04 D2 steel bumper

[Rob371]

I see many threads on bumpers. My daughter got her license in the spring. She's been driving the disco and had an accident, low speed, rear ended a new Dodge. Mostly just bumper damage to the vehicle. No injuries so we're grateful for that. The hood and fender alignment are off a bit but so far I haven't dug into it to see why.

Anyway, I'm shopping steel bumpers. terrafirma, ARB, RTE,... are there any others?

Since my daughter is using the car and it's all stock I'm leaning towards a basic steel bumper, probably with fog lights, without winch. Atlantic British has one for 479.00 (I think that was the price). I've read a few reviews and see some problems concerning the windshield washer bottle being exposed. Can anyone confirm that and what was done as a fix?

Any other experiences to share?

The other thing that really sucks is I just picked up a used nudge bar couple weeks ago but haven't had time to install it.

 

[helievacpilot]

If you want to keep it stock, just go to your local pic-and-pull and pick up a bumper for cheap.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I've read a few reviews and see some problems concerning the windshield washer bottle being exposed. Can anyone confirm that and what was done as a fix?

You can replace the washer bottle with one from a Defender and install it in place of the bottle jock. The other option I've seen people do is to just leave the washer bottle in place and paint it black. If it isn't for off road it will be fine.

If you want to keep it stock, just go to your local pic-and-pull and pick up a bumper for cheap.

They'll likely all be cracked.

 

[K-rover]

There is also Tactial Rovers bumper, but those are over $1k. Dark crow out of ohio has a budget bumper, not sure if they have a website, but they do have a Facebook page

 

[DiscoTech]

There is a guy here in Central Ohio who makes bumpers; Dark Crow Design on FB. I have one on my D2, and the thing is stout as fuck!

Mike

 

[Blue]

replace the washer bottle with some PVC piping

 

[jymmiejamz]

replace the washer bottle with some PVC piping

Wow, I thought that was just for snorkels!

 

[JohnB]

Maybe think that if your daughter has already rear ended someone a steel bumper may not be a great idea for what she hits next.

 

[squirt]

Wow, I thought that was just for snorkels!

Next thing you know, you'll be seeing shit-pipe exhaust.

 

[pdogg]

Tactical 4x4 in California... great products

 

[Blue]

Wow, I thought that was just for snorkels!

Tires ripped off the stock jug that was hanging down below the $G bumper anyway. Out here in AZ I use my windshield washer fluid maybe a few times per year max so a pipe that hold about a liter of water is plenty.

 

[Rob371]

Maybe think that if your daughter has already rear ended someone a steel bumper may not be a great idea for what she hits next.

I considered that and that's precisely why I went with steel bumper. It actually worked out well since insurance covered everything and enough left to pay the deductible and still put a few bucks in my pocket.

Steel bumper from Britpart through Atlantic British is on, washer bottle painted black and she (daughter) is back on the road. The bumper appears to have had a rough trip getting to me. Box was blown open, couple nicks in the powder coat, one fog light crushed. Replacement light should arrive soon,... I think. The bumper fit well and looks decent.

 

[JohnB]

That bumper does look good on the 04. Not so much on the pre-facelift. They sell it to fit all D2 but have to trim stuff to fit the early D2.

 

[Rob371]

Since this was an insurance repair the body shop insisted on replacing the headlights. The old headlights were in good shape. Not oxidized or discolored. They got minor scratches from the accident. I think most of it or maybe all could be polished out.

I'm considering selling but Murphy's Law dictates that if I sell them I will need them, and if I keep them they will sit around forever. What are they worth second hand? That may sway my decision.

I added a pic of the new bumper. Considering a skid plate now.

The one issue I discovered with the steel bumpers is they don't deflect the snow and ice in the winter. I put a steel bumper on the Tundra after some deer damage. Now I occasionally have to get in there and chip away or get it inside to thaw.