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.

 

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.

 

Thanks, any suggestions on what I should buy?

 

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