What would you pay for this bumper

[dscowell]

Found this on the Fort Collins CL and I really like the look of it and everything but $450 is quite a bit for me at the moment. Would you pay the 450 or would you try and negotiate down some?

http://images.craigslist.org/00e0e_hsV3L6OVaMj_600x450.jpg
http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/pts/4027872769.html

[Jim]

go 350/375

If you'd like me to check it out, holler.

[Patrolman]

Similar brand new Toyota bumpers are sold by a guy in Ft Collins area for $350. I don't think I would pay more than $350 for a used bumper, but I guess it depends on what new Xj bumpers cost.

[Hypoid]

Based on what the ad has to say about the bumper, I'd pass.

These unibody Jeeps need extra consideration for winching and recovery points. Without any information on the mounting system, there is nothing get excited about.

[dscowell]

What information would need to be known about the bumper for the winch and recovery points?

[Popsgarage]

If the bumper isn't tied into the uni-body correctly, using a winch can pull the bumper right off the body, damaging the uni-body or completely destroying the front frame "horns". You want to find something that incorporates a mounting system that covers as much surface area along the front frame "horn" as possible. Usually this means a steering box brace on the XJ/MJ. Here are a couple of links and pics to give you an idea of what to look for. http://www.tntcustoms.com/Jeep/Cherokee_XJ/RockRunner_Front_Bumperxj.aspx
http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJB/UNF.html
http://jksmfg.com/i-8938561-cherokee-xj-comanche-mj-1984-2001-steering-brace-system.html

http://www.tntcustoms.com/images/products/detail/XJBumpermounting.jpg
http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/CrusaderUNFkitThmb.jpg
http://jksmfg.com/images/M62507071.jpg

[dscowell]

That's what I was thinking! If it didn't have a unibody tie in bracket couldn't I just buy one and install it with the bumper?

[carpenle]

I see this one on CL all of the time http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/4078519586.html $375 seems reasonable.

[dscowell]

Yeah I see that one quite a bit too. Thanks a guy advertising for his company on there. http://offroadarmor.net/Offroadarmor.net/XJ_Winch_Bumper.html

I was just searching CL to see if there where any good deals at the moment. Not really in any need of a bumper but I figured I'd see what you guys had to say.

[Popsgarage]

If it didn't have a unibody tie in bracket couldn't I just buy one and install it with the bumper

You could with a fairly minimal amount of extra fab work.

[trailfiend]

JCR's system for all of their front bumpers is pretty straight forward and what I've based my setup on. They use a burly 3/16" plate that plates both sides of the frame, incorporates not only the 3 OE bumper bolts, but also the 3 steering box bolts, an additional two behind it, AND wraps under the unibody to incorporate the swaybar mounts, which is unique to their bracket. It also sandwiches the forward-most tab that hangs off the frame, which has the 2 bolts that see the most load in a recovery. Unlike some bumpers, their bumpers bolt to the outside of a frame plate, and only attach with three 1/2" bolts per side, so installing the bumper is easier done because you're only installing the bumper - not also attaching the steering box at the same time (that part sucked).

When I build my next bumper I'm going to include a couple of additional bolts for the bracket to add some extra strength.

http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJMISC/UNF.html

Check out JCR's DIY bumpers, they're pretty slick. Particularly the MJ rear bumper. I've been planning on building a new front bumper, once I do, I'll be stripping my current bumper down, rewelding the seams and adding some extra gussets, fresh paint and selling it.

[dscowell]

I really like JCR products and I have seen their MJ rear bumper and do like it a lot! If I were to get this bumper or another aftermarket one I would probably got with the JCR rear to give it a similar look in the rear.

I believe this guy is on CC
http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/MJ-DIY-R11.jpg

[xaza]

$450 is what I paid for my Smittybilt front bumper new. Sounds a bit high for a used one. JCR is some sweet stuff

[Popsgarage]

Hmmm, I do believe the MJ bumper is a fairly recent addition to their lineup. Do not remember it from the last time I was on their site.

[dscowell]

They added it a little while ago think it's the newest item to the XJ/MJ section. I know way back before I was driving the sold other MJ products like rockers but had to discontinue them do to the MJ market being so small especially compared to the XJ market.

[trailfiend]

I would love to pick up an MJ some day and build it full crawler...

I'd also like to expeditionize a 70's F250 to double as a work truck, and get a car that doesn't just take all my money for gas.

[dscowell]

From what everyone has said it looks like I should offer $350 for the bumper.

I was thinking if it is still available and I am able to look at it find that it has the longer unibody brackets and everything looks to be in good shape to offer $550 for the bumper and winch or just $350 for the bumper. Does this sound reasonable?

[Popsgarage]

Not a bad price. Compare it to kits from JCR and T&T Customs and go from there. The Harbor Freight winch is a $300 dollar buy all day long.

[dscowell]

He didn't say on the winch I can certainly ask. What should I look for or be aware of? Make sure it works obviously but what else? My truck is pretty little and I won't be taking it on any trails right now that would get me into too much trouble so what weight capacity should it be at a minimum?

[trailfiend]

You'd want to look at an 8,000lb winch for your jeep, 10k if you want a burlier set-up.

Like Jon said, compare that to the price of a JCR kit, I'd be in to help burn one of those together, I'm sure there might be one or two others' on here that could help, too.

[Patrolman]

Yeah, 8,000 should be the minimum. That is pretty standard. Only vehicles that can go lighter is something like a Samurai. If you are checking on buying the winch, make sure the cable doesn't have any damage/kinks. Also, make sure the winch winds both in/out and that it free spools out. The hook and fairlead should be included too, preferably a roller fairlead assuming it is steel cable.

[Popsgarage]

He didn't say on the winch I can certainly ask. What should I look for or be aware of? Make sure it works obviously but what else? My truck is pretty little and I won't be taking it on any trails right now that would get me into too much trouble so what weight capacity should it be at a minimum?


The 9500 LB winch he has on the front would be plenty big enough for your MJ.

[Popsgarage]

Like Jon said, compare that to the price of a JCR kit, I'd be in to help burn one of those together, I'm sure there might be one or two others' on here that could help, too.

X2!!!

[Popsgarage]

Do ask him if he bought the extended warranty with the Harbor Freight winch and if he did, when did he buy it and if he has the receipt. Good for, I believe, a two year free replacement!

[dscowell]

Alright I will I'm looking at it Saturday I probably won't be getting the winch but I'll ask if the price is right.