One of the challenges we all face while off-roading is to see whether or not we can avoid destroying our rigs by chance encounters with rocks, boulders, and other trail hazards. This month, we have assembled this bumper and body-armor guide to assist you in increasing your chances of protecting your rig for just a bit longer. As you will see, the majority of this gear has been manufactured to take a beating and still perform flawlessly.
Rugged Ridge JK Front Bumper
The Rugged Ridge HD front-bumper system for the Jeep JK is like owning 44 bumpers in one. With over 44 configurations for the bumper, versatility is one word that comes up. Built from solid steel and powdercoated for durability, the bumper is also able to accommodate many of today's more popular winches.
Best of all, the factory foglights are able to be retained and are protected from rocks by the built-in lightguards. Installation is bolt-on.
For more information, contact: Rugged Ridge Off Road Accessories, (770) 614-6101, www.omix-ada.com.
Warn Industries JK Tube-Style Rear Bumper
Warn's newest entry to its high-quality line of rear bumpers has been built from thick-walled steel tubing to add not only style, but protection to your '07-'08 Jeep Wrangler JK. Covered in a wrinkle-finish powdercoat, the bumper is a snap to install, given that it utilizes the factory mounting locations. All of the necessary hardware is included. For increased protection, the ends of the bumper have been bent to wrap around the corner of the truck.
For more information, contact: Warn Ind., (800) 910-1122, www.warn.com.
ARB Deluxe JK Front Bull Bar Bumper
ARB's deluxe front Bull Bar bumper for the Jeep JK offers substantially more front-end protection than the factory front bumper. Constructed of solid steel plate, each ARB bumper features a five-fold upswept and tapered wing design, which provides enormous strength to each corner of the bumper while maintaining the optimum approach angle. ARB deluxe bars are available in black powdercoat with the option to color-match vehicle paint.
In addition to extreme durability, each unit also features built-in jacking points, tabbed antenna mounts, integrated foglights and indicator lights, and the option of mounting a winch.
For more information, contact: ARB 4x4 Accessories, (866) 293-9078, www.arbusa.com.
Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers
Poison Spyder's Rocker Knockers with sliders have been fabricated using years of experience and knowledge. Constructed from a combination of 0.134- and 0.120-wall DOM tubing and supported with 3/16-inch steel laser-cut plate, rocks don't stand a chance.
Each set of Rocker Knockers contains a unique bolt-on slider plate that features oval cutouts for traction and drainage. The Rocker Knockers are available in either raw metal or black powdercoat. To complete the look, optional body-armor plates are available. Installation is bolt-on, and the Rocker Knockers are available for both two- and four-door Wrangler models.
For more information, contact: Poison Spyder Customs, (303) 777-4820, www.spydercustoms.com.
American Expedition Vehicles JK Front Bumper
AEV's front bumper for the Jeep JK has been constructed of heavy-gauge steel that has been stamped to create its unique design. The only stamped front bumper on the market, this bumper retains the factory airbag crush cans and factory foglamps. Additional provisions for off-road lights can be found via the heavy-duty light tabs in front of the optional winch-mounting area.
Continuing with the custom appearance, a perforated stainless steel mesh insert allows winch users the opportunity to view the cable while spooling in. The bumper is a bolt-on installation and requires no additional cutting of the factory framerails.
For more information, contact: American Expedition Vehicles, (406) 251-2100, www.aev-conversions.com.