4WD Hardware
Priced at the lower end of bumpers we tested, you get a lot for your dollar with this one-tapered bearing hinge, automatic hold open, easy-to-use latch, universal bolt-pattern mount, powdercoat finish, and a solid bolt-through mounting design.
Like: It was easy to use every day. With this bumper on, it was only another couple seconds if we needed to get into the back of the Jeep-not the minute or more that some bumpers took.
Dislike: Vibramatic, meaning the instructions don't mention moving the rubber bumpers on the stock tailgate to provide support, but this bumper really needs them. Without spacing out those rubber snubbers, this was one of the worst vibrating bumpers around.
ARB
At the top end of the price scale comes the ARB bumper. We won't lie to you, we really don't like the way it looks. It reminds us of bumpers we've seen fire departments put on the front of otherwise civilian trucks-it's huge! That said, it's also solid. The ARB is rated for towing, and it also performed at (or near) the top of the units we tested. It's the definition of function over form.
Like: The frame tie-in on this bumper is second to none.
Dislike: A gazillion pieces and parts to put together almost make this bumper a multi-day install. Start early if you want to get it done in one day.
A To Z Fabrication
Right around the middle of the pack in cost and final ratings, this bumper comes from a small company, but packs some big parts. From the bracing on the tire mount to the larger-diameter hinge, De-Sta-Co latch, and beefy steel construction, this is a decent all-around bumper.
Like: We like the swing arm and actual tire mount. We also like the way the company provided support and the sheer thickness of the plate that the tire mounts to. (We did crack a couple lesser mounting plates.)
Dislike: There are some unfinished aspects of the assembly, such as the plastic stops, which lead to vibration.
Body Armor
True to its name, the Body Armor bumper could be used on an up-armored military vehicle; it's heavy, and it might be heavier than the ARB unit. That said, the Body Armor bumper is also solid, and except for a minor problem with the hinge, it's a very stout tire carrier/bumper combo. This one got the most off-road abuse of any of the bumpers, with multiple hits on rocks, other Jeeps, and even packed dirt.
Like: The double-shear hinge design and De-Sta-Co latch combine for sheer strength in tire control.
Dislike: Difficult to install, thanks to the threaded plates that need to line up exactly with the crossmember holes.
Currie Enterprises
Simple is as simple does. There are no bells and whistles on the Currie bumper-just the way the company wants it. It has a large-diameter, solid steel hinge that's capable of holding the weight of a Jeep (empiricalevidence). While it isn't the easiest bumperto use, its simplicity of design makes for something that will last and last.
Like: It doesn't try to please everyone all the time. The Currie bumper is a tire carrier first and foremost.
Dislike: With no shackle mounts and a receiver in the middle of the bumper (a foot away from the nearest bolt), we wouldn't take this out in the mud. It survives snatches off rocks, but buried in the mud, we'd want a more substantial recovery point.
Big Daddy Off-Road
Big Daddy is one of two bumpers that showed up without any damage-most of them arrived sticking halfway out of the shipping box. While we thought it was going to be one of the heavier units tested, it ended up on par with the others. We also like the protection it provides to the rear quarter panels.
Like: It lacked any discernable rattle, and it had very minimal vibration, making for a verynice ride.
Dislike: The screw-style latch is a pain to operate, and we lost paint from the Jeep and powdercoating from the bumper thanks to its knurled surfaces.
Durango 4x4
This is a bumper that could've done much better. If you follow the instructions to the letter, you will get the results we saw. But by adding a rubber snubber properly spaced off the tailgate and some red-tint Loctite on the latch bolts, it probably would've done much better with rattling and vibrating.
Like: The latch is super easy to use, the hold-open works as expected, and the hinge-while not roller-bearing packed-is still smooth and easy to operate.
Dislike: We constantly monkeyed with the latch and tried getting it adjusted so it would stop rattling, but never quite succeeded.