If you're privy to the fact that FSJs are inexpensive and already have V-8s and decent drivetrain components, then you're probably also aware there aren't a lot of bolt-on aftermarket accessories available-and certainly not many that look good, in our opinion (square tube is a little too prevalent for our tastes). So when looking for a front bumper, we turned to BJ's Off-Road for its prerunner FSJ unit. The BJ's bumper replaces the factory piece, adds increased front-end protection, and allows the attachment of a winch and tow hooks without sacrificing approach angle or good looks.
After removing our bent-up...
After removing our bent-up factory bumper, we went to work with some semiflat, black, rattle-can paint to coat the frame. The BJ's bumper makes this area more visible, so make it look good before you slap on your new prerunner bumper. While you're there, inspect for frame cracks and repair anything that looks suspicious.
The BJ's bumper comes powdercoated...
The BJ's bumper comes powdercoated black. Ours was boxed up and protected extremely well. We only had very minor paint damage on one end where it had poked through the box. We left the protective sheathing on the bumper until it was bolted in place. A buddy speeds and eases the installation, but it can be done by one person.
Four of the six bolt holes...
Four of the six bolt holes lined up perfectly. The other two, well . . . this was the best we could do before busting out the 1/2-inch drill. Pushing the bumper back enough to make the existing holes work resulted in body contact with the bumper. Our Jeep had been in a minor fender bender, so this may or may not have been the reason. Regardless, we're talking about a bolt-on part for a frame that's 20-plus years old. Some misalignment is possible.
Slapping on the bumper and...
Slapping on the bumper and winch is an easy afternoon project that gives any FSJ a necessary face-lift. Keep your eyes peeled for a full review of the Warn PowerPlant winch once we log some abuse time.
We had already removed the...
We had already removed the fender flares from our J-Truck for tire clearance, so we trimmed the front portion of the fender to match up with the new bumper. The bumper works perfectly with 37s and our 4-inch lift.
As luck would have it, we...
As luck would have it, we had the biggest oddball winch, the Warn PowerPlant with a built-in air compressor. The wider winch assembly required us to build an adapter plate to move the winch over about 2 inches. BJ's current production bumpers will have a mounting plate welded directly to the bumper, so any of the integrated winches, including the Warn PowerPlant, can be installed without building an adapter plate like ours.