3 dog nights wrote:
but again, that's a after market bumper, for 07-16
not an 03' OEM setup.
3 dog nights,
You're getting a bunch of info here that may or may not do you any good. First off, to the statement ".....Wrangler bumpers are part of the frame...." WRONG! The front bumper is not part of the frame, it's a bumper, REMOVABLE, like any other front bumper.
Second, an '03 is just like any "TJ" model from '97 to '06. They all came with the same front bumper, no matter what model, Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, X etc. The Sahara's were a bit more glitzy but none the less, the same bumper.
We've owned and towed 9 Jeeps to date. (3)CJs, (2)YJs, (3)TJs,{two were Rubicons) and now our present one, a '15 JKUR. I equipped all of them for towing.
No Jeeps come with "D-rings". Never have. D-rings are an aftermarket component that attaches to a welded (or bolted) tab, that's on the front of AFTERMARKET front bumpers for Jeeps and other vehicles that want to be jeeps. Now, "tow hooks", that's a different story. Many Wranglers have come with those, usually on top of the front frame horns, just above the top of the bumper. They work for recovery but, not for towing.
There's different ways of looking at towing your Jeep. If, IF, you plan on doing any off roading, not ROCK CRAWLING since that term always pops up, but, mild to moderate off roading, you SHOULD keep the front angle-of-approach as clear and high as possible. That means, purchasing and installing an aftermarket bumper that, for the most part, is designed to ride a bit higher than stock. And, not only that but, the stock front bumper is basically TIN! It's got about as much strength as a beer can, WITH THE BEER STILL IN IT!
About 99% of the aftermarket bumpers are seriously stronger than the factory Jeep Wrangler bumpers. Yes, there's cheaper ones and super expensive ones. The cost and design, is a choice for all us Jeepers. And, there's quite a few brands out there to choose from. Don't get stuck on any one particular brand. Look around. I've made bumpers and I've purchased them. But, I've ALWAYS TOWED USING THEM!
Using what's known as the "Recovery tabs" on those bumpers is what many on here use for attaching to tow bars. There's adapter brackets that fit anyone's tow bar, to those recovery tabs. They're all over the net, Amazon, and more. With the use of an aftermarket bumper and, those recovery tabs to tow your Jeep, you don't have to install those hoaky base plates and, you'll keep the front of your Jeep considerably better looking and, as stated, those bumpers are also seriously stronger.
It's a choice. Good luck.
Scott
magicbus wrote:3 dog nights wrote:So maybe this one they claim fits their 1976-2018, not sure if you have matching holes or could drill them.
except the 03' sport does not have an "Original D Ring"
Blue Ox/Demco Tow bar bracket
My old towbar had similar brackets, bolted to the stock (OEM) bumper on a couple of my Jeeps. My last Jeep ('06 wrangler Rubicon Unlimited) was the only one that had custom bumpers. The same brackets were installed on the custom bumper.
3 dog nights wrote:So maybe this one they claim fits their 1976-2018, not sure if you have matching holes or could drill them.
except the 03' sport does not have an "Original D Ring"
Blue Ox/Demco Tow bar bracket
magicbus wrote:
I would think something like these would work.
Yep, these work fine on my Rugged Ridge front bumper:
