OR-Fab vs SmittyBilt

[TallGuyJeep]

I'm looking to buy a front winch bumper, and after much researching I have narrowed it down to two bumpers. OR Fab's front HD bumper (w/hoop) or the XRC from SmittyBilt with the bull bar option.

I really like the look of the OR Fab bumper, and I like how it doesn't block airflow to the radiator. My only concern is that it may not tie in and reinforce the unibody as much as i would like? Maybe I'm just delusional, but the brackets don't look to be as sturdy as others.
http://www.offroadoutpost.com/jeep-cherokee-xj-front-hd-bumper-with-hoop-83240/

The SmittyBilt bumper seems to be more sturdy, but blocks airflow and sticks out more than the other. Also because it is so heavy (about 115lbs) it may weigh down the front requiring spacers or something like that.
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Bumpers-Tire-Carriers-Winch-Mounts/XRC-Rock-Crawler-Winch-Bumper-with-D-ring-Mounts.aspx?t_c=64&t_s=26&t_pt=6410&t_pn=S%2fB76810

As of right now I think I am leaning towards the OR Fab because it looks great, doesn't block airflow, and doesn't stick out a bunch. I would love to hear some opinions, or if anyone is running one of these bumpers. Any help is much appreciated

Thanks,
Josh

[Brasscatz]

Personally, and I don't have any personal experience with either, I'm a big fan of the way Or-Fab looks. I want their front and rear tube bumpers big time

[4.3LXJ]

To be honest, from the supplied pics I cannot tell how either one of them ties in. I would give them a call about that

[TallGuyJeep]

Thanks for the input guys. :)

I downloaded the install instructions, it looks like they both use 5 bolts on each side with brackets making kind of a jeep sandwich.

Maybe I'll just get the OR Fab bumper. If it doesn't work out I can always sell it.

[bad luck]

I like the Or Fab front bumper a lot. I regret not buying that.

[Hopkins]

I have the OR-Fab rear tube bumper and the quality is top notch. The tie ins are super beefy and leave you with no concerns after seeing and installing them in person.

[Brasscatz]

This thread has made me go back and look/dream about their tube bumpers again.... They're awfully proud of them judging by the prices.... or maybe I'm just a big cheap a$$ :D I need to see if I can find a fabricator willing to copy their bumpers for half the price or so.

[TallGuyJeep]

Well, I got excited and ordered the Or Fab bumper. :bacondance: I can't wait until it gets here, I'll be sure to give ya'll an update.

Enjoy your weekend all. :patriot:

[Mudderoy]

Just saying....

http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/XJ-WinchPre5_360x270.jpg

[TallGuyJeep]

Yeah, JCR is real nice, but it's $150 more. Plus it sticks out more than the OR fab, and I have to paint it myself. :P And it still looks awesome!
http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/39200288+w600+re0/131-1211-03%2Bnovember-2012-new-products%2Bjeep-xj-with-or-fab-bumper.jpg

[bluedragon436]

Yeah I'd pick the JCR bumpers over quite a few others I've seen out on the market today... I do like the OR Fab bumpers, I just wish they weren't so expensive for what they are.. I've seen a few of the non winch OR Fab bumpers being used to extricate folks from situations and haven't seen one pull off the front or even rear for that matter, so I'd say their tie ins are pretty substantial..

[Mudderoy]

Yeah, JCR is real nice, but it's $150 more. Plus it sticks out more than the OR fab, and I have to paint it myself. :P And it still looks awesome!
http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/39200288+w600+re0/131-1211-03%2Bnovember-2012-new-products%2Bjeep-xj-with-or-fab-bumper.jpg

Well keep in mind that includes shipping.

[TallGuyJeep]

Yeah I'd pick the JCR bumpers over quite a few others I've seen out on the market today... I do like the OR Fab bumpers, I just wish they weren't so expensive for what they are.. I've seen a few of the non winch OR Fab bumpers being used to extricate folks from situations and haven't seen one pull off the front or even rear for that matter, so I'd say their tie ins are pretty substantial..

Well that's good news! So far it sounds like I may be a guinea pig for this thing so we'll see how it goes.


Well keep in mind that includes shipping.

Got my OR Fab free shipping as well. :)

[TallGuyJeep]

Quick update!

My bumper came in today, looks amazing. Hopefully will get it on this weekend. Surprised the heck out of my mom when this giant box showed up on the doorstep. Also scored a sweet old military trailer (M416?) from my neighbor for free! :D. Ball and pintle hitch, giant tires. Pretty dang exciting day. Pics tomorrow.

[TallGuyJeep]

As you know, the new bumper came in yesterday! :bacondance:

I thought I would upload some pictures so you can see the actual product in all it's glory. I apologize if the pictures are blurry, but it's better than nothing. :thumbsup:

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/DSCF1152_zpsd9e87006.jpg
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/DSCF1150_zpsc9ca07b5.jpg

Here is what the brackets look like.
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/DSCF1151_zpsc2bad1f6.jpg

Mounting hardware, instructions, warranty, return policy, D-Ring shackles, dust guard and the steering box spacer.
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/DSCF1153_zpsa13daff8.jpg

And here is the new trailer. :D
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/DSCF1147_zps1130f10c.jpg

Hopefully I'll get it mounted up this weekend, assuming I can find a winch (any suggestions?) before then. Overall the quality seems top notch, although I am far from an expert. The customer service was great although they were unable to get a tracking number. They were polite, had VERY quick responses, and were very helpful. The bumper seems to be everything I had hoped and dreamed it would be, and even better in person!

[XJ Wheeler]

Really looks good. All the hardware and additional parts looks like they have thought it out well. Was the steering box spacer an additional cost?

And that trailer! :shocker: That amazing! Can't believe you got that for free! :thumbsup:

[4.3LXJ]

Yeah, love to have one of those to pull behind the Mighty Mites

[TallGuyJeep]

Nope, all of their bumpers come with all the hardware. :)

Crazy excited about the trailer, the deal is when I sell it (if i ever do) to give him half. My neighbor (who is actually my boss as well) is one of those guys that has all the money he would ever need. He is also one of the most generous men i know. But he's also like a kid, he goes through toys fast, and once he's bored of them he just gets rid of them. Lucky me ;)


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[bluedragon436]

That is a nice looking bumper.. and a darn nice deal on the trailer.. Wish I could find one half that nice for free or heck even up too $500..

[XJ Wheeler]

Good kind of friend to have. :D

[bluedragon436]

Good kind of friend to have. :D

Yeah no doubt.. wish I had a friend like that, or neighbor and especially a boss like that!!!

[TallGuyJeep]

Bumper is on!! :D I'll try and get some pics up tomorrow. Looks BAD A$$!! Extremely happy with how it turned out. Bit the bullet and bought a Warn M8000 winch to go along with it. Winch seems to be top notch, but for a winch that cost more than my bumper you would think it would have better instructions!! :crazy: Ended up putting everything on to realize what I though needed to be grounded from the solenoid box to the body has to be grounded from the solenoid box to the negative battery cable on the actual winch. Now I have to take the bumper and winch off to ground that one stupid little wire. :bang::bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:
Oh well. At least it looks good, and I can be a poser with a non-functioning winch. At least now I have an excuse to get all greasy again. :)

[TallGuyJeep]

Snapped some pics on my dads phone real quick. Looks pretty good eh? :)http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/21/dyvu4edy.jpg http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/21/vytyse6y.jpg I'll get some of the tie ins, which are actually quite beefy, uploaded so you can see that as well. Extremely happy with how it looks, I've been backing into the driveway so everyone can see it. ;)


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[XJ Wheeler]

Looks great josh! Nice choice with the winch too, my brother loves his. Although he doesn't use it much.

[TallGuyJeep]

Thanks! :D I figure I probably won't use it much either, but I should be able to rely on it to be there when I need it.


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[XJ Wheeler]

Thanks! :D I figure I probably won't use it much either, but I should be able to rely on it to be there when I need it.


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Oh yeah, they're one tool you just cant substitute. At least not as efficiently. But be sure to take care of it so it will be reliable when it counts the most. ;)

[TallGuyJeep]

But be sure to take care of it so it will be reliable when it counts the most.

Yes Sir! :patriot:

[TallGuyJeep]

This where the bumper attaches to the unibody driver's side. Sory the horn is is the way, but you should get the picture.
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/DSCF1157_zpsdb1030c1.jpg
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/DSCF1156_zps8d84e9fa.jpg

5 new bolts, one is original.

I also made a bracket to hold the solenoid box to the bumper, most of it is hidden but you can see the bolt holding it on the the bumper. Nothing amazing but it gets the job done. :thumbsup:
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/DSCF1159_zps22647dd0.jpg

The bumper is absolutely great, I love how it looks and I can't help looking back when leaving the parking lot. The boss loves it, he was bragging me up at work saying how proud he is :bacondance: Ya'll should see his jeep though... Hopefully I'll be able to get out and put the winch and bumper to the test this weekend. In Utah the 24th is a holiday, Pioneer Day, to celebrate our pioneer heritage. Also a great weekend for camping. :)