Upgrading Bumpers and lifting my Wrangler

[coleman07]

Its expensive to do everything I want to do to my Wrangler with lifting being probably the most cost. I want to replace bumpers and
wonder if it is ok to do bumpers before I ever think of lifting my jeep. Would it be ok to do the front bumper first to get a winch then do
the rear bumper at a later time?

My questions are more to be sure I don't mess up my upgrade plans.

Thanks so much,

Sean Coleman

[Brucker]

coleman07 previously posted:

[96EXXLTinCO]

Brucker previously posted:

[Robert B]

doing armor first is doable and you can do the front bumper only I took like 6 months to get my rear and then even longer to build the tire carrier though I will say to make sure you will not be doing a body lift .... either the bumper will be at stock height or you will have to rebuy the bumper with the body lift spces built into it

[96EXXLTinCO]

Excellent point!! A body lift is another option. A quick search showed a 2" body lift for $100, if I looked up the right one (jeep guys help us if I'm mistaken on that). Not sure what it would cost to get installed but thats a cheap 2" of lift. But as Robert explained, the bumpers have to be lifted with the proper brackets also, otherwise you'll have a 2" gap between the bumper and raised body that doesn't look so good. Some people dont like the body lifts because on some trucks it exposes the frame a little bit underneath and some dont like how it looks. We're all here to help you out buddy, tons of knowledge on this forum at your diposal. And with me NOT being a Jeep guy, I'll shut up now and let the ones that know your Jeep help with advice.

[Java]

What Brucker said. Protection is a great way to start.

[ColoJeeper]

If it was me starting out with a jeep, the first thing I would make sure of is good tow points front and rear, and then closely followed by rocker panel protection as that is probably the first damage you are likely to do. Then I would worry about front bumper and winch and whatever other upgrades you have in mind.

[dscowell]

I got my front bumper before anything on my truck. Ended up sliding off the road when it was slick and hit a tree. With out the bumper my truck would have had a lot of damage with the bumper I broke some plastic on my grill. Same can go for offroad you can save yourself a lot of damage with some decent armor. Just make sure whatever route you go you get what you want the first time to save money.

[dieseldoc]

I like the protection first.
Add the poundage first that way you see how much drop in the springs you will get.
Then do lift.

Mine is just got a leaveling kit on it and clears 33x12.50 just fine.

A 2.5" lift with flat fenders will clear 35's

[newracer]

I agree with everyone on recovery points, bumpers, and armor first. With good protection you can slide or be drug over most obstacles. I wouldn't use a body lift on a JK, I have heard they only cause problems. If you want a small lift 1-2" just to clear slightly larger tires look into a spacer lift. You can also get a leveling kit to offset the extra weight of a front bumper and winch.

[Max]

He has a 2015 Rubicon, it already has front and rear recovery points.

I say lift and bigger tires. With my setup, I've only used my winch a few times. It's comforting to have, but not necessary at all if you're with a group. Also, with my lift and bigger tires, I never once needed sliders/rocker armor.

Check out Northridge 4x4 out my I25 in Longmont, I've never been there, but it's a nationwide parts and service place. They just opened the Longmont location a few years ago. https://www.google.com/maps/place/No...41d2e282ed231f