update you all, the bumper went in last night. I have to say it was easier than what I expected. According to the instructions, I would need to drill out the outer holes to 1/2 inch, and re-drill the inner holes for it to mount, but all holes in my rig matched up except for one: on one side, the bolt that comes from beneth the jeep did not line up with the thread on the frame.
At first I thought it was the bumper, but after furhter examination, I think my Jeep was rearended at some point in time (while it had bumperettes, not a real bumper), because the rear crossmember is slightly bent (just enough to be noticeable if checking). It looks a little twiested inward in the lower middle part, as if something hit the lower middle of the rear crossmember (maybe a sportscar?). So I have to assume this is the reason the holes will not line up.
But it does look great now. I will take some pictures of it tonight (or today) and post them... The only thing is that I just wish the bumper came with the mounting hardware, but that's OK. I just got all new grade 8 bolts, nuts, washers, and lock washers and mounted it using 9 of the 10 bolts (I think this should be stron enough anyway).
Felipe
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It didn't come with the hardware??? When I'm there, they are always pulling the bolts and such from the wall a sealing them up in JCR bags and then taping them to the front of the bumper.
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Lookin forward to seeing the pictures.
I think the lower bolts are the most important since the crossmember is not as strong. It would be worth the effort to have a tab welded on or do whatever it takes to get that bolt installed.
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It didn't come with the hardware??? When I'm there, they are always pulling the bolts and such from the wall a sealing them up in JCR bags and then taping them to the front of the bumper.
Nope. Just the bumper arrived. I called them, and they told me what hardware I needed to get. Apparently, only the XJ includes hardware, but not the YJ.
I think the lower bolts are the most important since the crossmember is not as strong. It would be worth the effort to have a tab welded on or do whatever it takes to get that bolt installed.
Yeah, you are probably right; I'll try loosening the crossmember bolts and trying to fit first the frame bolts and then retightening the crossmember bolts. I can see the threads on the hole, it just does not perfectly line up (or even enough to start screwing the bolt in).
Lookin forward to seeing the pictures.
Here you go:
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f138/jfrabat/Jeep/DSC00040.jpg)
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f138/jfrabat/Jeep/DSC00041.jpg)
Please excuse the photo quality, but I took these with my phone!
Felipe
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Looks great! I like the hitch hole that does not stick out to catch on rocks.
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That was the main reason I was looking at the High Rock one from Best Top. But that one was open on the back, which I did not like. Then Moz pointed me in this direction, and I am very happy with the results. And it is really not that expensive (compared to the high-rock one), and you can have it lined (which is much more durable than painting).
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Is the receiver rated for towing? I know alot of aftermarket bumpers have the receiver for accessories.
Looks good! :clap:
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Is the receiver rated for towing? I know alot of aftermarket bumpers have the receiver for accessories.
Looks good! :clap:
I doubt any aftermarket has a bumper rated for towing. That's just too much liability for most shops/companies.
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Is the receiver rated for towing? I know alot of aftermarket bumpers have the receiver for accessories.
Looks good! :clap:
I'm sure it'll tow just fine...the reason most aren't rated for towing is because companies are unwilling to pay all of the testing fees required to actually get it rated.
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It is not "rated", but I am sure it will do the work. A los of manufacturers dont "rate" their bumpers because of the expense and liability of doing so. But I am sure that this one is stronger than the Hard Rock by Best Top one, and that one is rated for 400lbs tongue weight and I think something like 2,000 (or was it 4,000?) pounds total.
Felipe
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Lookin forward to seeing the pictures.
I think the lower bolts are the most important since the crossmember is not as strong. It would be worth the effort to have a tab welded on or do whatever it takes to get that bolt installed.
Neale, I took your advise and loosened all the 9 bolts I had on, and after bringing out the (rubber) BFH, I managed to get the bottom rail holes to line up (at least enough for the bolts to go in), so I am happy to report that now, all 10 bolts (all grade 8) are in and tight. This bumper rocks!