Question for XJ owners w/ Spare Tire on rear bumper

[xjralfy]

I ran across some old threads on Naxja where members reported unibody issues w/ their spare off the rear bumper. I was all set to get my hands on Protofab's bumper (http://www.protofab4x4.com/products.php?ID=00&ID2=32) but now I'm having second thoughts. I'd imagine alot has to do with how it mounts though.

So if you're running this setup, particularly with 35" tires, let me know if you've experienced any issues.

[FlexyXJ]

I had a protofab bumper on my 98 XJ and had ZERO problems with it, or the uni-body. Remember though, the 97+ rear bumper mounting is waaay stronger than the early XJ bumper mounting. I had a 35 on mine for almost the whole time too. I would get the bumper, install it, and go out and have fun with it. Its a great bumper and its a proven bumper.

Joe


I ran across some old threads on Naxja where members reported unibody issues w/ their spare off the rear bumper. I was all set to get my hands on Protofab's bumper (http://www.protofab4x4.com/products.php?ID=00&ID2=32) but now I'm having second thoughts. I'd imagine alot has to do with how it mounts though.

So if you're running this setup, particularly with 35" tires, let me know if you've experienced any issues.

[Washington_XJ]

I want to know about this too, because I've been looking for a set up just like this. Does anyone know if the Protofab rear bumper bolts on to the stock mount points? If not what do you do to mount them?

[Markos]

As long as the bumper ties into the frame rails (class III style), it shouldn't be a problem. Add up the total weight of a 35" tire, plus the weight of the bumper. How does that compare to the tounge weight of a trailer?

[FlexyXJ]

The protofab bumper mounts to the factory bumper mouting location. Its plenty strong on either early or late, but the Late models are much stronger. As for as mounting at the frame rails....I know that the protofab does not.

Joe

[Markos]

The protofab bumper mounts to the factory bumper mouting location. Its plenty strong on either early or late, but the Late models are much stronger. As for as mounting at the frame rails....I know that the protofab does not.

That's pretty scary considering that it has a 2" receiver on the back. I certainly wouldn't plug a receiver shackle into it, let alone tow anything larger than a jetski...

[Washington_XJ]

Would the proto fab bumpers interfere with the trailor hitch I have on the back?

(BTW I used to pull a 21' Mastercraft loaded with water with no problems. Total of 4000 lbs)

[OlneyJeeps]

is there something I could/should to to my 89 XJ to reinforce where my hitch bolts?

[AZJeeps TJ&XJ]

I have no issues with my 90 and it's bumper mount spare tire carrier. Then again it is the stock one and they added a extra mount for the bumper to help support the weight.

[xjralfy]

The protofab bumper mounts to the factory bumper mouting location. As for as mounting at the frame rails....I know that the protofab does not. Joe

I'm not so sure about that. At least as far as this one's (http://www.protofab4x4.com/products.php?ID=00&ID2=32) concerned.

When speaking with them about it last week I asked if it would interfere with my Skid Row gas tank skid. He said I may need to shim the forward-most mounting point of the skid which let me to believe the rear frame bolts would be doing double duty. In other words... Their bumper mounts to a portion of the frame and my skid would mount on top (technically below).

Can't imagine someone making a production bumper w/ a receiver hitch that doesn't mount to the frame. :eek: Scary.

I'll verify one way or the other tomorrow.

[xjralfy]

As long as the bumper ties into the frame rails (class III style), it shouldn't be a problem. Add up the total weight of a 35" tire, plus the weight of the bumper. How does that compare to the tounge weight of a trailer?

True. However... how often do you take trailers crawlin? :D

[lazy dog]

i owe 01 xj and brought protofab tublar rear bumber with tire carrier. its a straight bolt on and have class 3 reciever after market. and no problem so far and no rattles.

[Markos]

owe 01 xj and brought protofab tublar rear bumber with tire carrier. its a straight bolt on and have class 3 reciever after market. and no problem so far and no rattles.

If you have a separate hitch that would be cool. From the post above, it sounds like they don't interfere. I think that a non-frame mounted bumper/carrier would probably be okay with a smaller tire. However, I have no experience with this. I've had my bumper off several times, and the rear sheet metal is pretty thin. I was primarily concerned with the receiver found on the protofab bumper. Maybe you can catch a break if you don't get the receiver.

Check out www.ajsoffroadarmor.com. He builds custom bumpers to your spec. Here is an example of his frame tie-ins. This particular bumper looks extremely heavy, and would be overkill for a lot of people. You get the idea though. AJ's prices are generally cheaper than most of the big production shops. Shipping could kill you though...

http://ajsoffroadarmor.com/cgi-bin/upload/Rear%20Bumpers/rb6.jpg
http://ajsoffroadarmor.com/cgi-bin/upload/Rear%20Bumpers/rb4.jpg
http://ajsoffroadarmor.com/cgi-bin/upload/Rear%20Bumpers/DSCF1307.jpg

I stole these pics from this NAXJA Thread (http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=906540)

[banshee0361]

I have a c-rock engineering bumper with the spare tire attachment and it works great. The absolute best rear clearence however it blocks the view out of the rear window.

[FlexyXJ]

I would almost bet money, that the bumper with the frame tie-in would be a bear to install. No 2 XJ's are ever the same. So you build and design on one, and the bumper does not fit right on any other ones.:eek: Its an XJ thing and I understood.

Joe

[FlexyXJ]

Yup. Remove hitch from vehicle, then bolt it on something with a real frame....:D C'mon steve, lets keep this on topic.

Joe


is there something I could/should to to my 89 XJ to reinforce where my hitch bolts?

[OlneyJeeps]

I thought that was the topic... strength of mounting for points (same mounting for receiver hitch?) protofab bumper, someone stated that later model XJ's subframe was much stouter (therefore mine is weaker?)
:confused:

[Washington_XJ]

So...does anyone know if this mounts to the stock holes?

[xjralfy]

I confirmed it mounts to both the stock bumper mounts as well as the frame.

[rockwerks]

yep after installing and buying most of the mentioned units, the protofab is cheapest and best. you cant go wrong. Desertfab is a protofab dealer call Dave