Jeep Wrangler JL Rugged Ridge HD Stubby Front Bumper Review & Install

Rugged Ridge’s HD Stubby Front Bumper makes a great addition to your Jeep Wrangler JL’s off-road-ready build. This front bumper is designed to accommodate aftermarket winches, shackles, and other accessories, increasing your Jeep’s functionality as a result. Plus, it boasts a durable build to ensure that your vehicle’s front-end is fortified.

Rugged Ridge’s HD Stubby Front Bumper is made entirely from heavy-duty steel and covered with a quality satin black powder-coated finish. Thanks to its remarkable construction, it can keep up with your extreme off-road lifestyle and last you for many years to come.

Installing this front bumper is challenging. That’s why it’s in your best interest to let a qualified mechanic handle the task if you have little to no experience working with this product. The entire procedure will also only 2 hours since it doesn’t need to be drilled onto your Jeep.

This front bumper is backed by a 5-year limited warranty. This is non-transferrable and only warrants claims made by the original retail purchaser. Check out Rugged Ridge’s website for more information.

Item J132781-JL
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[randyjohnson]

I installed this RR HD STUBBY 3 years ago... solo install. It was not that hard to do. I did use packing tape to hold the 4 bolts in place as i pushed them thru. I also needed a spacer for where the rubicon sway bar disconnect was interfering with install. Not a big deal because i cut a spacer from the JK bracket that was included but not needed for my JL install. No issues with fog lights. This RR HD STUBBY BUMPER has held up nicely... 0 issues... no rust. i recommend it. have fun on your adventures.😊

[EricCantin]

Have the full width version of this bumper on my JKU. Kit includes winch plate rear mounting hardware for JL and JK (not shown in video). Works great with a 10, 000lbs winch.

[CheaperJeeperTV]

Hello, At 13:46 you mention the factory LED lights can just be bolted onto the bumper without the need to use the provided brackets, but the factory incandescents WILL require the included brackets. The Rugged Ridge instructions say the opposite. Can you verify which is the correct instruction? Thank you.

[sallyc]

Trick to install quickly is to remove the frame outer L-brackets attaching the bumper. If it is a pain to try get the outer bolts through, that will greatly save you some headache.

[aaronchandler]

This video is WAY misleading. Them mount bolts are WAY hard to install. The wiring connector needs to be moved before you install the new bumper. Not an easy install.

[gravis]

I ha e this bumper and a Smitty X20 10klb synthetic winch. Great combo.

[sd-]

I just put this on and a little disappointed with the overall experience. The fog lights DO NOT SIT STRAIGHT. I know it’s a small issue but drives me crazy. Don’t know why they are not straight? Second thing is where you re attach bumper to the new stubby… now this is a factory issue the small plate on either side of that does not line up with the holes to where you attach the new bumper. My only solutions was to drill the plate to make the hole able to accept the screws from the stubby bumper ( again… jeep issue). I still have to put on the last 4 ( 2 on outside of left and right ) screws bc I’m having a hard time getting to them as I do not have an extension 😫 for the 19mm ratchet I’m then hoping I can just drop the winch straight down into it with out having to loosen anything and tie off the fog light wires. But def makes the jeep look so much more aggressive

[Fresno]

I don’t like the winch plate. It looks like it is set up for a rear support to the frame. Is there a rear brace?

[dennisdollins]

Will this stubby bumper fit a 2021 Gladiator Mojave?

[mav]

I install just like your video, but my fog lights now won’t Come on… do you have an idea on why?

[ward]

Does the winch have to be installed before bumper installation, or can it be installed after?

[polarisflyer]

Soooo... I guess I'm out of luck. I already installed the RR HD Rear bumper, and threw away the box. Now, I went to install the matching RR HD front bumper, only to find out that it does NOT work with my OEM LED fog lights (even though their descriptions, manuals, etc. say they do...) Ugh! So, now I either have to have two different brands of bumpers since the front bumper does NOT work with my OEM LEDs, or I have to replace my OEM fog lights ... I should have just waited for my first choice of bumpers to come back in stock.

[chrismears]

So the winch plate is for looks .... Cause that does not look sturdy at all welded to the bumper on one side and not bolted to the frame.

[MajorHolyNight]

What's the diameter of the bull bar that can be added to the bumper?

[stevehanlon]

How much does this bumper weigh? And how much does the stock bumper weigh?

[wmaddalena]

The fog lamps on a 2020 wrangler will not work in this bumper!

[bravo]

What size lift, wheels and tires are on that Jeep?

[Frimsure]

does the winch plate come with rear support hardware?

[HawkEye]

Yes her being very attractive and on top of that working on a Jeep Wrangler using powering tools and wrenches I’m lost for words... why isn’t this women anyones wife yet.... ( No ring).... But any who awesome video very Informative...

[aaronchandler]

Like I said, like I said, like I said.