Narrow vs standard front bumpers

When I do my saggie swap Im going to make some changes to frame and front bumper of my jeep. I was thinking about narrowing my bumper. But as far as off roading what are the advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage I see is that trees dont hang when backing up. What else? I do alot of trail blazing , I see where it helps and hurts me . :? TIA

 

I would think it would make your fenders vulnerable to damage by trees.

 

By switching to the frame width one on the TJ it has made a big difference in getting tires up on the rocks. Yes I have to be cautious when I'm approaching a rock to make sure its not gonna hit the fender. Plus it was one less thing on my jeep to drag and get bent...already get enough of that from the undercarriage...

 

Check with the State Police before you cut it. May not be any restrictions, but best to make sure... Just a suggestion. We have some restrictions here in Wisconsin. Most have to do with height and material used. (wood is a no-no).

 

Jason,
After seeing you work the JEEP thru the brush at last summer's BBQ on the far side of the pond:twisted: , I would think a stock or only slightly shorter bumper would be best. Stock was 54", mine is 48". Plenty long enough to put a Hi-Lift under but does expose the fenders/ tires more. Maybe a combo short bumper with removable yet wider bull bars that protect the entire front end. HTH...

 

Jason, my bumper is full width. It was meant for a Toyota Landcruiser IIRC. I haven't run my Jeep nearly as hard as you have yours, so I can't speak for the virtues of a longer bumper firsthand. However, my thinking for not cutting it when I installed it was for protecting the body and as a height gauge of sorts to keep me from trying stupid stuff. As I get more experience, my thinking might change, but for now, it's keeping this novice out of trouble....

 

I guess Ill take just a couple inches off and do a 45* on 45* plated corners to give it a custom look. Thanks yall

ETA Chris the push bar is up there for a reason you know :twisted:

 

I think Im going to keep mine out to about 3/4 the fender but the bottom is going to end about half way of the fender. I like your bumper setup Patrick , yall bought up a good point about fender protection. Many trees as I push down I think Im going to need it lol. Tell you what , those little lights on yours look good but boy are they hot R) , dont ask.

 

I did it all for looks!R)

No seriously, its easier to climb rocks and ledges with no bumper in the way. I can see how it may help for clearing brush however.

Kevo

 

my new front bumper is 38" which IIRC is maybe 3.5" to 4" wider than the frame rails on each side.

Did mine for the "rock climbing" gig......time will tell if i should have left it long though

 

Just got the CJ home this weekend. One of the reasons my Grandmother finally gave up driving and passed it on to me was she smacked a tree with the left side bumper. It was bent about 30 degrees back towards the fender but the fender was undamaged. IMHO its best to keep a full length bumper on a trail jeep.:v6:

 

So true, so true!

 

Ours looks like this, angled back just outside of the frame. Don't do any wheelin' but it's just fine for beachin'. It works well for cornering tight spaces without snagging.