What's involved in getting an aftermarket bumper professionally mounted to a ZJ?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South Florida
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L
What's involved in getting an aftermarket bumper professionally mounted to a ZJ?
I was browsing Kevin's off road and read the Cherokees and Grand Cherokees have extremely thin metal for hooking up an aftermarket, heavy duty (metal) bumpers...at least compared to Ford and Chevy trucks.
It mentioned that Jeeps at full flex have ran into problems--I guess the frame is a little bit more flexible and having rigid spots where a bumper is welded prevents the rest of the frame from flexing which adds stress and potentially fractures to the interface between the bumper and frame.
I wanted to research what it would cost to buy a bumper and have it professionally installed, but I'm concerned how this might impact a daily driven vehicle.
Other than the obvious reduced fuel mileage and increased weight, I read another post on here where this dude's ride was pulling to the left or right on the highway.
Is there a write up or article that someone might be able to point me to that goes through what's involved in attaching these bumpers and what to watch out for?
I already know the previous owner of my vehicle hit something and pushed the front crossmember into the radiator (didn't crush the radiator but I see it's touching).
It mentioned that Jeeps at full flex have ran into problems--I guess the frame is a little bit more flexible and having rigid spots where a bumper is welded prevents the rest of the frame from flexing which adds stress and potentially fractures to the interface between the bumper and frame.
I wanted to research what it would cost to buy a bumper and have it professionally installed, but I'm concerned how this might impact a daily driven vehicle.
Other than the obvious reduced fuel mileage and increased weight, I read another post on here where this dude's ride was pulling to the left or right on the highway.
Is there a write up or article that someone might be able to point me to that goes through what's involved in attaching these bumpers and what to watch out for?
I already know the previous owner of my vehicle hit something and pushed the front crossmember into the radiator (didn't crush the radiator but I see it's touching).
Last edited by po0dingles; 08-22-2014 at 10:25 AM.
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Mercer County, NJ
Posts: 12,692
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
I was browsing Kevin's off road and read the Cherokees and Grand Cherokees have extremely thin metal for hooking up an aftermarket, heavy duty (metal) bumpers...at least compared to Ford and Chevy trucks.
It mentioned that Jeeps at full flex have ran into problems--I guess the frame is a little bit more flexible and having rigid spots where a bumper is welded prevents the rest of the frame from flexing which adds stress and potentially fractures to the interface between the bumper and frame.
I wanted to research what it would cost to buy a bumper and have it professionally installed, but I'm concerned how this might impact a daily driven vehicle.
Other than the obvious reduced fuel mileage and increased weight, I read another post on here where this dude's ride was pulling to the left or right on the highway.
Is there a write up or article that someone might be able to point me to that goes through what's involved in attaching these bumpers and what to watch out for?
I already know the previous owner of my vehicle hit something and pushed the front crossmember into the radiator (didn't crush the radiator but I see it's touching).
It mentioned that Jeeps at full flex have ran into problems--I guess the frame is a little bit more flexible and having rigid spots where a bumper is welded prevents the rest of the frame from flexing which adds stress and potentially fractures to the interface between the bumper and frame.
I wanted to research what it would cost to buy a bumper and have it professionally installed, but I'm concerned how this might impact a daily driven vehicle.
Other than the obvious reduced fuel mileage and increased weight, I read another post on here where this dude's ride was pulling to the left or right on the highway.
Is there a write up or article that someone might be able to point me to that goes through what's involved in attaching these bumpers and what to watch out for?
I already know the previous owner of my vehicle hit something and pushed the front crossmember into the radiator (didn't crush the radiator but I see it's touching).
As for the guy swirving, that could be anything. To blame it on a bumper is dumb.
Come here next time and don't read into magazines and such. We Will steer you right. You can install an aftermarket bumper yourself. I know someone Will post after me some links so you can see the real mounting points since im at lunch at work
#7
Old fart with a wrench
To answer you guy's questions about the WJ, there ain't nothing strong enough to mount a REAL bumper and the factory tow hooks in the front will tear out if you ****** with them. On a steady pull or use of a nylon tow strap, they are fine, but do not ****** with a chain!
After all, the primary use of a WJ is NOT off-roading. It's more of a bad weather grocery getter. I'm sorry to say that because I own one. It's fine in snow that you'd have to use snowshoes in, but in rough terrain, it needs modifications. I solved the rear tow points with a trailer hitch.
After all, the primary use of a WJ is NOT off-roading. It's more of a bad weather grocery getter. I'm sorry to say that because I own one. It's fine in snow that you'd have to use snowshoes in, but in rough terrain, it needs modifications. I solved the rear tow points with a trailer hitch.
Trending Topics
#8
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Mercer County, NJ
Posts: 12,692
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
To answer you guy's questions about the WJ, there ain't nothing strong enough to mount a REAL bumper and the factory tow hooks in the front will tear out if you ****** with them. On a steady pull or use of a nylon tow strap, they are fine, but do not ****** with a chain!
After all, the primary use of a WJ is NOT off-roading. It's more of a bad weather grocery getter. I'm sorry to say that because I own one. It's fine in snow that you'd have to use snowshoes in, but in rough terrain, it needs modifications. I solved the rear tow points with a trailer hitch.
After all, the primary use of a WJ is NOT off-roading. It's more of a bad weather grocery getter. I'm sorry to say that because I own one. It's fine in snow that you'd have to use snowshoes in, but in rough terrain, it needs modifications. I solved the rear tow points with a trailer hitch.
#9
Old fart with a wrench
Yeah, when I first bought my WJ, I went looking for front tow hooks and a brush guard for it. HAH! The OEM kit for the tow hooks have brackets that mount with POP RIVETS! Admittedly large ones but REALLY? Nobody seems to make much off-road stuff for the WJ yet. The only brush guard I found looks like a shopping cart handle sticking out the front.
Last edited by dave1123; 08-23-2014 at 08:51 AM.
#10
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Mercer County, NJ
Posts: 12,692
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
Can it be modded with large nuts and grade 8 bolts at all. I've seen nicely built 01-02 WJs. Made me want one as the family car. That's discouraging though
#11
Old fart with a wrench
#12
Old fart with a wrench
Don't get me wrong! I love my WJ. I'm just disappointed it's not like my ZJ was. The bumpers on this are just plastic over styrofoam. You could probably damage them with a good kick! I'm serious! I backed into a concrete based lamp post, just inching, and put a crease in the corner of it.
My ZJ got slammed in the rear by a Jeep Liberty and the only damage was the step trim panel popped off. My trailer hitch punched a hole in his front bumper, however. The impact wasn't enough to set off his airbags, either.
Last edited by dave1123; 08-23-2014 at 10:23 AM.
#13
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Mercer County, NJ
Posts: 12,692
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
You could mount it with bolts but the problem is there are no holes for the bolts and it would take a major disassembly of the front end to get access and the metal is thin. The ZJ at least has some strength to it.
Don't get me wrong! I love my WJ. I'm just disappointed it's not like my ZJ was. The bumpers on this are just plastic over styrofoam. You could probably damage them with a good kick! I'm serious! I backed into a concrete based lamp post, just inching, and put a crease in the corner of it.
My ZJ got slammed in the rear by a Jeep Liberty and the only damage was the step trim panel popped off. My trailer hitch punched a hole in his front bumper, however. The impact wasn't enough to set off his airbags, either.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)