Michael Sanders
The DV8 Off-Road FS-6 front bumper gives that added clearance for a high-degree approach angle with raised corners for better entry and exit angles in extreme conditions. In addition, the 2” tube stingers add protection for the grille as well as providing two welded light tabs for mounting additional lights. A unique characteristic of this bumper is the recessed winch mounting location. With the ability to accommodate up to a 12,500 lb winch, the FS-6 has an integrated winch base and fairlead mounting location. The FS-6 allows the winch to be recessed within the bumper, providing some concealment of the recovery apparatus. With this feature, the FS-6 is one of DV8’s deeper bumpers in regards to height, concealing more of the cross member of the front of the frame. 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, lea ving no stains behind as some powder coatings do. The FS-6 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 major negative is that if a winch is not installed, the FS-6 leaves a void in the location where one should be installed. Since the mounting base and fairlead locations are integrated in the bumper design, a winch installation should be next to complete the overall look of the bumper package. The FS-6 is manufactured with six (6) fixed studs and two (2) nuts. Therefore, to fasten the bumper to the frame, you need six (6) nuts and two (2) bolts (all provided with lock washers and flat washers). After installing over a dozen of these, I have found that to line up the studs with the factory frame holes on the Jeep, the bumper must be slid into place evenly or parallel to the face of the Jeep. In other words, you cannot place one end of the bumper on, and then the other. The entire bumper must be slid into place all at one time. If not, I have found the studs are impossible to line up with frame holes. On occasions, it takes some muscle t o work the studs in. However, use extreme caution as to not damage the threads to the studs. The “bad” is very minor in comparison the style and looks that the FS-6 provides.
Should your next aftermarket mod include a mid-width front bumper, the FS-6 Steel Series bumper is a great option. The FS-6 is a great option for “chopped” flares, or full width fenders. 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-6 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 personally run this bumper on my rig, and have installed it on many other Jeep’s to which the owners love it. This bumper also allows for maximum clearance next to a stubby bumper, which would offer the most available clearance. With instructions included and all necessary hardware, along with a few extra hands, the FS-6 can be installed with minimal time. In 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!
