LOD JL Signature Series Shorty Bumper Install

So this is probably about the 6th or 7th bumper that I have installed over time and I think this had the worst directions of any including the used ARB bumper that had no directions. Now I liked everything else about the bumper and the install but just had to call out that some of the directions were just wrong or missing. It was odd to see and in some places, we just made our best guess.

Scoring for the Bumper install comes out to a 12 out of 15 so pretty good:

     Price - 2 ($621.24)
     Completeness of Directions - 2
     Completeness of parts/materials - 2
     Ease of Installation - 3
     Final Product - 3

Scoring for the Skid Plate install comes out to a 14 out of 15 so it's the best so far:

     Price - 2 ($119.99)
     Completeness of Directions - 3
     Completeness of parts/materials - 3
     Ease of Installation - 3
     Final Product - 3

Basically the steps are as follows:

1. Remove the old bumper - be sure to unplug the wiring harness for the fog lights on the passenger side (frame rail where the bumper joins the frame)
2. Separate the inner part of the old bumper to remove the fog lights and the wiring harness for reuse on the LOD bumper
3. Next I removed the frame cross member that ties the two sides together
4. I then installed the fog lights into the mounts on the new bumper and ran the old wiring harness to connect them
5. The next step is to mount the two frame brackets with the spacers so you can install the winch plate. This is a relative easy step but takes a little "magic" to align everything and have it remain in place while you fit the winch plate and secure it. Extra hands help! This is also where the directions became a bit "loose". Additionally in the pictures it shows what looks to be grade 8 bolts but what I got in my parts box looks like grade 5.
6. Once you have all 8 bolts in place, you can test fit the front bumper. Use a nut on each side to help secure it while you are working.
7. Once everything looks good, you can tighten down the bolts and connect the wiring harness back up for the fog lights.
8. Next step is to install the winch (if you have one). This is pretty simple with just four bolts to secure it to the bottom of the winch plate and then wire it up.
9. Last step is to install the skid plate underneath the bumper and running to the cross member. This was five bolts, three in front and two in the rear and everything was done!

I like the look of the new bumper and love having my winch mounted up again. This bumper looks very well made and I like the powder coat they used. It is slightly glossy but not "shiny" and looks like it will last. The only caution I have is that this Shorty bumper combines a recessed winch mount AND the fog lights and if you have been shopping for bumpers you know this is a tough combination. The fog lights sit in front of the winch so it extends the front of the bumper out a bit. I knew this going in and accepted the trade off, make sure it works for you before you buy it. With the winch fairlead, this sticks out even more. I have already ordered a new synthetic winch line and hawse failrlead so I will be able to reduce the weight and length somewhat. I will post new pictures when they are installed.

The Journey is what counts, Adventure Awaits!