Bumpers&Winches/Lights Questions

rubi_vette

Member
Greetings!

I currently have a JLU Rubicon without the LED upgrade package and without the steel bumper group. I've been breaking my head looking for options to upgrade for these two. For the bumper wise, I've scouted through Extreme Terrain and found some good options, but nothing within the price range with a winch included or something. I'm in search of a stubby bumper, with winch support. I've never installed things like this myself, but it looks pretty easy from research done. I'm not looking to see trails every weekend, only once every month, or maybe more depending on the season.

Additionally for the lights, I wanted to upgrade the low/hi beams, turn signals/running lights, as well as the fogs. I'm deciding to go the LED bulb route, but I do not want to get that error for "lights out" through the instrument cluster. Can someone recommend any of these for me?

I mentioned budget up there, and I guess I'm trying to stay within $600 for a bumper and a winch. But it seems almost impossible... (I'm still very new to Jeepers!) & yes, I've looked locally within 200 miles for a used bumper, or the rubicon stubby variant but no luck sadly! Maybe I'll have to scrap the idea of the winch, and grab the bumper and do it in segments...

Any advice/guidance would be solid!
 

WJCO

Meme King
1) Stop scouting Extreme Terrain. They blow.
2) Buying a quality winch and bumper will likely be over your 600 price tag. Sure, there some communist-built options out there, but you want something that will keep you safe and actually work when you're off-roading.
3) Nothing wrong with building slowly and in segments.
 

rubi_vette

Member
1) Stop scouting Extreme Terrain. They blow.
2) Buying a quality winch and bumper will likely be over your 600 price tag. Sure, there some communist-built options out there, but you want something that will keep you safe and actually work when you're off-roading.
3) Nothing wrong with building slowly and in segments.
Do you have any links for other places to get parts/mods for the Jeeps? All I've ever known is Ext Terrain!
 

WJCO

Meme King
Do you have any links for other places to get parts/mods for the Jeeps? All I've ever known is Ext Terrain!




 

kevman65

Hooked
The reseller sites (Extreme Terrain, Quadratec, Northridge 4x4, 4Wheelparts) do have SOME American made products, but you have to actively look for them. They make their money on mark ups of the Chinese version of parts. For the most part the resellers are frowned on around here.

There are several Made in the USA manufacturers out there with their own sites, WJCO gave you a couple that are favored here.

Open your Google search up, look for manufacturers not just sales. Take your time and find what's right for you.

A little hint, bumpers and winches and rock rails/sliders are NOT the place to go cheap if you're going off road. Those are your protection and lifelines.

Bumpers and rails/sliders, 3/16" thick steel is your starting point.
 

cinnur

Member
Greetings!

I currently have a JLU Rubicon without the LED upgrade package and without the steel bumper group. I've been breaking my head looking for options to upgrade for these two. For the bumper wise, I've scouted through Extreme Terrain and found some good options, but nothing within the price range with a winch included or something. I'm in search of a stubby bumper, with winch support. I've never installed things like this myself, but it looks pretty easy from research done. I'm not looking to see trails every weekend, only once every month, or maybe more depending on the season.

Additionally for the lights, I wanted to upgrade the low/hi beams, turn signals/running lights, as well as the fogs. I'm deciding to go the LED bulb route, but I do not want to get that error for "lights out" through the instrument cluster. Can someone recommend any of these for me?

I mentioned budget up there, and I guess I'm trying to stay within $600 for a bumper and a winch. But it seems almost impossible... (I'm still very new to Jeepers!) & yes, I've looked locally within 200 miles for a used bumper, or the rubicon stubby variant but no luck sadly! Maybe I'll have to scrap the idea of the winch, and grab the bumper and do it in segments...

Any advice/guidance would be solid!
Here is the front bumper I went with, https://heftyfab.com/collections/jeep-jl/products/jeep-jl-jt-front-bumper?variant=37029743132826

This bumper comes ready to accept a winch, I went with a Warn 12-S. Very very tight fit once all in place, but it worked.
I went with the tall hoop bar.

On the bar, and making some holes in the bumper, I went with KC Flex 3 and 4 lighting.
On the bar I hung the Flex 4, the bumper Flex 3, though you will have to drill the holes for the Flex 3 units as mentioned.
These lights throw out a tremendous amount of off road lighting.
The additional bonus with KC is that you can get amber covers to go with either clear or amber, whatever you require.
I leave the amber covers on normally. I would rather a rock hit them over the actual clear cover.

For the street legal fog lights, I have some Baha units.
At least I think it was these, Baha has changed their site a great deal since I last looked, and they had DOT compliant to offer somewhere.
They also throw out great amount of street legal fog lighting and fit perfectly in the bumper location!

I had been considering a light bar at some point, but this combo really lights up the path.
I do still however do plan cowl lighting, the KC Flex 4 is currently the plan.
I attach a snow plow on my Sport and would like the extra candles when needed.
 

CalSgt

Hooked





For a stubby bumper option on a budget I'll recommend this:
https://wayalife.com/threads/jl-jou...er-how-to-flip-the-sway-bar-disconnect.57217/

I'd bet the winch try's are available all over craigslist nowadays, when I bought one only Mopar and Warn were making them. Use the money saved and put it towards a decent winch.

For retailers I'd like to add:

https://www.polyperformance.com/

https://www.synergymfg.com/
 

Jmos

Member
Greetings!

I currently have a JLU Rubicon without the LED upgrade package and without the steel bumper group. I've been breaking my head looking for options to upgrade for these two. For the bumper wise, I've scouted through Extreme Terrain and found some good options, but nothing within the price range with a winch included or something. I'm in search of a stubby bumper, with winch support. I've never installed things like this myself, but it looks pretty easy from research done. I'm not looking to see trails every weekend, only once every month, or maybe more depending on the season.

Additionally for the lights, I wanted to upgrade the low/hi beams, turn signals/running lights, as well as the fogs. I'm deciding to go the LED bulb route, but I do not want to get that error for "lights out" through the instrument cluster. Can someone recommend any of these for me?

I mentioned budget up there, and I guess I'm trying to stay within $600 for a bumper and a winch. But it seems almost impossible... (I'm still very new to Jeepers!) & yes, I've looked locally within 200 miles for a used bumper, or the rubicon stubby variant but no luck sadly! Maybe I'll have to scrap the idea of the winch, and grab the bumper and do it in segments...

Any advice/guidance would be solid!

I'm a Jeep NOOB myself; so did a lot of research...

I agree with other recommendations to get the bumper you know you want, from the start.

If you pick a basic bumper, think of it as a "system" that you will design... and what you will add later:
- skid plate?
- bull bar?
- lights?
- winch?
- lift / wheels getting larger?

Read the on line forums and discussions about winches -- and choose your level of comfort with what you need, for the kind of recovery you may need.

I often get myself stuck in the snow -- but only needed traction boards to get out so far. I've seen situations that are worse -- and I am learning to "read the trail" and know when to turn back to avoid such issues -- especially when dealing with late Spring snow-drifts, that will keep coming after every bend in the trail that doesn't get direct sunlight. (These get slushy, and treacherous.)

Lot of Winches offer warrantees and such... which is great... once you get BACK to civilization!!!... mean time, you're stuck in the wilderness, with a broken winch; hoping someone will come help you (don't go out alone!!! ...get a radio!!!!)

Learn to string your recovery lines -- study videos; watch examples. Get a "snatch-block" and "tree protector" and such. Bring work gloves!

Bring a good shovel -- many varieties... but handy tool is a collapsable metal short-handle shovel... yes, it is back-breaking to use,... but, if your in a situation with NO TREES,... and NEED to winch yourself out all alone... you can use the shovel to dig a hole, then lay cross-ways in that hole, and create and anchor point for your winch (which you should double-line through a snatch-block, for best results in that situation).

Best of luck -- think like a Boy Scout, "Be Prepared." ;)

J.
 

Jmos

Member
Winch decisions to make:
  • steel cable or synthetic rope -- differences in operation, care and upkeep, and how to set up on the Jeep
  • weight rating
  • brand of winch
  • mounting - high or low inside a bumper
  • Do you want to change the stock "hook" for a different connector? Why?
  • Do you want or need a cover on the winch as your run around day to day. (protection against dust mud, and rain)
Warn, and Smittybilt, both have a well equipped "recovery bag" that is an all-in-one kit of recovery gear basics (straps, gloves, connectors, et al.)

Best of luck -- let us know what you choose and in stall
 
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