Jeep Gladiator - Mopar Steel Bumper Swap

[@OzCapNWA]

Thanks for this, I desperately needed to see the inside of this steel bumper. I have been piecing a steel bumper together because the one I bought off FB Marketplace was missing a ton of parts... and the parts diagrams are marginal at best. live and learn...

[@lifemattified7393]

Glad I could help

[@ronnierebhan229]

It looks great! I want to do the same thing!! Rubicon steel bumper and black toe hooks to match my 80th anniversary sport.

[@TheAlphaMale]

Did you have any trouble with the torx screws? Mine were really difficult and some got stripped and stuck. What tool did you use to get them off? Thanks!

[@lifemattified7393]

Just used a proper torx socket. I recommend a set! Thanks for the comment

[@kimos_jtfreedom8448]

My JT came with a OE steel bumper and I installed a winch awhile ago. One problem ,that could be major,is that removing those retainer clips and adding nuts to those 8 mounting studs that mount to the frame is that all the contact is on those nuts and not the bumper and frame. Any recovery use I got your hooks could move or tweak the bumper.

[@lifemattified7393]

Thanks a lot for this post (and for checking out my channel). Yeah, sorry if it wasn't clear, but I did end up replacing the retainer clips like stock. I found them at a hardware store. I hope you're loving your JT!

[@1006cleo]

Why don’t any of these aftermarket bumpers provide similar water and mud protection to the fog lights as the stock plastic bumper?

[@TracerParrish-ny5uy]

How did you end up getting those clips off of the hook/frame bolts (more specifically than beating on them)? That’s my only hold up is getting the hooks out to change the gold ones from the 392 my bumper came off of and inserting my stock black ones. Thanks!

[@5arge]

So I have a question on that plastic trim close out piece you mention that’s right behind the bumper that fills that empty space. I seen you mentioned something about getting a new one for the steel bumper. Not doubting you but I’m wondering why considering it looks exactly the same as mine now I have on my non steel overland bumper. Also I just seen someone on the gladiator forum that did the upgrade as well and mentioned he kept his (although only difference I can think of with his, is that he has a rubicon to start but has one which initially has the regular plastic bumper you had and I have currently) Any reasoning????

[@lifemattified7393]

Hey Sarge - if I recall correctly, I looked up the part online and it was a different part number for the Steel Bumper. To be honest though, that piece of plastic is kind of a joke and isn't very 'special'. I just like factory options (for the most part) and well that was the part # I found online.

[@5arge]

Unless you’ve changed your set up, I have pretty much the same set up. I have an Overland with Rubicon take off shocks and springs and a teraflex front leveling kit. I’m contemplating doing a Rubicon steel bumper as well (eventually). Love how high mines sits with the above mentioned set up but concerned how much weight the bumper and skid plate would add and bring it back down. About how much did yours settle

[@lifemattified7393]

Hey Sarge...honestly, not much at all...I didn't take actuals before/after...but since I added the Rubicon suspension too now, it seems back to the usual rake. A spacer for the front is on my list for next year...among other things.

[@ligmanutz8884]

Nice! I just got my Gladiator Mojave and am about to do this myself. I want to keep my orange tow hooks as well. Is there a reason you went with retaining clips vs just threading on some nuts? If so, do you happen to have a link for those? Thanks!

[@lifemattified7393]

Enjoy that Mojave!!! Yeah so…I couldn’t find some nuts that were thin enough. You don’t want to put a “thick” nut on there because those bolt are also the mounts for the bumper to the frame itself. As for those clips…I just went to a hardware store locally and brought one of the mangled ones with me. They actually had replacements. Thanks for watching the video. I really appreciate it.

[@ligmanutz8884]

@@lifemattified7393 thank you! I appreciate the response.

[@alexle4627]

Buy an aftermarket one the mopar steel is just a stock bumper lmao

[@tofuman7456]

@@alexle4627 not if you have the plastic bumper 😂

[@markdvorak3661]

perfect timing for this video. I just picked up a steel bumper and will install as soon as I get it repainted. Also, what steps did you install and are they functional with the steps in the correct position for entrance assistance. My better half is short and I need to get her some help. Thanks

[@lifemattified7393]

Hey Mark...I'm glad! It's a great bumper and I love how the install went (other than the retaining clips, but that was my fault for wanting to switch the tow hooks). Those steps are the N-Fab Nerf Steps. I love them and yes they align perfectly (in my eyes) with the door entries. Good luck on your bumper, and thanks for visiting the channel!

[@markdvorak3661]

@@lifemattified7393 Thanks for the response. Thin I will order a set of the N-Fabs. I am painting my hooks and have removed the retainers. I have new retainers on order to be replaced before the install.

[@lifemattified7393]

@@markdvorak3661 Awesome! Good luck with it! It’s a fun install. Send me a bumper pic when you’re done: [e-mail]

[@5arge]

Question. The 7 bolts for the skid plate assembly. (5) under the that attach to the bumper, (2) that attach to the frame near those brackets. Did those come with the skid plate? Or were those bolts already used on the plastic. Reason I’m asking is I’m finally getting around to this mod but I found a local seller versus getting raped by the dealer. Only issue is he has no hardware for anything including the bumper itself. He just has the full bumper and the skid. But the deal is sweet so don’t wanna pass. The bumper I’m assuming I can use the hardware bolts I have already from my plastic bumper mainly the 4 nuts on each side that attached to the bolts near the tow hooks. But the skid I will have to get the brackets and nutserts for. Just wondering about the other bolts for the skid. I’m assuming I’d have to order those too?

[@lifemattified7393]

I didn't have to purchase any new bolts. Did you end up doing this mod?

[@nstooge]

Nice. I want to put one on my Mojave….

[@wellsaidsir]

Hi thanks for the video! I bought the steel oem online but no hardware. Do you by chance have the part number for those 7 skid plate bolts? Thanks!

[@lifemattified7393]

I just checked online…looks like part# 6512587AA. Thanks for checking out my channel

[@SoCalHognose]

Did the last “filler piece” come with the stock plastic bumper?

[@lifemattified7393]

So the plastic filler for the Steel bumper is different from the factory plastic one. I ordered that separately and it's in the video description. (Closeout Panel: 6bu43rxfab). Just google that part number. Thanks for the comment and visiting the channel!

[@koreybutler8915]

Which skid plate did you go with?

[@lifemattified7393]

Hey Korey - I went with the Mopar OEM skid plate that goes with the Steelie: 82215183AB Thanks for visiting my channel. Throw me a like and/or subscribe if you would!

[@RushMayhemIV]

doing same thing with a winch. GPG from FL!

[@lifemattified7393]

Good Luck Russell and thanks for checking out my channel!

[@hunting762]

wondering are you planning to install the winch?

[@lifemattified7393]

Not for me no…loving the bumper as is