GORVN4FUN wrote:
I just purchased a 2005 Jeep Wrangler X, and I'd like to install a baseplate so I can use my Blue Ox tow bar. I get conflicting info from different sites, and even Blue OX. Most sites show BX 1120, BUT indicate it's for a double tube bumper. I have U-channel (or C-channel not sure) bumpers. I see BX 1118, but looks like for older Wranglers. I would really like to have the hidden pin connections too, but not a big deal. Anyone out there know which one I should buy? Would like to order, but might have to wait and call Blue Ox.
Thanks in advance,
Howie
Howie,
You've got a few choices here.
1. You can actually use the stock front bumper that comes on the TJ models. The actual name of the design is called "Channel". Channel has two short sides and one long side. The long side is the face of your bumper. Those stock bumpers are made of around, 14-16 gauge material and, is a medium quality steel. I say you can actually use it, because, you can install a simple re-inforcment plate on the back side of the bumper. In the front is where the Blue Ox or, any other maker of tow brackets will be attached. You would simply "sandwich" the factory bumper in between the tow brackets and, the reinforcement plates. It actually works quite well. I've done it on many Jeeps.
And, no, you won't tear the front bumper off the Jeep or, tear the sheet metal around the attachment points, AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN.
2. As has been stated, you could install an aftermarket bumper, made by many different companies. And, about 99.9% of those companies install/weld either a single, 3/4" thick tab (recovery point) to each side of the bumper, or, some install/weld two of those, on each side. They are welded on, at the approximate point of the frame horns, (the point where the tip of the Jeeps frame is, on the back side) to get the most strength since, that's where the bumpers are attached the frame too.
Once you've installed any one of those aftermarket bumpers and, they have at least one of the 3/4" thick tabs on each side, then you can purchase adapters made by Blue Ox and other companies that will adapt your Blue Ox tow bar, those 3/4" recovery tabs. That is by far, the best way to go.
Those tabs I'm speaking of are primarily used for the attachment of D-rings, to be used for recovery if and when, the Jeep gets stuck and can't move on it's own, past any point that stops it.
But, it all depends on just what your plans are for the Jeep. Good luck.
Scott
P.S. The link below will lead you to those adapters, should you decide on an aftermarket, Off road bumper of sorts.
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/B/X/BX88291_15_1000.jpg
