View Full Version : Which WJ Bumper? ARB vs TrailReady vs LSR
CJC99TJ
11-09-2010, 04:00 PM
I'm currently trying to figure out which bumper I should purchase. I like the ARB, TrailReady, and LSR Incline bumpers. I definitely want a winch bumper with solid tow points.
ARB
http://www.aev-conversions.com/images/vehicles_show_grand_wj.jpg
ARB's are common on these boards and is the least expensive out of the three but it also has the worst approach angle.
TrailReady
http://www.csloffroad.com/images/products/detail/WJfrontbase22_lg.jpg
I havent found much on this bumper for WJs but they seem to be popular on ZJs.
LSR Incline
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/barantz/MoabC%20Avg/MoabC%20best/MoabC%20Greg/IMG_2348.jpg
The most expensive of the bunch but also has the best clearance.
I don't plan on rock crawling per se (no rocks here anyway) but dont want the bumper to get hung up on every obstacle, either. Feel free to make some suggestions!
MuckSavage
11-09-2010, 04:23 PM
I would base my opinion on which has the best connection to the subframe. This is what led me to purchase the Detours Backbone for my XJ. I didn't want or need the full effect of a fullsize bumper though.
BIGdaddy
11-09-2010, 04:34 PM
I would base my opinion on which has the best connection to the subframe. This is what led me to purchase the Detours Backbone for my XJ. I didn't want or need the full effect of a fullsize bumper though.
This is how I'd choose too. It was between the detours and the logan's metal bumper for my XJ. I DID want a fullsize bumper and chose the latter for that reason. both have excellent mounting systems though, and both were very good values for the money...
As for your application and choices:
ARB's are not known for their out of the box tow shackle strength. XJmike just retrofitted his, though, with some tough mounts. Look for that thread.
personally, I like the looks and function of the trailready setup. very slick, and very stout.
cheers,
Brian
That LSR is sick. I have seen it up close at GSW and it is very well thought out. You will pay for it though. As for clearance any of those will help with clearance, the plastic bumper hangs low on a WJ. If you are not into rock crawling I think any of them are fine choices.
JChatary
11-09-2010, 05:20 PM
I'm certainly not into rock crawling, but me personally, I like the Trailready one. To me the ARB (as good as it looks) would look to be pretty heavy in itself before adding a winch.
I would definitely love to have a winch bumper on mine!
OttawaXJ
11-09-2010, 05:25 PM
LSR is the only one that doesnt look like a kid with an underbite however it all depends on how it attaches to the unibody and how strong the bumper is itself.
BIGdaddy
11-09-2010, 05:28 PM
LSR is the only one that doesnt look like a kid with an underbite however it all depends on how it attaches to the unibody and how strong the bumper is itself.
I try not to personify my rigs. Might make the decision easier for the OP.
:elkgrin:
Root Moose
11-09-2010, 05:55 PM
If you are worried about weight there is also the winch bumper from Iceland Off-Road. I am making no recommendations, just mention it in case you were not aware of it.
BIGdaddy
11-09-2010, 05:59 PM
If you are worried about weight there is also the winch bumper from Iceland Off-Road. I am making no recommendations, just mention it in case you were not aware of it.
yup, good point, man. Does anyone run those up near you?
"Heavy duty mounting brackets laser cut from 4130 chromoly steel plate to ensure the bumper remains in place no matter the level of abuse."
http://www.csloffroad.com/jeepwjfrontwinchbumper-lsr.aspx
If you look it up on Jeep forum, I think, you can find his build thread if the first one. Then he modified the design to make it better. A freind was looking for a front bumper for his WJ and we researched them all. I met the builder once, but I don't have anything to do with this product. I know it is super stout and a great rock crawling bumper.
Icelandic offroad is also worth a look for what you need. Winch ready and light. I find to many rocks to make use of it.
I did see an ARB on a WJ bend this summer on Cliffhanger and damage the fender. He drives his rig HARD though.
CJC99TJ
11-09-2010, 06:27 PM
If you are worried about weight there is also the winch bumper from Iceland Off-Road. I am making no recommendations, just mention it in case you were not aware of it.
I had given some thought about running the Iceland Offroad bumper and flares. They seem to be beefy enough to withstand the rocks so they'd definitely last here. I haven't seen any in person, though. I dont like out far the bumper sticks out from the fenders without the flares so I'd have to run the flares as well.
The Iceland Offroad Bumper/Flare Combo and the LSR Bumper are close to the same price. The LSR bumper definitely seems solid and Im sure is more than enough for what I'll use it for.
From reading up it seems like both the ARB and TR bumpers need some reinforcing to make them work well.
CJC99TJ
11-09-2010, 06:30 PM
If you look it up on Jeep forum, I think, you can find his build thread if the first one. Then he modified the design to make it better. A freind was looking for a front bumper for his WJ and we researched them all. I met the builder once, but I don't have anything to do with this product. I know it is super stout and a great rock crawling bumper.
I read the build thread on Pirate4x4. Its definitely an awesome bumper and I considered building one similar to it. He definitely has a lot of work into the design of it.
Root Moose
11-09-2010, 07:51 PM
yup, good point, man. Does anyone run those up near you?
Not that I'm aware of. I'm kind of on the fence about them at this point. I like the look, not sure about the amount of metal that needs to be cut off for the flares.
From reading up it seems like both the ARB and TR bumpers need some reinforcing to make them work well.
I'm normally a fan of the ARB bumpers but for some reason I just can't get past the look of it on the WJ. It's a nice bumper and it looks good but it doesn't wiggle my tail bone if you know what I mean.
BIGdaddy
11-09-2010, 08:22 PM
Not that I'm aware of. I'm kind of on the fence about them at this point. I like the look, not sure about the amount of metal that needs to be cut off for the flares.
I'm normally a fan of the ARB bumpers but for some reason I just can't get past the look of it on the WJ. It's a nice bumper and it looks good but it doesn't wiggle my tail bone if you know what I mean.
:elkgrin:
markr
11-09-2010, 08:43 PM
I like the Ice Land or LSR, watched the build of the LSR very nice build.
The decision would be the wieght you are willing to put up with, and if you have a lot of rocks although I think it would hold up on mild rock crawling.
I know a guy with a TR on a WJ and it bent the frame coming down on a rock, fairly soft hit and tweeked the frame horn, nothing terible just enough to make it look odd
ARB I just never liked
theksmith
11-09-2010, 09:22 PM
i like iceland and LSR, but would go LSR due to the fact that it has integrated "radiator support" protection, which is a very weak and vulnerable area on our WJ's... the iceland leaves this area unprotected.
LSR:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/greginaz/WJ%20Pics/WJ%20Bumper%20Stuff/Finished%20Bumper/FinishedBumper004.jpg
Iceland Offroad (faintly you can see the radiator support below the bumper):
http://motionoffroad.com/catalog/images/goberserkwjwinchbumper.jpg
and why do you care? well, when you bend that radiator support and pop loose the plastic sides of your radiator and it starts leaking, be prepared for a big bill or a long day, the radiator doesn't just pop out: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/wj-radiator-replacement-write-up-w-pics-530365/
and why do you care? well, when you bend that radiator support and pop loose the plastic sides of your radiator and it starts leaking, be prepared for a big bill or a long day, the radiator doesn't just pop out: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/wj-radiator-replacement-write-up-w-pics-530365/
LOL, I was on Elephant Hill in Canyonlands when I scraped my radiator support. 100' later, there was a loud boom followed by watersteam spraying everywhere, I found I had stressed the radiator and the side tank blew off! :Wow1: Not fun. I now own a Kevins radiator support. (http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=47_57&products_id=285) I have smacked it hard and am very glad to have upgraded.
CJC99TJ
11-09-2010, 11:18 PM
i like iceland and LSR, but would go LSR due to the fact that it has integrated "radiator support" protection, which is a very weak and vulnerable area on our WJ's... the iceland leaves this area unprotected.
That is a very good point. I think the LSR bumper is winning thus far. It looks the best of them all to me and offers the best protection.
Root Moose
11-10-2010, 12:41 AM
Wow, that radiator setup is pretty dumb/vulnerable. Thanks for pointing that out.
Looks like the ARB has that exposed in the picture at the top of the thread also.
I guess you could make a guard for it but then that negates the point of going with the Iceland bumper if the main criteria was relative weight savings.
Backwoods Rambler
11-10-2010, 06:25 PM
Isn't there a rad support/reinforcement add-on for WJ's?
I still prefer the Iceland option for the weight savings...:snorkel:
Root Moose
11-10-2010, 06:44 PM
Yeah, I'm still pretty much sold on the Iceland stuff too. :)
theksmith
11-10-2010, 06:52 PM
Isn't there a rad support/reinforcement add-on for WJ's?
not that i know of
this is what a friend did for me to help distribute the force of light impacts: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5129&postcount=142
it has worked so far - a couple of times, i have come down gently on a rock that would have previously trashed the area and didn't. however, it isn't going to hold up to a big hit from real rock crawling mishaps.
all depends on what you are doing with your WJ, for some, a solution like above might be all that is needed.
CJC99TJ
11-10-2010, 07:27 PM
not that i know of
this is what a friend did for me to help distribute the force of light impacts: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5129&postcount=142
it has worked so far - a couple of times, i have come down gently on a rock that would have previously trashed the area and didn't. however, it isn't going to hold up to a big hit from real rock crawling mishaps.
all depends on what you are doing with your WJ, for some, a solution like above might be all that is needed.
I could probably fab up something along those lines to reinforce the radiator support area if I went with the Iceland bumper. We definitely don't have much for rocks around here and if I went anywhere I would have to drive it back so I wouldn't push too hard. Thanks for bringing that up! BTW, what thickness steel did you use to reinforce it?
00greenwj
11-10-2010, 07:32 PM
I've had my ARB on my WJ for about 6 years and have no complaints. It really doesn’t weigh all that much, I could curl it with one arm before I installed it. Strength wise it didn't even get a scratch on it when I tagged a deer doing 60mph and it had its fair share of rock hits over the years w/ only some rash to the powder coat. The radiator is exposed, but I been thinking about putting a KOR rad support on for more protection. My rubber bumperets didn't last long in the rocks and I think it looks better w/o them anyway. Hope this helps in making your decision.
gprsdlyt
11-11-2010, 01:48 PM
ive had my arb for almost 4 years. at the time it was about the only well built option. i like the high clearance stuff, but not for my dub. ill leave the high clearance stuff for my xj on 38.5's. plus the arb has headlight/grille protection. as for weight, mounting it might required another set of hands or a stand of some kind while you line up bolt holes. i like mine, it works well.
http://i52.tinypic.com/oaqaaf.jpg
fasteddy47
11-12-2010, 03:03 AM
I went with ProtoFab's both front and rear. Was in Arizona on Bizz a few weeks back so I rented a car and drove up to visit them in Dewey.
Mike and his son are stand up guys...the stuff they crank out is first class. Welds and bends are like artwork. Mine are ordered and should arrive on the Wet Coast here any day now. I will post some pic's once they are on.
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p344/fasteddy47/PF901.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p344/fasteddy47/WJ_RSFW1.jpg
http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p344/fasteddy47/IMG_3109.jpg
wjeeper
11-12-2010, 04:39 AM
Having had a WJ I will echo what others have said:whatever bumper you go make sure it has some radiator prodetction:
I wheeled my WJ a bit before the lift and didn't realize the beating that lower radiator support was taking under the plastic bumper untill it was too late........the plastic was only scratched a little bit:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm80/wjeeper/IMGP1116.jpg
This damage was under the stock bumper cover when I was left stranded far from a parts store......yes my jeep is frowning :( (pic is from much later, ignore the aborted/ half built steel bumper)
If you hit it hard enough the radiator pushes up into the hood and its goodnight radiator.............dont ask me how I know:mad:.........stupid rock crawling:ar15:
One idea I had to get that radiator up and out of the way (if you have a 4.0 like I did, the v8 might not have room) would be to lean the radiator towards the motor at the top, trim the upper radiator hose and raise the radiator several inches. I got rid of my WJ before I went this route..................real heeps have frames anyways:elkgrin:
wjeeper
11-12-2010, 04:51 AM
BTW aesthetically I would choose the Iceland Off-road (with custom radiator support) trailready or the LSR bumper.........the road armor bumpers and protofab bumpers make the front end look like the hull of a boat (due to the radiator guard)......and the ARB sticks out so far you could park next to a lake and use it as a diving board!
(this post may or may not have been made under the influence of vodka, and all opinions should be taken with a grain of biased salt:victory: )
wjeeper
11-12-2010, 05:03 AM
Another option for ya.......http://www.kenmtnac.com/WiWJ.html
Just order it without the awful looking tube work/ brush gaurd and I think they look ok.......but do your research, in the past I have heard that they have some fitment issues right out of the box..........
JChatary
11-12-2010, 03:13 PM
BTW aesthetically I would choose the Iceland Off-road (with custom radiator support) trailready or the LSR bumper.........the road armor bumpers and protofab bumpers make the front end look like the hull of a boat (due to the radiator guard)......and the ARB sticks out so far you could park next to a lake and use it as a diving board!
(this post may or may not have been made under the influence of vodka, and all opinions should be taken with a grain of biased salt:victory: )
Someone had already mentioned if you buy the Iceland Offroad bumper, it sticks so far out the sides, it's practically mandatory you get the fender flares as well.
Backwoods Rambler
11-12-2010, 06:10 PM
Someone had already mentioned if you buy the Iceland Offroad bumper, it sticks so far out the sides, it's practically mandatory you get the fender flares as well.
That's a good point and could be a deciding factor if you have no plans to get the flares.
On the other hand, it's fiberglass, could it be trimmed down?
wjeeper
11-13-2010, 12:26 AM
Someone had already mentioned if you buy the Iceland Offroad bumper, it sticks so far out the sides, it's practically mandatory you get the fender flares as well.
Not really the case.........it only sticks out a tad past the fenders and I think it looks great!
http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19309&highlight=iceland+offroad
Make sure to check out page 2, shows the install and shows the mounting brackets very clearly
(good site for ZJ and WJ tech if you can wade through all the inflated egos and general jackass attitude that is mallcrawlin)
CJC99TJ
11-13-2010, 08:17 AM
Not really the case.........it only sticks out a tad past the fenders and I think it looks great!
Thanks for posting up the link. I checked out the pics and it actually doesnt stick out as far as I thought on the side (atleast in those pics).
Im really starting to lean towards the Iceland bumper again. I think I could manage to reinforce the radiator support enough to hold up or maybe make a complete skid of some sort.. Ive got another couple months before I end up ordering something anyway.
Root Moose
11-13-2010, 02:45 PM
I guess if you did something like the front OEM skid plate used on an XJ that would be plenty strong for overlanding use.
Backwoods Rambler
11-14-2010, 02:07 AM
Here it looks like it sticks out pretty far
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll10/snowskaterx8/iceland%20bumper/DSCN8268.jpg
But here it doesn't look that wide at all
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll10/snowskaterx8/iceland%20bumper/DSCN8267.jpg
jeeepguy
11-14-2010, 07:42 AM
Check out the Kevin's Offroad (http://kevinsoffroad.com/jeep/jeep-grand-cherokee-wj/wj-grand-cherokee-%E2%80%93-hard-kor-front-and-rear-bumpers/) bumpers as well.
JChatary
11-14-2010, 04:38 PM
Here it looks like it sticks out pretty far
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll10/snowskaterx8/iceland%20bumper/DSCN8268.jpg
But here it doesn't look that wide at all
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll10/snowskaterx8/iceland%20bumper/DSCN8267.jpg
I'm not totally convinced. I think we should trade WJ's...you know....for investigative purposes! :hehe: :sombrero:
GetOutThere
11-14-2010, 06:21 PM
With no personal experience with any of them, I'm throwing my hat in for the LSR because of the rad support.
And it just plain looks boss.
OverlandZJ
11-14-2010, 06:43 PM
I dont think the Iceland design sticks out TOO far on the corners, gives it a bit of corner protection. Add an aftermarket rad support and you'll save quite a bit of weight.
JChatary
11-18-2010, 02:38 PM
I dont think the Iceland design sticks out TOO far on the corners, gives it a bit of corner protection. Add an aftermarket rad support and you'll save quite a bit of weight.
Yeah...the more I look at the pics, the more I like it. All I need is to sell a couple key things of mine, and I plan on ordering one.
mudgirl
09-01-2011, 02:27 PM
Just wondering if you ever got the Icelandic bumper?? If so, do you like it?? I think I will be ordering one in the next week also. :)
newimage
09-01-2011, 06:50 PM
I have a good buddy at Out Door logic Jimmy who makes as Bumper for the 3rd Gen Toyota 4 Runner
I am dropping off my 2002 WJ on Sept 20th to see if they can retro fit that bumper onto my GC if it works it will affordable and looks great!
http://www.outdoorlogic.net/home.php?cat=268
fabsomuch
09-02-2011, 01:29 AM
Hey I'd like to know what you think of my bumpers. I'd love to show some of my products on the portal. Here are pictures of WJ's and JK's.
bob91yj
09-02-2011, 02:58 AM
I don't get the angled tow points on the GC bumper.
fabsomuch
09-02-2011, 04:36 AM
There not tow points the space between tabs is for tip over hoop a 3/4 shackle is the bolt. The tabs go through bumper about 7" and are part of mounting bracket.
bob91yj
09-02-2011, 12:31 PM
<confused> So if a 3/4 shackle is the bolt, they can be used as tow points?
Nice work BTW, you've got some skills for sure. If you were closer I'd be talking to you about something for my '06 GMC.
ReconH3
09-02-2011, 12:47 PM
I have an ARB on my WJ. If I was to start over I would get the LSR. Not that the quality is bad on the ARB, but that the LSR is so much better thought out. ARB causes V8 to overheat easily. Even with additional scoop.
"Ex Umbris Venimus"
Sent from my iPhone
fabsomuch
09-02-2011, 01:46 PM
I think that we're gettin recovery points and towing points mixed up there for recovery however I have in the past used these tabs for a tow bar setup like towmaster or blue ox
bob91yj
09-02-2011, 02:16 PM
Yep. recovery point would be better terminology.
I don't get the angled tow points on the GC bumper.
I was thinking the same thing. Most pulls are to pull you straight, now you are putting more side load on the tow/recovery point.
fabsomuch
09-13-2011, 12:18 AM
I always put them on the same plane as the wings and in 12 years and about 280 bumpers I've never had 1 crack or tear out so I think they're fairly strong
JeepinkyleWJ
09-13-2011, 03:33 AM
Fabsomuch, if you could build that rear wj bumper with a tire carrier, I would totally buy one right now for my 03 grand
fabsomuch
09-13-2011, 04:02 AM
Thank you i do build the wj with double swing out i would love your biz, i need to look into sponsor for the portal don't want to step on any fingers. Thanks
JeepinkyleWJ
09-13-2011, 04:20 AM
Pm sent
I always put them on the same plane as the wings and in 12 years and about 280 bumpers I've never had 1 crack or tear out so I think they're fairly strong
Are the tow points on the outside of the bumper, or are they through the bumper to the "frame"?
The Trailready is a nice looking bumper but with the ongoing talk of the radiator support the LSR would get my vote. The ARB is nice bumper but to me it so out dated compared to some in house stuff being built.
fabsomuch
09-13-2011, 07:16 PM
The recovery points are 3/8 thick part off mounting brackets plus another 3/8 tab to double up, keeps it from bending.
fabsomuch
09-18-2011, 10:19 PM
The recovery points on all my bumpers are designed to ether be or weld to mounting brackets
cheers.
The recovery points on all my bumpers are designed to ether be or weld to mounting brackets
cheers.
???
I am sorry I dont know what you trying to say.
fabsomuch
09-19-2011, 02:01 AM
They all go through the bumper to the "frame"
fabsomuch
09-19-2011, 02:03 AM
Or what your calling a frame
Or what your calling a frame
Yes it is a uni-body, there are the two rectangular sections that run the length of the Jeep that I am referring to as a frame which is why I used quotes. Some people call it the sub frame, whatever as long as we all know where on the Jeep we are talking about.
Do you have pics from behind the bumper? I am having trouble seeing how those two tabs go through the bumper and bend to attach to the uni-body.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.11 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.