AEV EX Front Bumper; Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT

After pioneering the aftermarket’s first stamped steel front bumper over a decade ago, AEV is once again pushing the boundaries of innovation with the introduction of the EX Front Bumper for JL Wrangler and Gladiator! The EX Front Bumper features new materials, updated styling, unique lighting options and the attention to detail that you have come to expect form AEV.

Hot Stamped Boron Steel (HSBS) is an ultra-high strength, press hardened steel and is most commonly used in automotive applications for passenger impact protection because it is lightweight with an extremely high yield strength. This is something that AEV has been very conscious about doing as OEM’s began using lightweight materials as a weight savings measure.

Aside from the material itself, many of the key features from the previous generation Jeep bumpers are carried over with the addition of a few new ones. Lighting is always a critical component to traveling safely through remote backcountry, so the AEV EX Front Bumper allows for the installation of two 7” off-road lights with the use of AEV’s Optional Off-Road Light Brackets (sold separately). These brackets attach underneath the roto-molded center hoop which features a very slick design that allows you to run your wires along the back of the tube without being visible or exposed to the elements. Having the lights suspended from the hoop allows for better access to the winch, compared to traditional bumper-mounted light brackets. All OEM fog light options are compatible with the AEV EX Front Bumper and integrate seamlessly with the supplied brackets and bezel. A Trail Camera Relocation Kit will soon be available to relocate your front trail camera (if equipped) to the underside of the cross tube, giving you an unobstructed view of your obstacle ahead. The EX Front Bumper is up for any recovery task that may present itself during your travels, with two Hi-Lift Jack guides and a pair of heavy duty, chassis-mounted recovery points that are tested to meet all OE load specifications and and are sized for 3/4″ anchor shackles. For the ultimate setup, a 10,000lb Warn Zeon 10-S winch (or other similarly sized winch) can be added to the EX Front Bumper with the use of AEV’s optional Winch Mount. To further protect all the vital components sitting directly below the bumper, an optional Front Bumper Skid Plate can also be added. This Hot Stamped Boron Steel Skid Plate is lightweight, yet extremely strong making it a formidable last line of defense between an off-road obstacle and potentially a costly repair. A 20” LED Light Bar can even be mounted behind the Skid Plate for additional light low to the ground, which is particularly helpful in inclement weather such as fog and snow (mounting kit sold separately). The AEV EX Front Bumper is e-coated and powder coated for maximum corrosion and UV resistance and is proudly manufactured right here in the USA!

The JL Wrangler/Gladiator AEV EX and RX Front Bumpers set a new standard for front end protection. These bumpers stand out from the rest, including the factory steel bumper, thanks to their innovative design features and unique manufacturing processes. Enthusiast-designed and real-world tested, the EX and RX Front Bumpers offer unparalleled functionality, style, and vehicle protection.

Crafted from Hot Stamped Boron Steel (HSBS), a lightweight and incredibly strong press-hardened steel commonly used for automotive applications, these Front Bumpers deliver exceptional durability. By utilizing this material and manufacturing technique, AEV has achieved a Front Bumper that is significantly stronger than the OEM full-width designs, all while keeping the overall weight in check.

The EX Front Bumper's full-width design not only looks impressive but also provides maximum protection for essential front suspension components. With the EX Front Bumper, you don't have to sacrifice tire clearance or approach angle for the added benefits of a full-width design. In fact, the EX Front Bumper sits higher and offers a better approach angle than the factory winch bumper.

The RX Front Bumper shares all the remarkable features of the EX model, but it sports short corners instead of full-width corners for a more aggressive appearance. This option is particularly suitable for those who have aftermarket fender flares or tires taller than 40 inches.

When venturing into remote backcountry, proper lighting is essential for safe travel. That's why the AEV Front Bumper allows you to install a pair of AEV 7000 series lights using their optional Off-Road Light Brackets (available separately). Additionally, all original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fog light options are compatible with the AEV Front Bumper, seamlessly installing with the provided brackets and bezel.

The AEV EX and RX Front Bumpers are well-equipped for any recovery task that may arise. They feature two Hi-Lift Jack guides and a pair of heavy-duty, chassis-mounted recovery points that meet all OE load specifications. These recovery points are sized to accommodate 3/4" anchor shackles. To further enhance your off-road capabilities, you can add a 10,000 lb Warn Zeon 10-S winch or a similarly sized winch to the AEV Front Bumper using their optional Winch Mount. Unlike the factory winch bumper and many other aftermarket options, the carefully designed profile of the AEV Front Bumper provides ample accessibility and an unobstructed view of your winch cable, addressing a common complaint among users.

Manufactured in the USA, the AEV EX and RX Front Bumpers undergo an E-coating and powder coating process to ensure maximum resistance against corrosion and UV damage.

Optional Accessories:

• Front Skid Plate: Constructed from Hot Stamped Boron Steel, this optional accessory provides additional protection for the crucial components located beneath the bumper.
• Winch Mount: Compatible with Warn VR and ZEON series winches or similar models.
• Non-Winch Cover Plate: If you choose to use the bumper without a winch, the Non-Winch Cover Plate will close the opening on the top of your AEV Front Bumper.
• 7000 Series Off-Road Light Brackets: These brackets enable the installation of AEV 7000 Series Off-Road Lights underneath the rote-molded center hoop. Mounting the lights from the center hoop offers improved access to the winch and better airflow to the radiator compared to traditional bumper-mounted brackets.
• Trail Cam Relocation Kit: This kit relocates your front trail camera (if equipped) to the underside of the center hoop, ensuring an unobstructed view.

AEV Part Numbers: 12301100AA (Rubicon), 12301200AA (Non-Rubicon)