Many Jeep owners don’t realize the importance of Jeep bumpers.
Not only does it add to the style of your Jeep, but this engineering is also an extra buffer to the vehicle’s headlights and engine in case of accidents.
Considering the bumper choices on the market nowadays, we’ve compiled a list of the best Jeep JK bumpers to give you informed buying power.
Comparison of the Best Jeep Jk Bumpers
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Why Did These Bumpers for Jeep JK Make Our List?
There are several essential characteristics to note before buying a bumper for your Jeep JK. Our review of the best Jeep JK bumpers has considered product quality, ease of installation, increased clearance, and costs.
Material Quality
The bumper’s weight is vital because heavy bumpers have excellent protection. Even though lightweight bumpers have lower fuel consumption, it won’t offer robust security.
The best kind of coating is a black powder or dual powder coating. These types of coating offer your Jeep bumper the best rust prevention that enhances functionality and durability.
Installation
Though design adds aesthetics, it also contributes to ease of installation. No-drill installations are a more effortless preference. Bumpers with a winch plate and D-ring mounts already installed make it easier to install your winch when needed on your off-road ventures.
Clearance
Bumpers that provide an increase in off-road clearance is a better consumer choice. The approach and descent angles are improved to prevent your Jeep from hanging up or bottoming out on obstacles that you may experience while on trial. In this case, a skid plate is a great option to protect your undercarriage.
Cost
Value for money without compromising quality is essential. For example, some Jeeps come with already installed lighting; this can be saving if you plan on adding them anyway.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Jeep JK Bumpers
- OUR TOP PICK: EAG 51-0328
- RUNNER-UP: EAG 51-0357
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ECOTRIC Winch Plate Front Bumper
Review of the Best Jeep JK Bumpers
The following is the review of the top eight best Jeep JK bumpers.
Best Overall
EAG 51-0328
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers bragged about the easy installation of the EAG. They were happy with their purchase, the build robustness, and the great overall look it gave the Jeep. However, some owners were disappointed that it started to rust and that the paint peeled off within a year.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The EAG 51-0328 product is one of the best Jeep JK bumpers that fit the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK.
Its heavy-duty construction has a 5/12 inch thick mild steel sheet and steel tubing that’s 2 x 0.120 inches for high-quality durability and strength. A great plus is the premium textured powder coat that protects against corrosion.
The front bumper has 9,500 lb D-rings on muscular mounts and a tube over rider with additional space for lights.
There’s fog light housing on the bumper that ensures a simple installation of preexisting fog lights connections. Furthermore, there’s no drilling installation; it’s a direct bolt-on.
Bottom Line
This product is ideal for off-road use and is built for durability and strength. Its installation is an easy process, and it comes with textured powder coating, 9,500 lb D-rings, additional space for light, and preexisting fog light connections.
Pros
Ideal for off-road use
Installation is simple with no drilling or cutting
Built-in winch plate that holds up to 12,000 lbs
Welded hoop increases protection on the front of the Jeep
Two tabs on the pre-runner hoop for additional off-road light installs
Cons
Bottom holes don’t line up
Modification needed for some modes
Runner-up
EAG 51-0357
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What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, the buyers are pleased with their purchase. Its general look is rugged with the stubby bumper. The bumper is also solid, even though it’s hand-welded. Removing the factory bumper was far more challenging than actually installing the EAG 51-0357. Powder coating was of lesser quality, and it started rusting quickly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its compact dimensions are L 48.62 x W 10.28 x H 17.76 inches, and it has a 12,000 lb capacity at its winch location. The EAG 51-0357 is built with steel sheet and wall steel tubing, making it a specially durable bumper. It comes with housing for two extra lights. The roller and fairlead are compatible with the winch plate. What is significant is that the D-ring mounts are welded on both inside and outside for extra strength. The bumper comes with 4.75-ton capacity D-ring shackles. It also offers factory mounting locations, so there’s a no-drill installation that makes it easy to install.
Bottom Line
This runner-up bumper is designed for durability and strength with its 5/32″ steel sheet and 2 3/8″ x .120 wall steel tubing. The winch tray is tailored to house the roller and Hawse fairlead. Another excellent off-road use bumper.
Pros
Up to 12,000 lb winch is supported at winch location
Excellent approach angle and maximum tire clearance
D-ring mounts are welded from both inside and outside
Engineered with durable steel sheets and wall steel tubing
Factory mounting locations are utilized so installation is easy
Cons
Rusts easily
Powder coat of inferior quality
Best for the Money
Ecotric Winch Plate Front Bumper
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What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers think it’s a great bang for your buck. Some found the installation very easy. However, several reported that the assembly hardware is of low quality. The bolts also don’t line up with the factory holes, so some drilling was required. Overall, it’s a reasonably great bumper.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Ecotric Winch Plate Bumper is a decent value for the money. The product is one of the best Jeep JK bumpers that are high quality with a direct bolt-on. The bumper is compatible with the LED fog light that upgrades your Jeep in style and functionality. Its durability results from a 2 x 0.120-inch wall steel construction, and it’s 72 pounds. The consumer package deal includes two 40 W Cree LED fog lights, two 30 W Cree LED work lights, two 4.75 ton D-ring isolators, and mounting brackets that are 1/4 inch thick with some harnesses.
Bottom Line
The Ecotric Winch Plate Front Bumper is a consumer package that has great value for your money. It’s a direct bolt-on, making installation easier. However, on some Jeeps, the hole diameter may need to be increased on the Jeep frame plate.
Pros
Powder-coated texture black
2 x heavy-duty D-ring attachments
Light tabs for extra road lighting installs
Built-in features include LED lighting and a winch plate with a wide opening
Ultra-rugged with extra strength because of the one-piece fully welded design
Cons
Material is fragile
Some Jeeps need hole diameter increased on frame plate
Best Front Bumper for Jeep JK
LEDKINGDOMUS Full-Width Bumper
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What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, buyers report shows that they are pleased with the condition and quality of the bumper. Most consumers brag about the great aesthetics upliftment and the enhanced night vision from the LED lighting with no flicker. There’s no harness to wire up the lights, so make sure you get this before installation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The LEDKINGDOMUS is one of the best Jeep JK bumpers for the 2007-2008 model for both two- or four-door vehicles. The engineering for the LEDKINGDOMUS full-width bumper is heavy-duty steel that adds durability and strength in rough off-road conditions. The LED lighting and subsequent night vision is a boast with two 18 Watt, and two 20 Watt LED lights set between the D-ring mounts. The D-ring mounts are high strength due to internal and external welding. This bumper has a corrosion-resistant finish incorporating an epoxy pre-coating and superior textured black powder coating, which is long-lasting.
Bottom Line
The LEDKINGDOMUS is a tremendous front bumper for your Jeep JK that possesses LED lighting with an impressive look. This lighting not only looks great, but it also offers finer illumination and visibility of your vehicle that adds to safety when driving at night.
Pros
Field of vision is amplified at night
Looks are greatly enhanced by LED lighting
Comes with all the hardware needed for bolt-on installation
Textured black powder is finished in two stages to resist corrosion
Offers a built-in winch plate for a maximum 12,000 pounds of load support
Cons
LED lights are of inferior quality
Wiring harness isn’t included for lighting installation
Best Jeep JK Rear Bumper
LEDKINGDOMUS Rear Bumper
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What Recent Buyers Report
Excellent quality for the price. Some buyers report that the wiring for the lights doesn’t come with instructions, and it doesn’t use the stock switch. The bumper package doesn’t have all the wiring connections made in the wiring kit. Overall, it’s a better alternative to more prominent name brands.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rear bumper stands out because it’s made from heavy-duty steel, and it has a two-stage textured black powder coating finish. These features add to the vehicle’s safety, durability, and corrosion protection even under harsh conditions. Another reason this made our best Jeep JK bumpers list is the built-in high-powered two-piece flood beam fog driving light. It also comes with a hoop with two tabs for off-road and LED lighting that’s high-powered. Installation is a direct bolt-on, so cutting or drilling isn’t needed, making the process simple. The winch location is configured for winches that have a maximum hold of 12,000 lbs.
Bottom Line
The rear bumper is just as hardy as the front bumper in the LEDKINDGOMUS brand. It’s made from heavy-duty steel, and it boasts a built-in flood beam fog driving light. It’s an excellent vehicle for off-roading even though it has a poor receiver set up for towing.
Pros
Hoop has two tabs for off-road
Built-in flood beam fog driving light
Welded one-piece rear bumper with supreme strength
Laser welding is measured and cut precisely for a perfect fit
Made from heavy-duty material for the safety of your Jeep in harsh conditions
Cons
Poor receiver setup for towing
Towing is noisy from slightly larger receiver
Best Jeep JK Stubby Front Bumper
EAG Stinger
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What Recent Buyers Report
It’s an admirable bumper for the price. It’s sturdy, it’s well-made, has a perfect fit, and is relatively easy to install. However, you may still need someone to help you with the installation because of the nuts and bolts placement. Some advice that was given was to bolt the stinger first before attaching the bumper.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This EAG front bar stands out to us because it comes with a stinger bar. The stinger bar benefits the rock crawler as it assists in preventing your Jeep JK from flipping forward when faced with a downward obstacle during intense off-roading. It also offers excellent protection for the Jeep’s grilles and headlights. We are impressed with other features that include 9,500 lb D-ring shackles on the sturdy mount, an OE fog light housing, and a built-in winch plate. All this caters to a heavy-duty bumper that’s perfect for off- or on-roading. The EAG Stinger is another one of the best Jeep JK bumpers with a bolt-on replacement and a textured black powder coating for corrosion protection.
Bottom Line
The EAG Stinger is an enjoyable stubby front bumper for maximum tire clearance and a great approach angle. The stinger bar helps keep your Jeep JK away from off-roading hazards and prevents it from flipping forward if there’s a wreck.
Pros
Custom-fit for the 2007-2018 Jeep JK
Made from high quality, durable steel sheet, and steel tube
Stinger bar that helps prevent your Jeep from flipping forward
EAG JK stinger bumper is engineered for direct bolt-on replacement
Perfect for off-road and on-road use with superior protection for the grilles
Cons
Rusts easily if paint peels
Inferior quality powder coat
Best Jeep JK Aluminum Bumper
Rugged Ridge Winch Front XHD
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What Recent Buyers Report
Remarkably, this product includes the winch plates, so don’t make a mistake and order the winch plates separately. Overall, it does make the Jeep look aggressively better, and it fits perfectly. However, there’s no license plate mount. The paint also peels off with slight dings.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Rugged Ridge Winch Front XHD gives your Jeep a fresh look. It’s incredibly lightweight, therefore it saves on fuel. Some studies show a two percent for every 100 lbs of weight savings for fuel economy benefit. There’s also no need for front suspension spacers. Even though the bumper is completely aluminum, it still uses the existing steel XHD D-rings. The bumper has a standard built-in top filler plate and cutouts. You can run a winch by removing the filler plate and attach a winch mounting plate, making this product versatile. It also has factory fog lights mounting points. If you decide that you want to operate a winch, remove the filler plate and then attach the winch mounting plate to it. The XHD aluminum bumper is about 80 lbs lighter than the off-road bumper made of average steel. Studies show the benefit in fuel economy where two percent is saved per 100 lbs.
Bottom Line
The aluminum Rugged Ridge Winch Front XHD bumper with a winch plate is specially designed for a winch. It weighs approximately 80 lbs, which is lighter than the average steel bumper for off-road use. Lightweight bumpers contribute significantly to fuel efficiency and savings.
Pros
Five-year warranty
Includes a built-in top filler plate
Aluminum bumper is exceptionally lightweight
Significant fuel savings and a need for front suspension spacers
High quality with a choice of matte, powder-coated, satin, or textured finishes
Cons
Winch installation can be challenging
Instructions aren’t clear as the overall installation is tricky
Best Jeep JK Stinger Bumper
Rugged Ridge 11540.56
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What Recent Buyers Report
There weren’t many reviews and reports on this product. Those that did review it felt that this was the most versatile bumper product on the market. It’s an excellent feature to be able to customize the style of the bumper according to what you like. Customers highly recommend you attach the winch to the bumper first, then install the bumper.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What makes this product great is the versatility of adding accessories to your liking. This bumper kit includes the XHD front winch mount bumper, the stubby bumper ends, and the stinger bar. It’s made of strong 4mm thick steel and constructed with powder coating to prevent corrosion. It also has factory fog light cutouts. It’s built for heavy-duty off-road use. The stinger bar will keep your Jeep JK from unfortunate circumstances when off-roading and helps prevent your Jeep from flipping forward when faced with downward obstacles.
Bottom Line
This product has modular versatility to change your Jeep JK bumper to your liking. The Rugged Ridge comes with a variety of options to accessorize with endless bumper combinations. It has an easy bolt-on installation.
Pros
Bolt-on makes installation easy
Modular versatility to change to your style
Variety of options available in accessories with many bumper combinations
Made with 4mm thick gauge steel to withstand harsh off-road environments
Kit comes with a winch mount, stinger, stubby bumper ends, and D-ring shackle mounts
Cons
Bumper is heavy
May be too expensive
When Is it Time to Replace My Jeep JK Bumper?
The most obvious time to replace your Jeep JK Bumper is when there’s severe damage or cracks in the bumper due to a collision or wear and tear. Sometimes the collision damage may not be apparent, but unseen damage in the bumper can cause it to catch the tires when driving, risking your safety.
Most factory bumpers aren’t made of superior quality and may not offer you or the Jeep rear and front protection during off-road driving. These bumpers are made from a combination of fragile plastic and steel designed for on-road use. If you’ll be a frequent off-roader, then replacing your Jeep JK bumper is essential for your safety.
Why Get New Bumpers for My Jeep JK?
Getting new bumpers is a necessity for the protection of the Jeep and you. This necessity is especially true if the utilization of your vehicle is going to be mostly off-road. Here are the top three uses and why you should invest in one of the best Jeep JK bumpers.
Protection
Off-road driving is one of the reasons most Jeep owners buy Jeeps. On your off-road journey, the rear and front of your Jeep will encounter significant impact from rocks, trees, and other obstacles irrespective of how much you try to avoid it. The OE isn’t designed for this. Aftermarket options are robustly engineered with heavy steel for such incidents and will protect your Jeep.
Mounting Options
Again, off-roading comes with many challenges that add to the thrill of Jeep adventures. However, you have to be prepared for these challenges that can get you stuck, and you may need a winch. Thankfully, most of the aftermarket bumpers have the option of winch-mounting built into the front bumper.
Also, many Jeep bumpers come with connection points for a wide variety of accessories. These accessories include D-ring shackles, spare tires, hi-lift jacks, rear or front license plates, and auxiliary lighting.
Recovery Points
A winch is an indispensable tool to recover vehicles. However, there are other tools for recovery found in the aftermarket rear and front bumpers. These tools include shackle mounts found at every corner of the bumpers to attach a D-ring and strap to pull your vehicle out when stuck in the mud. This mechanism is also used for towing in possibly catastrophic events.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
There are several aspects to contemplate before buying a Jeep JK bumper. You should consider the size and model, material, features and installation, front/rear, and bumper type.
Size and Model
The size of the bumper should fit comfortably without the danger of catching your tires. It shouldn’t compromise your driving and your safety. The bumper should also be compatible with your Jeep JK.
Material
The primary material is steel, but this comes in different gauge (strengths). The rule of thumb, the higher the gauge number, the weaker the metal. If the metal is soft, it’s prone to bend or break easier.
Features and Installation
Easier installation is excellent for those that don’t have confidence in the mechanics of installing any features. Built-in LEDs are a perfect option to increase visibility. Winch and D-rings should match the strength requirements for towing and pulling.
Front or Rear
You need to determine the purpose of your choice. What do you need more? Rear bumper to store a spare tire with added protection for your Jeep or front bumper for winch plates and grill protection. Ensure that you think about approach angles in front bumpers and departure angles in rear bumpers.
Type
There are several types of bumpers with varying complexities. Understanding the different types will help you choose what is best for your Jeep JK adventures.
Types of Jeep JK Bumpers
Let’s look at the several types of variations of the best Jeep JK bumpers.
Full-Width Bumpers
These bumpers are factory bumpers, and they take up the entire width of the Jeep. It’s heavy weighted and is designed to protect the rigs. They also have winch plates and D-ring mounts.
Mid-Width Bumpers
A little narrower than the full-width bumper, but it still offers the same level of protection. It’s not as heavily weighted. It also gives you a moderately better clearance level and approaches angle.
Stubby Bumpers
Stubby bumpers have the narrowest width of all bumper options. Jeep enthusiasts prefer stubby bumpers because of the different designs and the increased approach and departure angle clearances. You can also add many other accessories to it.
Deep Drop Bumper
Deep drop bumpers are thicker and more resilient. Premium bumper for a recovery vehicle as it’s excellent for towing.
Roll Pan Bumper
A roll pan bumper is a much more streamlined bumper and ideal for the average Jeep user who doesn’t want to add any more features or accessories. Usage for this bumper is limited.
Step Bumper
This bumper is similar to the deep drop bumper, but it has a deep step in the center. You may use it for towing smaller capacities and reaching your vehicle top.
Tube Bumpers
This bumper comes with a tube-like piece of metal that goes up and over the Jeep’s grill, and it offers an increased buffer for the Jeep in collisions. It also comes with space for installing additional lighting.
Jeep JK Bumper Comparisons
The variety of options of the best Jeep JK bumpers on the market can feel daunting at times, so the best thing to do is compare several options. The comparison can streamline your choices to what best suits you.
Jeep JK Aluminum vs Steel Bumper
Steel bumpers weigh two thirds more than aluminum. The weight that can be saved is approximately 600 lbs in a four-door Jeep JK if you use aluminum over steel. Steel is more robust and has less deflection, whereas aluminum can bend and gouge. Aluminum does cost 30 percent more than steel, but this is compensated in the 60 percent weight savings regarding fuel consumption. Rusting is less in aluminum when compared to steel.
Jeep JK Bumper Weight vs Ride Height
When choosing aftermarket Jeep JK bumpers, one needs to take into consideration the weight of the bumpers. If the ride height is critical to you, then select lightweight bumpers. Heavier bumpers will invariably lower the ride height of your Jeep. Although heavier bumpers may marginally reduce the height or clearance of your Jeep, this may not be acceptable to some. Your choice when choosing front, rear, or both bumpers will depend on your needs and requirements.
Jeep JK Front Stubby Bumper vs Mid
Stubby bumpers have a narrower width and don’t extend past the width of the grille. Compare this with the mid-width bumper that extends a little beyond the grille. The protection factor is far more superior with mid bumpers because the stubby bumpers are exposed to damages and potential impacts to tires, fenders, and crucial suspension parts. Mid-width bumpers also don’t go far enough to impede tire clearance. Stubby bumpers do have better trail performance, and mid bumpers offer a fair amount of trail performance.
Jeep JK Bumper Install
Installation doesn’t have to be complicated if you have the know-how. Below is a brief overview of the steps to install one of the best Jeep JK bumpers from our list.
How To Remove Jeep JK Rear Bumper
- Gather all the tools and parts that you need before getting started. The tools required are a selection of screwdrivers, sockets, and wrenches. The parts that usually come with your purchase are the bolts, nuts, and washers.
- If there are flap guards, remove them with a flat screwdriver. Also, remove fog lights for front bumpers by unplugging the wire harness at the back.
- On either side of the bumpers, you would need to loosen the bolts to remove the brackets and wheel wells on the underside of your Jeep. Take out the bumper.
- Take the plates that have come with the new bumpers and put them into the right factory frame and bolt them in from the side.
- The left side has a tow hook, so you need to drill holes in the plates to accommodate these. Remove the recovery package and mark the places where the holes are. Once you make the holes, reassemble the recovery package with the bolts and plates.
- Put the new bumper on with the necessary hardware that came with the package. Make sure that the bumper is bolted back firmly in place.
- Reconnect fog lights and put mud flaps back on.
For a visual aid, watch the video below:
How To Replace Jeep JK Front Bumper
Installing a front bumper is not significantly different than a rear, but there are some tips you might need to keep in mind. Check out the video below to see the steps for how to do this.
Conclusion
Apart from protecting your Jeep, the bumper also adds style and functionality. There are mounting options, recovery points, types of Jeeps, and other aspects to consider when choosing a bumper. This compilation gives you an idea of why we think this is the best Jeep JK bumpers to consider for your next Jeep journey.
Quick Summary – Best Jeep JK Bumpers
Here’s a quick wrap-up of the best Jeep JK bumpers:
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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