Recommendations for Lightweight Rear Bumper

does it tie into the frame?
Yes. It uses the existing nutserts and bolts on the bottom of the frame. The cross member has holes for the nuts and bolts that go on the outboard sides of the shackle mounts. I drilled the other 4 inboard ones and added nuts/bolts and the largest washers I could fit to further spread any loads.
 
Here is what I'm finding so far:

Name
Price
Weight
Link
Crown Auto OEM Replacement$7618.5lbshttps://www.quadratec.com/products/12106_56_07.htm
Barnes Rear Tail Plate Bumper​
$12916lbshttps://www.barnes4wd.com/TJ-LJ-Rear-Tail-Plate-Bumper_p_308.html
Affordable Offroad Rear Flush Mount Bumper-JeepYJ/TJ/LJ$15516lbshttps://affordableoffroad.com/shop/rear-flush-mount-bumper-jeepyjtjlj-87-06/
Next Venture TJ/LJ ULTRA HIGH CLEARANCE REAR BUMPER$29923lbshttps://nextventuremotorsports.com/...roducts/tjlj-ultra-high-clearance-rear-bumper
Barnes Low Profile Rear Bumper$30024lbshttps://www.barnes4wd.com/TJ-LJ-YJ-Low-Profile-Rear-Bumper_p_375.html
Barnes Low Profile Rear Bumper With 2" Receiver$32526lbshttps://www.barnes4wd.com/TJ-LJ-YJ-Low-Profile-Rear-Bumper-With-2-Receiver_p_376.html
GenRight TJ/LJ/YJ REAR BUMPER PLATE WITH TOW POINTS$34930lbshttps://genright.com/products/tj-lj-yj-rear-bumper-plate-with-tow-points.html
Next Venture TJ/LJ/YJ HIGH CLEARANCE HITCH BUMPER$48930–33lbshttps://nextventuremotorsports.com/collections/jeep-wrangler-tj-lj-97-06/products/tj-457
Savvy Off Road Rear Receiver Bumper$59935lbshttps://savvyoffroad.com/product/sav-tjrh/
GenRight TJ/LJ/YJ REAR BUMPER PLATE W/ STEP & TOW POINTS$39935-40lbshttps://genright.com/products/tj-lj-yj-rear-bumper-plate-w-step-tow-points.html
Barnes Low Profile Rear Bumper (Scratch & Dent)$21038lbshttps://www.barnes4wd.com/TJ-LJ-YJ-Low-Profile-Rear-Bumper-Scratch-Dent_p_1366.html
SWAG "BIG-HIT" TJ-YJ Rear Bumper$329 $47938lbshttps://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-BIG-HIT-TJ-YJ-Rear-Bumper-V20_p_91.html
LOD Jeep TJ/LJ Xtreme Duty Rear Bumper$25939lbshttps://lodoffroad.com/products/1996-2006-jeep-tj-lj-xtreme-duty-rear-bumper-2
UCF Aluminum Rear Bumper$46741lbshttps://undercoverfab.com/jeep-tj-lj-97-06/201-ucf-aluminum-rear-bumper-for-jeep-yj-tj.html
DirtWorx Wrangler and CJ Rear Bumper$27945lbshttps://www.thedirtworx.com/product-page/rear-bumper


This is great information! The only thing I’d like to see added would be a column detailing the tow rating/hitch availability, the reason why is I’ve noticed some have a hitch receiver but specifically say “no tow rating”….
 
  • Like
Reactions: notGreenLJ
This is great information! The only thing I’d like to see added would be a column detailing the tow rating/hitch availability, the reason why is I’ve noticed some have a hitch receiver but specifically say “no tow rating”….

Yea, good idea. I noticed that was usually the case for aluminum ones. For my purposes, I'd still have good use for an aluminum "no tow rating" bumper, since I only tow light loads for short distances.

I've been distracted by another project, so haven't yet made my purchase. If I learn more about tow ratings, I'll add a column. Or if you learn more, just post the results in a comment and I'll update the table.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DWR
Looking for a lightweight option that still allows towing myself… have a smittybuilt SRC one (without tire carrier) right now…
If you were closer I'd take this one off your hands. I just bought a front SRC. Nothing light about it though. My guess is getting it to Mass would be too costly.
 
Anyone got any experience with Fishbone bumpers?
One of the Norcal guys posted he bent and or tore one of their front bumpers pretty easy. I like the look of their front but expect light duty. I don't remember the thread offhand. Google search this site fishbone and you might find it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SSTJ
I use a self etching primer on aluminum and have had good luck with that. Whenever I paint aluminum I clean it well, go over it with a 320 grit sand paper, blow off the dust, then cover it with 2 - 3 coats of primer. When that's dry I'll cover it with 2 -3 coats of Krylon Satin Black. I primarily use the Krylon because it lays down well, for a spray can, and dries in less than 10 minutes.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gray-Rus...hing-Primer-Spray-12-Oz/16816075?athbdg=L1600
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Krylon-Rust-Protector-Satin-Black-15-Oz/409158657
 
@SSTJ DIY. not more than 40 pounds

IMG_9007.jpg


IMG_9008.jpg


IMG_9009.jpg


IMG_9010.jpg
 
How is it that Barnes is so comparatively inexpensive? NV has gone up 25% this year and now you can buy 3 Barnes for one NV.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Irun
I really like my Next Venture rear. The wrapped ends definitely beef it up. I like the lower profile better than the Swag, which I had on my last LJ. And I love that it has safety chain attachment points.

View attachment 270275

View attachment 270274
I really like my Next Venture rear. The wrapped ends definitely beef it up. I like the lower profile better than the Swag, which I had on my last LJ. And I love that it has safety chain attachment points.

View attachment 270275

View attachment 270274
I’m stuck between Swags big hit and this bumper. Can’t decide. I need a bumper with a hitch for my bike rack. I kinda like swags designs better but Next venture looks more strong.
 
I’m stuck between Swags big hit and this bumper. Can’t decide. I need a bumper with a hitch for my bike rack. I kinda like swags designs better but Next venture looks more strong.
SWAG is a bit thicker steel than NV, if that matters. I chose less weight. IMO, NV has the better looking receiver bracing.

If you are hanging a rack off of either one, be sure to tie up to the cage to stop the bouncing.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 06TJ35's