Hey everyone! Today, I want to walk you through the process of upgrading a base model plastic bumper to the popular capable bumper. Let’s dive into why this upgrade makes sense, the steps involved, and some tips from my experience.
Why Upgrade to the Capable Bumper?
The answer is simple: cost-effectiveness! If you’ve shopped for aftermarket front bumpers, you’ve probably noticed they’re far from cheap. However, the capable bumper, which is becoming standard on more Broncos, is an affordable alternative that pairs well with the growing availability of aftermarket parts.
Here’s the price breakdown:
- A modular bumper averages $800–$1,000 on the used market.
- Meanwhile, the capable bumper consistently sells for around $300.
Weight Comparison
Before we dive into installation, let’s compare the weights of the two bumpers:
- Base model plastic bumper: 24.6 lbs
-
Capable bumper: 43.4 lbs
That’s an 18.8 lb difference! The added weight makes more sense once you see how the toe hooks are different during installation.
Removing the Base Bumper
Removing the base bumper is straightforward. After removing the plastic covers and brush guard, you’ll see six bolts securing the bumper to the frame horns.
Important note: Our Bronco didn’t have front proximity sensors, so the only electrical work involved was unclipping the fog light harness (located on the driver’s side). Also, the fog lights and harness connector are identical between the base and capable bumpers, so there was no need to swap lighting or wiring.
Addressing Fitment Issues
Here’s where things got tricky: the weight difference between the two bumpers stems from their tow hook designs.
- Capable bumper: Uses hinge-based tow hooks attached to the bumper.
- Base bumper: Features fixed tow hooks welded to the intercooler frame mounts.
Unfortunately, these fixed tow hooks created significant fitment issues. We saw two options:
- Purchase new intercooler brackets designed for the capable/modular bumper.
- Use a cutting wheel to remove the base bumper’s fixed tow hooks.
We chose the second option for its speed, cost, and effectiveness. After cutting the tow hooks, we treated the exposed metal with gloss black enamel paint to protect it from the elements.
Installing the Capable Bumper
With the fitment issue resolved, mounting the new bumper was simple. We reused the original hardware to secure the bumper to the frame horns, and the fog light harness plugged right in.
Pro Tip: Before fully tightening the bumper, check the functionality of the fog lights and sensors (if equipped).
Reusing the Brush Guard
Our final challenge was reinstalling the factory brush guard. The stock brush guard from the base bumper wasn’t a direct fit due to its integration with the original tow hooks.
Instead of scrapping it, we modified the plastic guard with our cutting tools. After some trial and error, we achieved a clean fit that looked great with the capable bumper.
Final Thoughts
I’m thrilled with our decision to upgrade to the capable bumper. Projects like this are exactly why we opted for a base model Bronco—it’s a blank canvas for customization and personalization.
I hope this guide inspires you to tackle similar upgrades and make the most of what you’ve got. Thanks for following along, and happy modding!
