Front end protection/recovery point

dgeist · **Posted:** Fri Oct 26, 2007 12:45 pm

So, I'd like to have a bit more front-end protection and also a decent point to mount accessories (lights, CB antenna, maybe a winch). I like the lines of the factory bumper and want to keep it mostly stock looking, so no bumper replacements are in the works. I really like the backbone system from detours except that you have to cut a large section of the bumper cover off to use it (and would like the solution to be remove-able).

Has anyone seen a decent nerf/bull/A/whatever bar that attaches to the front tow-hook mounting location and offers some utility similar to the detours system (i.e. not just the cosmetic chromed tubular things)?

Dan

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Oct 26, 2007 1:02 pm

dgeist wrote:

So, I'd like to have a bit more front-end protection and also a decent point to mount accessories (lights, CB antenna, maybe a winch). I like the lines of the factory bumper and want to keep it mostly stock looking, so no bumper replacements are in the works. I really like the backbone system from detours except that you have to cut a large section of the bumper cover off to use it (and would like the solution to be remove-able).

Has anyone seen a decent nerf/bull/A/whatever bar that attaches to the front tow-hook mounting location and offers some utility similar to the detours system (i.e. not just the cosmetic chromed tubular things)?

Dan

Nothing strong enough for a recovery point or mounting a winch,the back-bone system is probally your best bet.

dgeist · **Posted:** Fri Oct 26, 2007 1:14 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

dgeist wrote:

Has anyone seen a decent nerf/bull/A/whatever bar that attaches to the front tow-hook mounting location and offers some utility similar to the detours system (i.e. not just the cosmetic chromed tubular things)?

Dan

Nothing strong enough for a recovery point or mounting a winch,the back-bone system is probally your best bet.

Hmm, perhaps using the internal stiffening plate portion of the backbone system and a small-ish fabbed bolt-on that connects to it would be a way to go. Like maybe just with shackle mount points and a section to stiffen it in the license-plate area (i.e. nothing structural above the level of the bumper) would work? Would you still be able to bolt something onto the horizontal mounting holes of the backbone plates with the bumper cover on (or maybe just loosened....)? RLF could make something like that.... oh, wait, no new ideas for you guys :wink:

bbo · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:17 pm **Posts:** 382

or just mount the backone as designed .. and buy a spare bumper cover to replace with when you want .. they can't be that pricey, can they?

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Sat Oct 27, 2007 10:29 am

I like your train of thought. However, what you want to do requires a SOLID structural foundation. And That DOES NOT EXIST with anything stock on any of the current KJ's.

I too wanted something more substancial out front. I looked and found a used ARB Bull bar and am in the process of getting it re-powder coated to match the black on my Limited.

I thin that if you want you rig to do more then you have to be willing to make some tough decisions and not skimp on the process. I got lucky and was able to get into a bull bar for ALOT less than retail allowing me the cash to make it like I want it.

If you are ever in a situation where you need the winch then you had better be sure it is anchored properly and safely. Your life or the life of your KJ could depend on it.

dgeist · **Posted:** Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:30 pm

bbo wrote:

or just mount the backone as designed .. and buy a spare bumper cover to replace with when you want .. they can't be that pricey, can they?

Not horribly expensive, but it's a limited, so you have to have all the prep and paint added into the price, also not having an effective out-building or basement's a deterrent. All my mods need to be attached to the vehicle :wink:

Also, I want it to be different and I want to take a welding class, so that might be a good project.

Dan

bbo · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:17 pm **Posts:** 382

dgeist wrote:

bbo wrote:

or just mount the backone as designed .. and buy a spare bumper cover to replace with when you want .. they can't be that pricey, can they?

Not horribly expensive, but it's a limited, so you have to have all the prep and paint added into the price, also not having an effective out-building or basement's a deterrent. All my mods need to be attached to the vehicle :wink:

Also, I want it to be different and I want to take a welding class, so that might be a good project.

Dan

paint and prep? I have the limited and the bumper cover isn't painted as far as I can tell .. just a standard bumper cover ... the only diff is the grill insert .. right?

what I meant was .. if you ever want to go back to stock .. all you need to do is remove the main part of the backbone and another bumper cover and pop that baby on.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:15 pm

Limiteds often have color matched bumpers. I'm guessing yours doesn't?

bbo · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:17 pm **Posts:** 382

Goglio704 wrote:

Limiteds often have color matched bumpers. I'm guessing yours doesn't?

ooh thats where we messed up

my Jeep is black .. all color matched :lol:

Front end protection/recovery point

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