http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=110598273261

Thinking about that bumper or this one:

http://www.mountainoffroad.com/_e/Bu...6_Cherokee.htm

Anyone ever had any experience with either?

 

first one looks home made and a better design. the second on doesn't look like there is much bumper with the swing away sunk in like that.

 

I've seen a bumper with a carry-arm like the ebay bumper - break completely off and tire rolling down the trail. It wasn't hit, but I'm sure it's sticking out that way didn't help. I would be wary of a carry-arm that extends like that so far out, not gussetted or supported. Also the tire is center mounted, so your view is completely obstructed.
IMO the M.O.R.E. bumper is a better design - the swing arm is tucked in so there is no chance of smacking it during departure, plus it is additionally supported on the "lap" of the bumper itself instead of just by the latch & bracket. The shorter carry arm is supported & the tire is offset so you can still see out the back with 33-35" tire. Ebay might cost less ... but you get what you pay for in the long run.

If I didn't already have a Detours bumper, the MORE would have been my choice. I don't think it was available when I bought mine.

 

Holy hell. For those prices you could get something way better. Give Staangs Fab or TMR Customs a call. I prefer staangs fab but if you're on a budget TMR might have something ready made and cheaper for you.

www.staangsfab.com
www.tmrcustoms.com

 

For that much money you could buy a harbor freight welder a dewalt grinder and some steel and build your own for less. Trust me i did

 

I don't know the new detours XJ tailbone is pretty nice and it has d-rings where the mountain offroad bumper does not. For the price I like the detours XJ tailbone better.

http://www.detoursusa.com/tailbone.php

The only thing I would be worried about is the stock bumper not being strong enough and you can only carry a 33" spare, but I don't really have plans to go over 33" for a long time.

I do like the design of the mountain offroad better and it is priced the about the same as a Warn with the same provisions but the price is almost too high.

 

Detour (Mark) is an active member on here. PM him and ask. He has been very helpful to members in the past.

It bolts behind the bumper anyway's so the weight isnt actually on the bumper itself.
http://www.detoursusa.com/tailbone_install.php

 

The Tailbone system is VERY strong. I've had mine on since March and haven't had to tighten a single bolt on it. I get no vibrations from it and it stiffened up the rear of the XJ nicely. As for carrying strength, a 33" will fit on there without any issues, so I wouldn't worry about that. Talk to Mark at Detours and he can let you know for certain on it though.

 

Yeah after I posted I read through the install instructions and it actually seems like it should actually strengthen the bumper quite a bit.

That seems like the best price and exactly what I want.

 

I don't have the Tailbone, I have the full Slimline bumper & tire carrier. I figured to go for the better protection it offered over the stock stuff. But if it suits your purpose it's an excellent buy. My Slimline cost about the same as any of the above, and less than Warn IIRC. It also has something that none of the other 2 have, which is side panel protection, and optional lights. Comes with the lenses & wiring. Those panels have saved my XJ's tail several times already, been dented and scratched.

You're right ... anyone can buy tools. But not everyone has the space, time, ability, or knowledge to do what you're suggesting.