Aftermarket personalization of a new 4x4 is the first order of business for every off-road enthusiast. Based on event sightings and reams of published SEMA metrics, the upgrade list begins with tires, wheels, bumpers, and suspension systems.
When the new Jeep JK came on the scene, aftermarket bumper manufacturers found out quickly that none of the TJ components would transfer over to the new "big" Jeep. The Chrysler truck group designed an all new JK frame with a wider and more extensive bracing arrangement. The aftermarket has made a hard push to catch up to the new JK design with various designs for bumpers and tire carriers. Depending on your personal taste, some of these designs are a "must have" and others may belong on your buddy's Jeep. Regardless of your taste for one manufacturer's design versus another, there is a good chance that the big, plastic-covered bumpers on your new JK will go by the wayside in short order.
A staple in the aftermarket bumper industry is Hanson Offroad. Wayne Hanson has designed and produced creative and functional bumpers that can be seen at 4x4 events across the country. The folks at Hanson Offroad have adopted the most modern manufacturing techniques available for design and production. Solidworks computer software, laser cutting, and CNC metal brakes are every day tools used in the production of all Hanson bumpers.
A new release for Hanson Offroad is the rear bumper and tire carrier combo for both the two-door and four-door Jeep JK. Front winch bumpers are also available for the JK and can be purchased directly from Hanson in six different models ranging from a stubby style to a full width bumper with a subtle stinger to protect the winch.
For this project, a 2008 JK four-door was used to prototype the new rear bumper/tire carrier combo. A medium width front bumper was used to protect our front end and support the Ramsey 9500UT winch.
 Underneath it all is a very...  Underneath it all is a very thin stamping that doesn't exude confidence for defense against rocks or trees. The metal thickness of the stock bumper is less than 1/8 inch. |  The "crush cans" on the front...  The "crush cans" on the front of the stock JK bumper are intended to produce a buffer or crumple zone so that the air bag doesn't deploy in the event of light front end tap or bump. The idea is great for a Jeep at stock ride height but we're not sure of the chances that a front end hit will always be square with our bumper or at the correct height to make the crush cans effective. |  Most of what you see on the...  Most of what you see on the front of a new JK is plastic covering which is easily removed with a pair of end cutters. |