What is a Rubicon Recon, Hard Rock, X, 10A Wrangler JK?
In 2013 Jeep introduced a new trim line for the Wrangler JK Rubicon dubbed the “10th Anniversary”. Jeep continued with the Rubicon X in 2014, the Rubicon Hard Rock in 2015 & 2016, and then finished the special edition Rubicon line with the Rubicon Recon in 2017 & 2018.
From 2013 to 2018, these trim packages consisted mainly of the same upgraded parts over the standard Rubicon; the package offered a newly redesigned “winch-ready” steel front bumper, a steel rear bumper, the heat-dissipating Power Dome hood, upgraded rock rails, a beefier suspension, special edition satin black & polished wheels, red tow hooks and added some creature comforts like leather seats, a premium audio sound system, floor liners, heated front seats, and heated mirrors. The Rubicon Recon added some additional specialties over the previous Hard Rock, X, and 10A like a more robust front axle housing derived from the military J8 Wrangler, heavy-duty differential covers, red seat belts, red & black storage netting, special edition granite wheels, and unique Rubicon decals on the hood.
The steel front bumper was categorized as “winch-ready,” meaning an additional winch mount is required to install a winch in this unique Rubicon factory steel bumper. The bumper integrates removable end caps allowing the bumper to be used as a short stubby to accommodate more tire clearance and a more aggressive look or as a full-width bumper that keeps a classic styling. Many owners find the bumper to feel “unfinished” and bare; this bumper needs a winch, a hoop, and maybe some lighting to help balance the bland factory aesthetics. RubiTrux offers an array of items from Maximus-3 for customers looking to personalize their Rubicon factory steel bumper. Often times JK owners who did not get this package from the factory add the front bumper to their Jeep, in this case all front bumper parts for the Recon, Hard Rock, X, and 10A are directly adaptable.
What is the Rubicon Steel-Bumper Group for Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT?
In 2018 Jeep continued the tradition of offering a modular factory front bumper for the Rubicon trim with the Steel-Bumper Group package available on Rubicon Wrangler JLs & Gladiator JTs. Unlike the previous editions of the Rubicon JK, the Steel-Bumper Group allows owners to add the bumpers while picking and choosing their optional factory upgrades instead of being forced into options like leather seats or premium audio. The front bumper keeps its removable end caps, allowing it to be used as a short stubby to accommodate more tire clearance and a more aggressive look or as a full-width bumper that keeps a classic styling. The bumper is designated as "winch-ready," meaning an additional winch plate is required to add a winch for off-road recovery. Many owners find the bumper to be bare and "unfinished" from the factory, bringing them to add customized additions like hoops, auxiliary lighting, and the winch and mount as mentioned above to help balance the basic factory aesthetics. Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT owners often add the front bumper as an upgrade if the Jeep did not come with the Steel-Bumper Group from the factory; in this case, all Steel-Bumper Group parts are directly adaptable.