Tag for updates!!

 

In for pics and weight. :rocker:

 

Done. Took about 4 hours because they shorted me most of the hardware. The 4 main bolts and lock washers that hold the bumper to the winch tray were missing along with the 4 small bolts washers and nuts that hold the fog lights to the bumper. no problem, I needed lunch anyway so off to Ace Hardware. I did this alone and it was very straight forward. You have to be slightly above average mechanically minded to figure out the removal of the old bumper and to leverage and bolt on the new one though.

Here are the weights:

The factory bumper weighs 30 pounds total

The M1 is
- 47# for the winch tray that mounts to the FJ frame
- 90# for the main bumper that mounts to the winch tray
- 5# for the wiper fluid reservoir protection plate (not needed on 07-08 models)
- 5# for misc hardware and fog lights

TOTAL just shy of 150 pounds...... 120 pounds more than the stock bumper

I did not use the wiper fluid res plate but I did add the 7/8" D rings that were about 5 pounds.
The fog lights that are included with the M1 seem to be very good quality. I have not tested them yet. I will be adding the winch soon. I will be posting the installation instructions tomorrow. Feel free to ask questions. For the price... this bumper ROCKS!!

 

Great pics and bumper looks good.

 

Wonder if my 14 TT front skid plate will work with this bumper...

 

What winch are you going to add?

 

I had the Smittybilt X20 comp 10000 on order but it was backordered for unknown time period so I canceled it. I still think I will get that one at some point. I like that it is waterproof and has synthetic cable for around $550. I am not sure about your TT skidplate but this bumper doesn't seem to block much on the underside. I think it will still fit.

 

I'd get some side braces made up to attach the bumper to the frame along the sides. Otherwise you're going to bend the frame horns on the first serious winch pull.

All Pro ran into this issue on their first builds. You'll notice that every vendor now has bumpers that tie into the frame rails on the sides, because the OEM horns are considered a crush point on the frame, and are not designed to hold up in a winching situation.

See here

 

I read into this awhile ago and totally agree... I plan to do this for sure! I have to take the bumper off to get the winch in and will do it at that time. Thanks!

 

wow awesome!

could you post some pictures of the washer bottle protection plate and if you are motivate hold it close to the actual location where it should be mounted so people can get an idea of how it looks and works?

 

I will actually bolt it on real quick and take pictures of it after work today... stay tuned!

 

On the M1 bumper, i just received mine and it was missing all hardware!? One question, when you removed the original upper bumper brackets, did you remove the one holding the (protruding one) headlamps, or did you trim the bracket?

 

Hi, I just received my M-1 bumper Monday with no hardware!?? Not too big a problem, but I have no instructions either!
When you took off the original bumper, did you trim the protruding brackets that connect the upper bumper framework (removed) and hold the lower headlight bracket? If this bracket is removed, there in no support for the headlamps on the bottom. I assume it must be trimmed as they hold the bumper from going all the way in.
THX

 

The instructions don't say to do this but you do need to trim those two brackets that support the headlamps. They are essential but the instructions say and show them removed and never say to reinstall/trim anything. I cut off about two inches.

 

The pdf install instructions are posted on here somewhere.. use the search function..

 

Seriously? I gave you the link and did most of the searching for you. I'm pretty sure you can take it from here.

 

I read 15 pages and didnt see the reinforcing plates install.

 

I found this photo of the ARB bracket that I believe is the added support to frame in question. Notice the body mount for orientation to what you are looking at.

 

It don't look like he ARB bracket will work with our bumper

 

thank you so much, great pictures!

What a bummer it mounts to the bumper and not the frame, I was hoping for a more universal solution.

 

Hey yall, wanted to post some pics since i've recently installed this bumper! I also was missing some of the bolts and had to go to the local hardware store because i didn't want to wait for replacements.

 

Fixed ^^^ Sorry it was bugging me

 

@dustunite Funny how they often don't include the hardware, huh? Well it looks good on your rig too... have you had any problems? I am still real happy with mine.

 

I havent had any problems with it, some of the install sucked, I had neighbors coming out to see who I was yelling at. I also had some issues getting it to look right like having to use the the 1/4 and 1/8 spacers to get it to fit properly.

 

thanks for fixing that after i posted it i had no idea how to fix it

 

I'm calling them Monday with my gripe. I'll let you guys know how it goes! I bought this bumper for $799 on amazon.. Trust me it's worth the $. I do miss my brush guard though..

 

Did you install this on a stock FJ suspension? I want to install the bumper but wondering if I would be ok with STOCK suspension? Also, did it make the car LONGER? It looks long....and if so, by how much would you say? Thanks, looks great!

 

I would recommend upgrading, mine has probably dropped about an inch since i installed, as for length i think about 2" mainly because of the shackle mounts

 

I ended up with the M1 bumper due to a "jackhole" that cut a blind corner while I was "STOPPED" at a stop sign & took off most of my front end. Long story short, it was cheaper to get the aftermarket bumper than replace the factory one. I like how the M1 looks beside the large hole cutout for a winch. Have not had the $$ to spend on a winch until now, Harbor Freight is having a "Parking Lot" sale the 8th/10th & the 12000 lb. winch is marked down to $299 plus I'm going to try & use their 20%off Super Coupon as well. That will bring it down to $249. I know many will bash the winch & place I'm getting it from but it is what it is, it's the best I can swing right now. Anyway, I came across this thread while looking into what it's going to take to install it in the M!. I'm assuming I'll be needing to remove the bumper to get it in there & hook it up, & glad I did find this thread as I did not know about the bracket's I'll need to have made up for support. I did get the instructions with it & there not all that great, not sure if all the hardware was with it as I did not have to do the install of the bumper. I have a box with the winch plate/plates & a bag of hardware so I guess/hope it's all there before I get started. I just wish it could be dropped in while the bumper was still on the FJ. If anyone has any ideas that will help me out, I'm all ears.

 

Have any of you guy's that have been shorted the hardware called Smittybuilt for replacement hardware? As stated, I did not mount my M1, it was part of a crash fix, but if I was shorted the hardware I'd be on the phone, what the Hell, you paid for it.

 

oh yeah i called and *****ed about it and they sent the parts but when i was installing it was go to the store and finish or wait a week, I'm over it now but its BS!

 

Thanks everyone for this thread. Answered my question about modifying the headlight bracket. I'm more concerned now with the custom reinforcement plate everyone is talking about. Seems like a poor construction on Smittybilts part. Is there another manufacturer besides ARB that makes a plate, that would fit with the installation of the M1? Has anyone made a plate, that you would be willing to share specs/fitment on?

 

I also didn't have all of the hardware for the installation. Had spare grade 8 bolts around, so I was able to finish the install.
Fabricated the reinforcement plates today from 1/4" plate steel. Will install this week once I figure out the bolt sizes for the preexisting holes.
If anyone's interested in a template, I'll post the one I created.

 

Installed with Rugged Ridge Extra Heavy Duty 10,500lb synthetic rope winch.
Edit- tried to post pic. It won't upload. Will do tomorrow.