Bumpers and Fender Flares (JKU)

[Murphy 49]

Looking for input to replace bumpers and fenders, lots of brands and am unsure what to stay away from.  Current rig is 2.5" lift with 33s that is a daily driver and moderate rock krawler, but looking to move towards either 35s or possibly 37s in the near future as well. Am leaning towards a stubby bumper with place for winch (undecided if I'll get a winch as of yet), with led lights, don't particularly like the pull bars on top of the front bumpers either.  For the flares I'm looking at 4-6" flares with a textured finish so would like the bumpers to match somewhat. 

 

Have seen some options that don't break my bank account from barricade, redrock, smittybilt, and others from ARB, DV8, Bushwacker that start to creep up a bit.  Willing to spend a little more if it's worth it in the long run so any feedback is appreciated.

[theksmith 3,849]

my son recently got the Barricade flares from ExtremeTerrain. they were inexpensive, look nice, and contrary to some reviews, they bolted on without any hassle.

 

the only problem is the front corner of one was dripping rusty water every time it got wet, even just a car wash. it looked like the powder-coat missed getting up into where the sheet metal met the tube on the underside. we sprayed Rustoleum Rust Reformer paint up in the crevice and that seems to have fixed it so far.

 

he also just got a Barricade stubby front bumper, it seems OK too. it has a stinger/bar but that part can be left off completely.

 

you definitely get what you pay for - as long as you don't mind a little DIY work sometimes, then those cheaper brands can be a good value.

 

i would stay away from the cheap brands for rock rails though, a lot of them are almost ornamental-only and will actually bend upwards into the rocker panel and dent your rig. also be aware of how much weight you're adding with a bunch of steel accessories.

 

@4x4tographer - what were those plastic flares you had been considering for your JL? i remember they had a JK version too - those looked really nice and where cheap if i remember correctly.

 

 

[4x4tographer 2,727]

1 hour ago, theksmith said:

 - what were those plastic flares you had been considering for your JL? i remember they had a JK version too - those looked really nice and where cheap if i remember correctly

KBD Bodykits makes an AWESOME plastic slimline flare. Easy to install using the factory mount locations. Paintable, if you don’t like black plastic.

 

The JL version is on my hit list of “for sure” purchases. I’m tempted by Paramount’s flat fenders too, but they’re metal and more pricey.

 

I’ve personally been leaning towards plastic since it can be more forgiving with impacts. 
 

 

As for rock rails. Avoid Rugged Ridge like you life depends on it (I have RRO sliders and they’re thin with terrible mount designs). Go quality with your sliders.

[theksmith 3,849]

44 minutes ago, 4x4tographer said:

KBD Bodykits makes an AWESOME plastic slimline flare. Easy to install using the factory mount locations. Paintable, if you don’t like black plastic.

 

The JL version is on my hit list of “for sure” purchases. I’m tempted by Paramount’s flat fenders too, but they’re metal and more pricey.

 

I’ve personally been leaning towards plastic since it can be more forgiving with impacts. 
 

 

As for rock rails. Avoid Rugged Ridge like you life depends on it (I have RRO sliders and they’re thin with terrible mount designs). Go quality with your sliders.

 

ah yes, KBD - i think they look really sleek, but maybe narrower than what @Jamie Fitzmaurice was looking for:

 

 

https://www.kbdbodykits.com/jeep-wrangler-jk-flat-polyurethane-flat-fender-flares-kit

 

 

[4x4tographer 2,727]

43 minutes ago, theksmith said:

 

ah yes, KBD - i think they look really sleek, but maybe narrower than what @Jamie Fitzmaurice was looking for:

 

 

https://www.kbdbodykits.com/jeep-wrangler-jk-flat-polyurethane-flat-fender-flares-kit

 

 

 

🤤

[Murphy 49]

7 hours ago, 4x4tographer said:

KBD Bodykits makes an AWESOME plastic slimline flare. Easy to install using the factory mount locations. Paintable, if you don’t like black plastic.

 

The JL version is on my hit list of “for sure” purchases. I’m tempted by Paramount’s flat fenders too, but they’re metal and more pricey.

 

I’ve personally been leaning towards plastic since it can be more forgiving with impacts. 
 

 

As for rock rails. Avoid Rugged Ridge like you life depends on it (I have RRO sliders and they’re thin with terrible mount designs). Go quality with your sliders.

Those KBDs are a bit too shiny for what we’re looking for, but they are making me look closer at the size of the fender. Also am a little surprised to hear plastic will be more forgiving.  In my head I was thinking the plastic would break/tear easier. But reading the comment made me aware that metal could cause more body damage. Will have to think about those things more. 
 

The Barricade items are in my cart as place holders as I do a bit more research.  I like the way those look (bumpers and flares). 
 

Appreciate the discussion. 

[4x4tographer 2,727]

12 minutes ago, Jamie Fitzmaurice said:

Also am a little surprised to hear plastic will be more forgiving.  In my head I was thinking the plastic would break/tear easier. But reading the comment made me aware that metal could cause more body damage. Will have to think about those things more. 

 

Yeah - that's my fear. The plastic can flex/bend and give way in the event of an impact or rubbing on a tree. Metal fenders, depending on how they're attached, run the risk of bending your sheet metal on the tub. I'd personally rather break some plastic clips. 

[Ladybug 429]

And just my 2 cents....I have fenders that extend out past the width of my tires....and in doing so, they help tremendously at keeping mud from coming up higher on my Gracie.  Plus we ended up with a bumper that allowed OB1 to move my winch down and out away from the front of my Gracie, and that made my radiator much happier.  I have a heavy duty radiator/ tranny cooler, but that winch was blocking air flow and the move of the winch made Gracie even happier.

smiles, ladybug