I really enjoy being "different" with my rover, but there are a lot of days I wish I just ponied up the money for a 2013 Wranger.... in reality for the money though I think I'd probably go buy another 4 Runner, but a Trail Edition.

 

Tactical rovers makes a reasonably priced front and rear bumpers for discos..Mine were 1700 shippped for both front and back to the east coast from california ..Have yet to get them yet but they have good reviews ...

 

Went by a metal fab shop today (there are tons in my area) to get a custom bumper priced. Guy there is mocking one up for me with two recovery points and holes for fog lights. He's sending an email of the mock up probably tomorrow morning. Total cost he estimated $2-300. Yes!

 

Make sure you specify it be made out of metal...

 

Ah, I was excited about the woodgrain! Ha, no he is using steel. He's built them before, and he said he will make it strong enough for recoveries. We shall see when he sends me the design.

 

I actually drove my friends 2013 Wrangler Rubicon just today, and that thing is the complete package. I think its fantastic. Here is what gets me, he is paying 30K+ for a vehicle that he really doesn't need. He isn't really an offroader, I mean he has rode with use in his perfectly fine 2004 Wrangler that is nicely kitted out on some trails. I almost think he is getting this vehicle because its the 10 year Anniversary, and its a nice little status symbol. I love my D2 and would be hard pressed to trade it for a Jeep, and I love being the only one in my wheeler group with a Land Rover.

That being said, all bets are off when it comes to older Jeeps. The CJ7 and the Scrambler are two of my favorite vehicles ever.

 

Make sure the recovery points are solid. IMO there's really no point to paying for an aftermarket bumper if it doesn't have recovery points.

 

Precisely, which is why it blows my mind when people buy 03-04 style ARB bars. I need to get rid of my 99-02 style anyways...

 

In all honesty my lightly build D2 did just fine with the Rubicon jeeps in the local club. I will admit they were able to get thru some of the tight turns without having to backup like me and I am sure their selectable locker made some of the loose steep inclines easier. But my Rover held it's own just fine and I winched out a few of them.

In all honesty Much of it comes down to driver skill.I bet a better skilled driver could have taken my rover further than me..

 

What is the difference (structurally) between the 99-02 vs 03-04 arb? What is your opinion of the terrafirma winch bumper with recovery points?