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View Full Version : Bumper & sliders question (or, Jeep vs BMW)


Wulfcub
03-14-2007, 06:03 PM
Heres what I've got: 95 YJ, nerfs, 33" x12.50 bfg's on 15" alloys, 4.0, Banks exhaust system, and a few smaller goodies.

Heres the story:
This past Sunday, while on my way to dinner with friends, I was hit by a white 1995 BMW 813ti. She came down the on-ramp from Lincoln ave on to northbound I-135 (in Wichita), and spun out doing about 45. No injuries, just a few shaken up people. Everyone agreed that had I not been lifted w/ the nerfs, the whole thing would probably have turned really ugly, really fast.
Her car is thrashed. The jeep is getting 2 new (or rebuilt, I'm waiting to hear back from the shop) alloy wheels, 2 new tires (bfg mt's), and a new slider/nerf bar, plus an alignment job.

This raises issue #1: What to do for sliders/nerfs/steps. I transport kids for church, plus friends and family, so a step of some sort is a must. Right now, I'm looking at the Body Armor (Quadratec has a special deal on the BA swing out bumper and sliders as a pair), Olympic reverse-a-bars, Poison Spyder Helldorado (a bit pricey), and the DetoursUSA Dropkicks. Again, these are all within reach, so it's a question of whats going to do the best job, last, and hopefully save my skin if I'm in another such wreck. Of course, the alternative here is to clean these up (if possible, they have pretty heavy rust where the wonderful powder coating didnt do much to protect the metal), fill the damage with weld (local shop work), and repaint.

Issue #2: A new rear bumper with tire carrier. What do I go for? I like the looks of the Garvin ATS, which is fairly popular with a few of my jeep owning, jeep repairing friends locally. I've also looked at the Rock Hard, Toys by Troy, and Body Armor (Wow, they're proud of their stuff!), and the SmittyBilt SRC. All are within reach. I just need something functional and durable, thats not going to fall apart driving down the road or up a trail.
The bumper took no damage here, but has rust and damage from a previous, bizarre wreck.

I'll have the money in short order, and would like to get everything ordered and installed asap, and still do it right. Oh, and before everyone starts with "Build your own!" I wish I could. I cant weld to save my life, let alone anyone elses.


Nerf bar damage
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t70/wulfcub/nerf-1a.jpg

Front wheel
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t70/wulfcub/pass-wheel1.jpg

More pics at: http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t70/wulfcub/

Kooters
03-15-2007, 12:01 AM
Personally I'd stay away from the Rockhard swingout bumper. That is basicaly a first generation Jeeperman bumper knockoff. If you like that bumper, just get a jeeperman and you'll be much happier with it. I love mine and will never own anything else.

jake622006
03-22-2007, 03:58 PM
If you were hit by this beamer, her fault I presume, why not just order what you want and submit it to the insurance? I am not saying to go overboard but get what you need and maybe even do the install yourself so you can have the quality.
For sliders I would go with the Poison Spiders gear. They have some of the best stuff on the market.
Remember that you get what you pay for.

Good Luck. (http://www.realhiddentreasures.net)


My Clubs Forum if you want to check it out. (http://www.4X4him.com)

butch6924
03-22-2007, 04:24 PM
^
I agree on both of the above points. At the very least, get a body shop estimate and give her the option of paying or turning it in to her insurance company.

As for sliders/steps, I prefer the type that bolt to the body rather than the frame. For wheeling, they provide more clearance at the rockers and can be made with steps as well. Gen-Right has a reasonbly priced set.

Also consider checking around for local fabricators. The club link above is a great place to start. In my area, there are 3 or 4 guys that do fabrication work out of their garage and usually cost considerably less than comparable retail items. To that end, they can also build things to your specific wants if there's some particular item you're interested in.

wildtyphoon
03-22-2007, 06:43 PM
if your going for ultimate side protection in my opinion this is it http://www.boulderbars.com/boulderbars.htm
a bit pricy, and its frame mounted and will lower your clearance.

as far as a swing away, if you cant find a local fab shop to build you one i think the warn is about the best bang for the buck. heres the best place ive found to buy warn stuff http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/ free shipping on anything over 50 bucks and they always ship fedex :thup2: