XJ Bumper?

[bRIBEGuy]

So since my front bumper is significantly less pretty then it used to be, I'm toying with the idea of upgrading to a "proper" off road bumper. 

While a winch is not in the cards right now, I'd like the option of mounting one later.  I've been reading and reading, and reading some more, and while the ARB's & WARN's are nice, I'm looking to go a bit of a different (and cheaper) route.  This is not a dedicated off-road rig, so looks are important in this application as well.

So far I think I've narrowed it down to 3 choices:

1) OR-FAB Rockslider Winch

2) Hanson Winchguard or Prerunner

3) Rockhard4x4

I'm hoping that folks here can chime in with some thoughts and/or experiences.  No, I do not have the time or skills to fab my own.   

Any opinions?

[esi]

Get someone to build one for you. You'll get the look you want and it will probably cost the same as aftermarket but will most likely be built stronger. A PM to lemonade Jay might be a good place to start.

[w squared]

+1 for Jay's bumpers. He builds 'em stout, builds you exactly what you want, and the price I paid was VERY fair. I've been beating on mine for two years, and it still looks and works great!

[XJSteve]

I run an ARB bumper with a winch. Very impressive strength etc. but always consider the WEIGHT. It all adds up and especially on a front heavy vehicle like an XJ, every component feels the pressure of the extra weight, especially if you're running the stock Dana 30 front axle. I don't know what Jay's bumpers weigh but you should ask. Of course, if you want a winch bumper the strength required will require a certain commitment to additional heft.

Steve

[bRIBEGuy]

I run an ARB bumper with a winch. Very impressive strength etc. but always consider the WEIGHT. It all adds up and especially on a front heavy vehicle like an XJ, every component feels the pressure of the extra weight, especially if you're running the stock Dana 30 front axle. I don't know what Jay's bumpers weigh but you should ask. Of course, if you want a winch bumper the strength required will require a certain commitment to additional heft.

Steve

Thanks for the feedback.  The weight was one of the reasons I was leaning towards the OR-FAB set-up.  It only weights in around 70lb, which seems pretty light for a winch bumper.

[JackstandJohnny]

keep in mind the winch also weighs a good 60 - 70 lbs or something like that. 

if your bumper/winch combe comes in at 150lbs or more theres a good chance it will bring your front end down a good inch. 

IMO, i'd just add a set of ZJ V8 coils up front to go with your spacers and it should level you back out.  and if you used after market lift springs, perhaps add a spacer! 

it is a good upgrade to make though

[bRIBEGuy]

I have OME heavy duty front springs now, and ACOS on the way, so the drop should be easily manageable.

[JackstandJohnny]

I have OME heavy duty front springs now, and ACOS on the way, so the drop should be easily manageable.

then yes, i'd say you are good to go.

if you're countin votes, i like the hanson bumpers

[Tyn Pow]

I have OR Fab tube bumpers front and rear on my wagon and I like them. 

Not too heavy but are holding up to me beating them on rocks, trees, shopping carts etc

[bRIBEGuy]

Wicked.  Thanx for the feedback and opinions so far guys!

[WagoneerXJ]

I have an ARB on my 98 XJ. Got it used from a member here (It smashed through the back of a Nissan Altima!) and love it so far. A little heavy mind you, but it didn't bring down my front end.

 I also take into account that where I live, there are tons of deer and elk all over the highway and I already piled through one, wrecking my stock bumper and one of the fenders.

[bRIBEGuy]

The ARB's are sweet, there is certainly no denying that.  A buddy of mine runs on his Land Rover, and swears by it (and is also trying to convince me to pony up for one for my XJ....LOL).  If money was no object, then I'd probably drop the $1200, but sone of the other options I'm looking at I can get for almost $500 less.  I'm thikin' I might just cheap out on the bumper a bit and put the rest of the coin towards new tires (still debating over 245/75R16, 31x10.5R15, or possibly stepping up to 265/75R16).