Reviews for Rock Hard 4X4 Full Width Front Bumper for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK
This was my first winch (Harbor Freight Badlands apex 12k) and bumper installation and it was on a 2017 JKU Wrangler with a 4x4 RockHard aluminum bumper. I had to use the vacuum pump relocation kit and needed to cut off one of the mounting brackets that was used to original mount the vacuum pump. This left room for the winch, which is beasty in size. There was a little room on each side to get it in there.
The bumper arrived spotless and in excellent shape. Very light to move around and the powder coating looks superb. I have no fear of this 'rusting' as other had said with the steel and heavier version.
All the parts were provided. Getting to the original bolts was a breeze after watching the youtube video on how to mount this bumper. The only issue I had was lengthening or extending the fog light wire harness. I had read where you unwrap the harness from the wire loom and there would be enough to reach the new location of the fog lights. This was not the case with me. I ended up cutting and extending the wires and adding plastic cable protection around them. No big deal as I have a professional crimping tool and the appropriate fittings.
I did not have to trim any material from the original fog lights to get them to fit in the bumper.
I drilled holes in the bumper to get the winch centered in the bumper as the slotted holes that were punched in at the factory placed the winch off center about 1.5". I also had to buy a 1/4" longer 8.8 bolts (4) to mount the winch as the bumper require the use of steel bars on the underside to reinforce the aluminum mounting plate.
I have already had compliments on how it looks. My next purchase will be some LED lighting for the bull bar. Perhaps 3" cube lights or a small bar.
The bumper was a little late arriving as is just about everything these days. I had no issue with that.
Quadratec Rocks for service!
Firstly I can not believe this bumper has 3 out of 5 starts. It is an extremely well engineered and made piece of kit. I have the 4045 aluminum recessed with a Smitty gen 3 comp. The things the prior reviewer Andrew noted are literally all present in every full length replacement bumper. the bolts he is talking about having difficulty access are the FACTORY bumper's bolts, not the rock hard's. Watch a youtube or two on how to best get off the factory bumper. don't blame your new bumper maker! As far as the fog light wiring, you have to spend 10 minutes separating the wire loom to get some slack, or get some $15 wire extension with MANY bumpers. Rock Hard's fog light holes are wider spaced because wider is better for fogs Rock Hard's bumper bolt and attachment system is EASY and fast and allows you latitude to mount any winch and pull bumper back or forward to fit. If you need a front license plate mount get the rough country fairlead or hawse mount.
Every hole to the frame rails, and for the winch was perfect. FCA has put many kinds of fog light housings in their bumpers and rock hard has clearly evaluated that. My fogs which are valuable 2017 Rubicon LED, fit perfect. When you call or email Rock Hard to ask a question they answer promptly and expertly. The welds on this are perfect. The finish on this was impeccable high end powder. I highly recommend this bumper. As far as someone who got the steel version and had rust, that is every single steel bumper from every single brand. A rock strike will chip the paint and it will rust there no matter what. It is part of why I got Aluminum. I do strongly recommend the aluminum. My aluminum version weighs what teh take off plastic weighed, and my synthetic line winch weighs 60 lbs meaning my net gain in place where more weight is very bad, winch and bumper, was 60lbs, which is excellent
Well made, looks great, easy install.
I bought the aluminum version. Great looks, easy install and weighs only about 5 pounds heavier than the original.
I love the look and functionality of the bumper. However, it is not as easy as the instructions seem to imply. Access to the rear of the bumper to get to the mounting hardware is a pain. The button bolts barely hold the 8 mm Allen wrench. The wiring for the fog lights needs to be modified as the fog lights are further apart than stock. Once you get past all of this, it is a nice looking bumper. Had to drill two holes in the bumper so I could mount my front license plate.
Bought in 2011.Built like a bridge girder. Had issues with the powder coat finish which the company owner refused to address in person at the All Breeds show in PA in 2013.. Had clearance issues with mounting a Superwinch EPi 9000lb winch. If those issues have been resolved it is a good full width bumper. I would strongly consider the aluminum version.
I bought this bumber in Aug 2012. The powder coat was rusting within 3 months without seeing any bush-wacking yet. I still have the bumper. It is very well designed and strong albeit heavy bumper, but the powder coat is the single reason for the low review.
Bumper seems to be built well at first, but now after 2 years it is rusting. Went to look at the warranty only to find that it has NO Warranty. 2 years! Really and it is rusting. I don't even take this off road. I will look closer next time before i buy and make sure the company making it stands behind their product.