Any stock TJ bumper from 1997-2006 was the same bumper. Some may have had more holes in them for some reason, but they all were the same C-channel bumper. When you say 'newer Wrangler bumpers', which are you referring to?
Yes I was thinking of a JK bumper.
This the one I really want, but not sure how far from the grill it sticks out. I pit a plow on the TJ in the winter and can not have one stick out to far or it will hit the plow frame. The one in the link below I think the hoop sticks out to far or maybe there is one without the hoop or the hoop is straight up. Does anyone have this bumper to measure how far out they stick?
A JK frame is wider so a JK bumper won't fit onto a TJ frame. Just buy a TJ bumper, there are plenty of good quality/good looking bumpers made for TJs. www.thedirtworx.com makes good looking great quality USA-made bumpers that are inexpensive, check them out.