I have an '08 Rubicon. Although I don't crawl over rocks, I off-road often which includes mudding (incl snow), climbing and crossing the occassional ~1ft-deep creek. I would prefer the full-width bumper to offer some level of protection to my flenders and am debating whether I absolutely need the skid plate underneath the front bumper.

I am looking at the the AEV and ARB front bumpers and am comparing pros and cons of each. I like the look of the ARB (stout and thick with squared off edges), but prefer the protection of the skid plate that the AEV offers. I'm not sure about a skid plate for the ARB. I've been told that one does not exist. Has anyone modified or seen modified a skid plate from another manufacturer that was made to fit the ARB and looked good as well as functioned properly. Is it really necessary to protect the electronic disco motor? How susceptible to damage is the motor located? It seems to me that it's pretty snug up in there and wouldn't really benefit much from a skid plate unless you are rock crawling and something very narrow, sharp and deliberate hits it square on.

Anyone in my same boat? Or am I floating alone here?

Pictures are welcome as are comments, complaints and suggestions. There are plenty of AEV bumper pictures out there, but if someone wants to share one of a particular angle that has not yet been posted, please go ahead.

BTW, thanks to kntr for sending me this pic of his bumper - it's awesome and would love for mine to look just like it.

 

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I'm in the market for a new bumper as well. I really like the ARB bumper though, it jsut looks like it is made for the JK. The AEV bumper is really nice, but the ARB is more to my style. What is the best price that you have found on the ARB bumper?

 

I got the top cover plate and brackets back from Line X today. I should have them on real soon. Im not going to run a winch so Im going to cover the hole on top.

 

I would probably do the same thing - no need for a winch right now. I would probably get the top plate also.

Please PM me where you got it. I would love to price it out. Even with delivery.

BTW, how exposed is the electonic disco motor? Does the front look awkward without a skid plate and everything exposed?

The Line X looks great. Is it something you'd be able to do yourself? Or is it something you have to have done professionally? I've never worked with Line X. I love the look of the rough textured finish - it looks like it matches the flenders well.

Great look!

 

It does not come with a top plate in the US. I had to have one made.

Line X is a professional spray.

Ill have to take some pics of the electronic disco motor and the op plate installed this weekend.

 

if i remember correctly from other post of the ARB bumper (and i'm sure kntr will correct me if i'm wrong), but the bumper snugs up to that one crossmember bar in the front that hangs down. The disco motor is mounted above that. so it fairly protected.

I personally like the ARB bumper more then the AEV because it seems to match the look of the JK better. I've also seen the AEV in person and can say that while it might not look tuff with all the smooth lines in it, it will certainly take a beating and keep on going.

i think the only functional difference in the two are a)skid plate for the AEV and b)ARB has those extra turn signals (if that matters ) otherwise they off the same features.

 

I was actually going to this same post today. I was so happy to see it when I checked this morning.

I have to say that as of right now I am heavily leaning towards the ARB. It looks better and from the pictures that I have seen and stories that I have heard this is one tough bumper.

My boss claims to have taken out a stone wall with one on his 4runner with barely even a scratch.

The other issue I am dealing with is the price difference. The AEV bumper is a good $400 more than the ARB. I have seen the ARB at Northridge4x4 for around $970 shipped. While the AEV bumper is $1400. that is a chunk of change that I could spend elsewhere (like half the cost of the ARB rear bumper).

kntr yours looks great. I'd also like to see pictures of that top plate. And did you get the whole bumper linexed or just the plate?

 

Yeah, I'm in the same boat and I can't quite figure out why the AEV bumper is so much more.

 

The entire bumper is Line Xed. I got the plate back last night and tried it on this morning and it doesnt fit. Ill have to take it back and have it cut down a little. Ill post better pics tomorrow.

 

It really is a shame neither are made to take the Powerplant