summerinmaine Posted June 23, 2007 Share Posted June 23, 2007 Okay, the XJ aftermarket bumper I thought I had didn't pan out, so I'm back in the hunt. One option I'm considering is the Nate's 4x4 XJ Recessed Winch Bumper, shown here: http://www.nates4x4.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=68 (1984-96 version slightly different than image shown) with a 2" receiver and light tabs. I'll add a winch later on. Anyone have any experience with Nate's? Does it tie into the frame enough to use for recovery? The price seems good, but that never comes without a cost in my experience. Any other options to consider? I don't want to go higher than $500 unless I'm convinced it's necessary. I've looked at the ARB and the RigidCo, but not any others. Anyone on the list ever try fabbing a few bumpers to amortize the costs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostissues Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 I'm also considering this bumper, it says it has the stearing box tie in bolts for added contact points. the only thing that i would want is to have the side protection on it like with his regular winch bumper. i found a guy on jeepforum that had this bumper on his xj, he sent me some pics: i would love it if it had the side protection like his other one: I'm sure you have looked at JCR's bumper, very nice, a little expensive. the other one i was looking at was this one: http://ajsoffroadarmor.com/Front%20Bump ... mpers.html realy nice looking. hope this helps. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted June 25, 2007 Share Posted June 25, 2007 I have a custom one and a Rigidco one... The Rigid CO is by far one of the best mounting systems out there. I am not sure what Nates cost, but it didnt look to refined from the picture.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summerinmaine Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 Thanks for the input. I liked the looks of the RigidCO, but it's a fair bit pricier than Nate's, and I want to have a radiator guard/light bar, which is included in Nate's and doesn't appear available on the RigidCO. Nate's apparently responded to some concerns about the strength of their mounting system, and include the extended mount with the Recessed Winch bumper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attaboybob Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I have a rear bumper from AJ's I have a front bumper from JCR BOB http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/mer ... y_Code=XJB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summerinmaine Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 I have a rear bumper from AJ'sI have a front bumper from JCR BOB http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/mer ... y_Code=XJB How do you like them? Have you compared the JCR bumper to the Nate's? Look's like for a comparable design front bumper, JCR is about 2X the cost of Nate's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob S Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I am an ARB fan myself. I know they are pricey, but I feel they are worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I just looked at the JCR.... there bumpers are simple as well. the mounting system is cheesy as well. the "unibody tie in "plates have become standar on any of the better bumpers... All I am going to say is look at how well thought out RigidCo. bumper mounting system is. Terry is a helluva nice guy too. As for the light hoop... if you contact him he will add one for a small fee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87manche Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I just looked at the JCR.... there bumpers are simple as well. the mounting system is cheesy as well. the "unibody tie in "plates have become standar on any of the better bumpers... the uni body plates are standard with all the winch bumpers. To say that it's cheesy isn't fair. How many mall crawlers out there have aftermarket bumpers with no tie in plates. They're just building what people want. That said, the designs are simple, box bumpers. I like my JCR, it all bolted up with no issues, and all the holes were spot on. They're relatively cheap, simple and strong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attaboybob Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 I have a rear bumper from AJ'sI have a front bumper from JCR BOB http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/mer ... y_Code=XJB How do you like them? Have you compared the JCR bumper to the Nate's? Look's like for a comparable design front bumper, JCR is about 2X the cost of Nate's. The JCR bumpers are solid. great welds. I don't kmow anything about Rigid bumpers. Nates, I had problems with communication with them when I bought a diff protector from them. great diff protector, poor communication. Brian has been great to deal with. I am installing their upgraded steering system this Saturday on my Cherokee. BOB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XJ Maki Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 For the style of bumper you're looking for I'll add another thumbs up for Rigid. Like pong said, excellent mounting system, documentation, hardware customer service were all top notch. Unfortunately his website is a little lacking, the bumpers he's been making for the past few years look alot better than the prototype on his webpage. If you're looking for a more stock look I'd also highly recommend Detours, super high quality work and service as well. Here's my Rigid FBW with light bar: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 Maybe it is just me.. the way the made it sound was like they were the inovators of the unibody tie ins. I am not bashing their fab work.. just the way the had it worded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summerinmaine Posted June 27, 2007 Author Share Posted June 27, 2007 Thanks to you all for the great comments. Gives me a lot of things to consider, and I'm in no desperate hurry, so I have a chance to do it right. For those who have gotten winch mount bumpers, do you think that adding a 2" receiver as well would be overkill? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 If you have a winch with tow points there is no need to have a reciever as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summerinmaine Posted June 27, 2007 Author Share Posted June 27, 2007 If you have a winch with tow points there is no need to have a reciever as well. I suppose you're right, it is overkill. But if there was a reason, better to include it now than regret it later. I was just thinking that there might be a time when I would want to maneuver a trailer. We were doing that a lot at this year's Baja500, and the front mount receiver really came in handy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjbliley Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 It also gives you the option of running with a front cargo tray or fishing rod/cooler rack. Can never have too many cold beverages when you get back to base camp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feerocknok Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 And launching a boat/personal water craft is much easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summerinmaine Posted June 27, 2007 Author Share Posted June 27, 2007 It also gives you the option of running with a front cargo tray or fishing rod/cooler rack. Can never have too many cold beverages when you get back to base camp. Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!!! :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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