I have one of the first batches of LOD rear bumpers with tire carrier. I havent installed it yet because DC has not seen fit to deliver my Jeep. My concern only came after i saw a recent write up of an install fo the same bumper. I realized that my bumper has 2 mounting holes and they new ones have 4 or five per side. Its kinda hard to tell. I'm seriously worried that mine is not going to be very strong. I guess that i had assumed that they put their best product out the first time but apparently they have made some corrections since sending out the first bumpers. I tried to email them about my concerns but apparently everyone is in MOAB (as I would be if my Jeep were here). Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are. They are a good company and I have faith in their customer service and am sure tha they will be quick to rectify the situation. Here are some pics The first one is of my bumper and the second one is of the NEW style.



Mine




New Style

 

Hello, I have one of these w/o tire carrier. I think it gets most of the strength from the (2) 1/2" through bolt's inside the tool box. The biggest problem I had was not enough clearance between the bumper and the body where it wraps around the corners. Also the (2) bolts 1 on each side up in the tight spot are near impossible to get to but it can be done. I had to grind and re-paint to get the clearance correct, if you don't it will make a lot of noise over bumps. I will say after I got past all this, I love the bumpers, also they did offer to send me a different bumper but I guess I got attached to this one after spending so much time with it . Good Luck.

P.S. After looking at the pics again I have the new style.

 

so....i guess there are more problems than just mine huh? I really did want to have to do any fabrication work on my new bumper! I wanted it to come all ready to install! I could just be one of those realy anal-retentive guys though.

 

I wouldn't say your anal, a bolt on that costs that much should be just that..."a bolt on". I guess after having (4) wranglers before this one I'm used to not having things fit as they should and just push through till it works. If you have the time due to your Jeep not being here yet send it back and have'um make it right. You have plenty of choices out there for bumpers and they know this, they want your business and I'm sure they will do what ever is needed to make you happy. Happy Easter!

 

Just got an email from Eddie at 4x4explor and he said " I would think you would still be fine " I use my rear bumper with a reciever shackle to get outta places that I maybe should not have gone. I really dont feel comfortable with just 2 mounts on each side when there is a bumper available that has 4 or 5. He told me that he was sure that LOD would take care of my problem. Doesnt seem as if they are back from MOAB yet though. Im anxiously waiting to hear what they decide to do. My Jeep is finally coming in this week. Ive been waiting for 1 week shy of 6 months so far!

 

New update. I talked with Chris at LOD and he was very willing to take care of the problem. I told him that i really wanted one of the new ones that had addressed the issues as I listed above. He is having DHL pick mine up on monday. He says that he is going to "FIX" mine and then re-powdercoat it and send it back. Mine has never been installed before (thanks to DCX). Im still not sure why he doesnt just ship one out when he verifies that mine is recieved. But nonetheless , he is taking care of the customer. I'll keep yall posted on how it turn out but so far, he is right up there with the good vendors that believe in taking care of issues! Thanks Chris and Wayoflife for your assistance.

 

I put mine on last week. I then noticed a rattling sound when I hit bumps. Sounded like it was coming from the passenger side so I started looking and jumping on the bumper to recreate the sound. It was the inside edge of the bumper rubbing on the corner of the body. It actually rubbed some paint off. No problem tho, I took the bumper off and grinded about 1/4" off the edge. Put some touch up paint on it and re-installed the bumper. Now its perfect, no rubbing or noises at all. LoD should bring the edge out 1/4" on both sides. Its still not even noticable from the outside.

Also I ended up taking that little rubber piece off the bumper cause it was pressing the door in and it actually left a little dent. It was in all the way so I just took it off and it now works fine and sits agianst the rubber deals on the gate.

Just a few minor problems, maybe they need to revamp thier design agian. Love the bumper, fitment was a little off. You have to expect this tho from bumpers that are pretty much hand crafted.

 

I too installed my bumper a week or ago and also have a banging noise on the passenger side when I hit a bump or hole. Sounds like a loose shock, but never had it before.

I will check it today, can you see it without removing the bumper?

 

Most likely he's doing this to get your bumper right back to you, so you don't have to wait. I just ordered one, and I'm waiting 3-4 weeks.

 

you can sorta see it without taking it off. Mine was rubbing at the corner, it was a little spot about the size of a peanut.