Waffling on ARB stubby vs. full-width for a JK Rubi.

[KG4NEL]

Ever since getting my Jeep last month, I've wanted to replace the plastic excuses known as the stock bumpers. While I have no desire to go larger than 33s - crawling is not my goal - I'm torn between the savings in both weight and cost of a stubby front bumper, or the tire protection of a full-width.

For anyone who's put one on a JK, how'd you go? Would you do it again?

Thanks!

 

[Happykamper]

Not an ARB bumper fan. But I say full if your going with them. Great product . They look great on others Jeeps. Lol
Just like that style for all around use.

 

[Septu]

If you're keeping the stock fenders, go full width. If you're changing those, then a stubby might be okay. Not really a fan of them personally - they seem to be a hate it or love it type of bumper - but am really not a fan of how they look with the stock fenders.

 

[MTSN]

I considered both long and hard, and I went with an ARB full width. Where you do truthfully spend 95%+ of your time? Probably on pavement. I think stubby bumpers are great for rock crawlers, but in all reality full width is far superior for crash protection on the payment and is not nearly as limiting as you might think off road. Granted I have 37s, but pulling up to a ledge my bumper does not hit or cause clearance issues. I've been extremely happy with my ARB hoopless bumper:

The 37 also tucks perfectly in stock fenders with zero trimming and only 3.5" lift:

 

[karlmagnum]

It depends. For looks, choose a stubby bumper and if front-end protection is important to you go with a full length bumper.

 

[swift7777]

Another vote for full length. I just swapped out my stubby for the stock bumper, as others have stated the stubby offers no real wheel protection in the event of a collision and I think with the exception of the ARB most are not airbag compliant, also I can replace the stock bumper for $50 bucks if it gets damaged.

I see a lot of folks driving around with huge metal stinger bumpers and wouldn't want my family being rear-ended by one! Just something to think about.

 

[harv3589]

I guess I'm an exception here...we run an ARB stubby and really like it. Maybe not all protection as a full width but works great and looks better with the flat fenders we wanted to run. If u go with the full width ARB stay with the factory fenders...

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[kojackJKU]

My vote goes to the full width. Love the look and protection.

 

[Weeds]

I have a stubby, but everyone has there own opinion and choice. What effect does the full width bumper have on a stock suspension? My stubby and winch killed the stock springs in 6 months. The bumper weighted 65 lbs shipped.

 

[kojackJKU]

The same. Another reason Why I am staying stock. Light weight, no rust....still have a winch mounted in the bumper between the rails. Now that I have the VDP corners, if I hit something with my bumper...I just replace those.

 

[jeep670]

I went full width for.. animal control.

 

[kojackJKU]

The animals here will not be taken out by any bumper. They destroy big rigs.



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[MOguy]

I like as little bumper as possible. I like to get my tire on the obstacle and a big bumper is just in the way. I just cut my stock one as narrow as I could and still keep a place to mount my extra lights. I have even cut them shorter since this pic.

 

[SilicaRich]

Depends on what you want for style and purpose. Personally, I believe the fullwidth ARB is far more appealing but there's no doubt about the compromise for approach angle versus a stubby. I also like the extra few inches the fullwidth offers between the front of the bumper and the grill and fenders. That extra protection is extremely helpful when going through high brush and the same extra space serves as great workbench on the trail or even in the garage. Also, what fenders do you plan on running in the future? Flat fenders look terrible with a fullwidth bumper IMO, stock or stock like fenders seem to look the best with fullwidth bumpers. All depends on what you want, fullwidth seems be a better bank for the buck.