Michael Sanders
The DV8 Off-Road FS-1 front bumper has that “sleek” look for those wanting to maintain the full width of their factory fenders. Its ends contour and offset up to line up beneath the bottom of the front fenders to not only give a stream-lined appearance, but to also give that added clearance for a high-degree approach angle with raised corners for better entry and exit angles in extreme conditions. This bumper also utilizes the factory fog light which is a plus. In addition, the 2” tube stingers add protection for the grille as well as providing two welded light tabs for mounting additional lights. The bumper comes with a separate ¼” winch plate to accommodate up to a 12,500 lb winch, adding strength to the winch mounting base, as well as providing the base for the fairlead mounting location. The separate winch plate adds versatility for those who do not have a winch just yet. Therefore, one can sport the bumper without a winch, eliminating that huge void as if “there should be a winch there”. The steel series bumpers are also provided with two-stage textured flat black powder coating to provide a strong durable finish that matches industry standards. The coating was also found to repel mud, leaving no stains behind as some powder coatings do. The FS-1 is also provided with two solid mount galvanized, ¾” D-Rings to provide two tow points in the front of the vehicle. Installation takes about 1-1/2 hours, which includes removal of the factory front bumper and plastic skid plate.
The only negative is the mounting system. The FS-1 is installed with eight (8) studs that are on the bumper which are welded on a steel plate (2 studs per plate). This plate is not in a fixed position, which allows for adjustment. Lining up the studs to the factory holes in the frame can be a pain. However, with an extra set of hands holding the bumper and giving tweaks of position on que, while another is using a small flathead to line the studs up, installation pains can be eased. There is also some struggle to put the nut on the driver side stud behind the evaporator canister. However, that will be with any bumper as Jeep’s location for the canister will be in the way of any aftermarket bumper install. Other than the alignment of the studs, the installation is a breeze. Another note is that screws to mount the factory fog lights are not included. Be sure to have some 8/32 thread x 3/4″ long machine screws with nylocks and flat washers on h and. It is also important to note that the fog lights should be mounted with the adjustment screw facing down. (Trial and error for me!).
Should your next aftermarket mod include a front bumper, the FS-1 Steel Series bumper is a great option. This bumper fits all two and four door Jeep Wrangler models from 2007-2015. Its direct bolt-on design allows for no modifications. Manufactured with 3/16” steel, the FS-1 is a robotically welded, one-piece design to exact specifications to ensure durability in extreme conditions. DV8 Off-Road have trail tested and have proven their designs to withstand harsh conditions yet provide functionality that we look for in a good front bumper. I have personally owned it on my rig, and have installed it on two other Jeep’s to which the owners love it. Its streamlined looks with the fenders gives your Jeep that “beefy” look adding protection and clearance. With instructions included and all necessary hardware (minus the screws for mounting the factory fog lights), along with a few extra hands, the FS-1 can be installed with minimal time. I n addition, the guys at DV8 Off-Road are great to work with. DV8 Off-Road listens to their customers for any issues they encounter with their products, as well as standing behind their workmanship with a factory warranty. You can contact Landon or Randy from DV8-Offroad at their corporate office at 951-680-9595 to place an order. Or, if from Arkansas, you can also order from a local DV8 distributor, Line-X of Searcy owned by Patrick Green, at 501-230-1453. Let them know ONYX sent you!
THIS IS A FULL LENGTH BUMPER THAT MATCHES THE LINES OF THE FACTORY FENDERS ON YOUR JEEP WRANGLER. WINCH PLATE AND ALL HARDWARE IS INCLUDED. FITS 07-14 JEEP WRANGLERS
