Regarding Custom Bumpers

[Gabe Voorhees]

So I’m sure a billion people have asked this question, but I really need a good solid steel rear and front bumper. Problem is that the only one I can find is the $1200 ARB one. I don’t even want to spend as much as $500 on one, are there any options at all? I’ve seen Libertys around Instagram with aftermarket bumpers, just not sure where I’d find one. Thanks in advance for the input!

 

[tommudd]

Only one is the ARB and worth EVERY PENNEY!
For 500 bucks you are not getting much, if even one were available
I sold rear bumpers I made a few years back and they were over 500 then ( 2012-13 )
Anything quality is going to costs some bucks
some fit JK and TJ bumpers to the front, but have not seen one yet look like something I would want to run on any of my KJs
nor how they are mounted

 

[65Corvair]

There is a used ARB for sale on Lost Jeeps for $450, not sure of your location though...

 

[05Rene]

So I’m sure a billion people have asked this question, but I really need a good solid steel rear and front bumper. Problem is that the only one I can find is the $1200 ARB one. I don’t even want to spend as much as $500 on one, are there any options at all? I’ve seen Libertys around Instagram with aftermarket bumpers, just not sure where I’d find one. Thanks in advance for the input!

The ARB has the blinkers and running light holes built in already, And it’s bolt on so that’s why it’s so much. Also because the Liberty wasn’t as widely used for off-roading that’s why there isn’t a bunch of parts available.
If you know how to weld you can always get a Tj bumper and modify to fit your liberty. There are plenty of decent cheap rock crawler styles available for under $500.
I have an 05 renegade that I’m putting an 07 TJ rock crawler bumper on.
For this you will have to make modifications for blinkers and running lights depending on the model.

 

[tommudd]

and none ( TJ etc ) look good in the end

 

[05Rene]

and none ( TJ etc ) look good in the end

I guess we are all entitled to out personal opinion.
I think as long as it’s tucked nicely and doesn’t hang out like a big donkey d!€k it can look ok.

 

[tommudd]

I guess we are all entitled to out personal opinion.
I think as long as it’s tucked nicely and doesn’t hang out like a big donkey d!€k it can look ok.

True, but have not seen one yet done that way, and none I have seen anywhere are mounted good enough to hook anything up to them
People just use a couple of bolts and think its good
Plus most all are not aligned to match the front
yes that is my opinion, but if you are going to do it, find one that looks like it may have been designed for a KJ then mount it close and mount it right
To date I have not found any bumper that looks good on a KJ
if there was there would be one on the front of at least one of mine

 

[05Rene]

Today I got my front end ready to put some new rubbers 265/75R16 nice meaty tires!
With this mod I Also cut the blinker housing off the bumper and repositioned the running light by making my own holes.
This allows me to still have my blinkers and running lights functional Without having to modify some other type of blinker to fit when I put the new rock crawler bumper on.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/eHaapKuxa5dQmkECA

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bgX9EmZhbqf8Nban8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/guGLCAxxXFjdtwPA6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5gszrFhsxvJb1Zs67

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WnHnEab8dxKmJdrk7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2ibycVsuX3Q1vmTi9

 

[05Rene]

Next I’ll be making templates to cover the holes in the front under the blinkers and around the old bumper to clean it up a little. I’ll post my progress

 

[tommudd]

and next regear

 

[05Rene]

Ok so here’s photos from the process of making the mounts and panels to cover the holes.
I was able to keep the original tow hooks in place and beefed up the mounting bolts with 1/2 bolts.
I also did the washer bottle relocation. I just need to wire the fog lights to the original wiring. Hope it works!!!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/L7iDspwg9wx9nSbV6

 

[05Rene]

Test run in the mountain went good!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5paZWnmxt25yjK4w7

 

[tommudd]

Ok so here’s photos from the process of making the mounts and panels to cover the holes.
I was able to keep the original tow hooks in place and beefed up the mounting bolts with 1/2 bolts.
I also did the washer bottle relocation. I just need to wire the fog lights to the original wiring. Hope it works!!!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/L7iDspwg9wx9nSbV6

What are you going to do with the huge gap on the sides?
There is the issue, Wrangler bumpers are straight across, and KJs are curved so you end up with that huge amount of empty space on each side

 

[05Rene]

What are you going to do with the huge gap on the sides?
There is the issue, Wrangler bumpers are straight across, and KJs are curved so you end up with that huge amount of empty space on each side

I kinda like the way it goes straight across.
Yeah it does stick out a little but that’s the price you pay for doing it on the cheap. Still had plenty of clearance In the front. im happy with it.

 

[tommudd]

I kinda like the way it goes straight across.
Yeah it does stick out a little but that’s the price you pay for doing it on the cheap. Still had plenty of clearance In the front. im happy with it.

Now see that would bug the heck out of me everytime I looked at it
But as long as you like it, that is all that counts

 

[05Rene]

Now see that would bug the heck out of me everytime I looked at it
But as long as you like it, that is all that counts

I built my own rear bumper to mimic a RockLizard Style bumper since they no longer sell them.
Mocked it up with cardboard then built out of 1/8” plate that was sitting around a buddy’s house. here’s some pics of the process and end result. Enjoy!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7A4SUZsnGyoCmJReA

 

[tommudd]

I built my own rear bumper to mimic a RockLizard Style bumper since they no longer sell them.
Mocked it up with cardboard then built out of 1/8” plate that was sitting around a buddy’s house. here’s some pics of the process and end result. Enjoy!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7A4SUZsnGyoCmJReA

Sort of yes, straight across but close
I ran a Rock Lizard with dual swing outs for years
Running one of mine I made on the 03 made 10, sold several , screwed over on one ( never trust some people LOL) years back

 

[AJ9P]

I built my own rear bumper to mimic a RockLizard Style bumper since they no longer sell them.
Mocked it up with cardboard then built out of 1/8” plate that was sitting around a buddy’s house. here’s some pics of the process and end result. Enjoy!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7A4SUZsnGyoCmJReA

That is epic! Too bad you don’t sell them!

 

[tommudd]

That is epic! Too bad you don’t sell them!

Not worth the hassle really
I made ten, people said they wanted them but when time came, didn't want to pay over 150-200 bucks for a good well built solid bumper. Then one person messed me up, with me holding one never to be paid.
So like I said that is why no one really wants to make any
Lots of KJ owners want everything for next to nothing

 

[AJ9P]

Not worth the hassle really
I made ten, people said they wanted them but when time came, didn't want to pay over 150-200 bucks for a good well built solid bumper. Then one person messed me up, with me holding one never to be paid.
So like I said that is why no one really wants to make any
Lots of KJ owners want everything for next to nothing

I get it. I don’t have access to a shop or welder so most of my repairs or upgrades are done in my driveway. A new rear bumper is definitely on my want list.