Baconhunter

I have a 96 ZJ & I am wondering about brush guards... Does a brush guard (the kind that come up & cover the headlights) serve as a replacement for the bumper? Or does it just look cool? If I do purchase one, I am going to take off the bumper & put the guard on. Is this a smart choice? Sorry if it sounds stupid, I'm pretty new to the jeep life.

andrewmp6

Its just for looks pretty much,Most have brackets that wrap around the oem bumper and in a wreck those same brackets can bend back.I would spend the money for a real off road bumper if you want protection.And you get recovery points and even a winch mount if you buy a bumper with one.

Baconhunter

Thanks, any suggestions on what I should buy?

andrewmp6

Depends your budget and style you like. https://www.hansonoffroad.com/ has 3,Arb has one http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Deluxe-B...060-P3324.aspx and http://trailready.com/bumpers/jeep_gr_cherokee.html and http://www.protofab4x4.com/products.php?ID=06 has a couple and jcr has a diy one where you weld it yourself if you can http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JGC/DIY-ZJ-F-WN.html