Aftermarket TJ front bumper on my YJ

Hey guys, I'm looking to double check the installation of an aftermarket TJ bumper on my YJ. I found a Trail Gear front bumper that I'm interested in but it's only advertised for a TJ. My Smittybilt front bumper (which I sold) was advertised to fit '76-'06, which leads me to believe that this bumper should be the same.

I know TJ front bumpers use six bolts and my YJ only uses four, but again that Smittybilt one lined up with no issues. What I'm concerned about is that the bolts used on a TJ are a smaller thread size than the ones used on my YJ and that I may end up having to widen the pre-cut mounting holes on the bumper. I'm also not sure if the thickness of a TJ front crossmember may be different than a YJ and that the bumper may not fit around it. I'd appreciate any input you guys might have.

Thanks guys and happy holidays.

I've got the same bumper on my TJ. I can take measurements for you later if you'd like.

The bumper should go right on with two less attaching bolts .A TJ HAS SIX AND YJ HAS FOUR .

Are you satisfied with the bumper Jarret? It's the exact look I've been wanting to give mine for awhile but I also want it to function well. I have fog lights I'd like to install on it as well and eventually throw some D-rings on there. You can't go wrong for $100 compared to some of the prices I've seen out there for comparable ones.

Also measurements of the height of your crossmember would be great as well as the length of the crossmember from frame rail to frame rail. It's easier for me to draw it out:

|*---------*|

The "|" being the outermost edge of the frame rail, "*" being the bolt, and "---" being the crossmember. I appreciate the help.

I have a yj and a tj .I just measured center of bolt to bolt and the
yj was 31 and the tj was 30 1/2 inches.
You can call any vendor that sells them and ask tech if it fits.
I should have 6 holes and they fit both, some use spacers on bottom between frame and bumper at lower bolt.

I love the bumper. I don't have fogs, but if I did, I'd throw them on upside down so they would be between the hoop and the bumper. I've been winched up a big-ass rock, and pulled over a few obstacles by the d-rings attached to it, and have had no issues. I bought the black smittybilt d-rings to match it. this bumper gives amazing approach clearance. I've had it on for 3 years now, and the only discoloration on it came from banging against a rock and scraping the powdercoat. the powdercoat itself has held up perfectly, unlike that on my trail gear rear bumper which looks completely mat grey now.

@Mark: Hmmm, that worries me just a little bit, especially if the bolts end up being different sizes. A quarter inch on each side is a fair amount to be off by. That may be the reason it's designed for one and not the other right there, because my old Smittybilt one had a little bit of wiggle room to adjust the bumper left or right.

@Jarret: Good to know. From what I'm reading though the design has changed a little from what yours looks like and people are saying that lights will not work mounted down. Not a big deal really. Do you remember if the bumper had any play in it when you installed it? Like I mentioned above, my old bumper had some wiggle room for adjustment, and if this one has that then I may be able to get away with it.

JaFra wrote: I've been winched up a big-ass rock... by the d-rings attached to it

We made a good team! (Bumper held up great... also pulled Geoff out of a ditch by one of Jarret's front bumper D-rings)

Do a search for it online,,, such and such bumper part # blah blah blah and see if you can get copy of instructions, maybe a pdf version.
Or you can call 4 wheel drive hardware or some other 4x4 store and ask to speak to a tech.
I do it often,,, they don't care.

Getting winched up that big ass rock and the bumper holding together says something for the ruggedness of that bumper.

Well I've searched online and nowhere does it seem like anyone has put this on a YJ. I also tried talking to one of TG's online techs (because I'm at work) and they didn't respond so that didn't help things either.

If it doesn't work out, not a big deal. I should save the cash and put it towards the lift that should (hopefully) be happening within the next month anyway. Time to finally get off those 21 year old saggy leaf springs.

http://www.trail-gear.com/pdf/120016-2-k-instructions.pdf
Is this the one?

https://www.google.com/search?q=trail+gear+yj+front+bumper&start=10&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&tbo=u&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&source=univ&ei=7CrKUMC5FMqC0QHZqYHAAg&ved=0CE0QsAQ4Cg&biw=1440&bih=721

That's the one. Only mine didn't ship with the hardware to mount the skid plate. Had to buy my own. NBD.

If you look closely at my signature picture, you'll see three of the bolts holding on the skid plate. The one on the far driver's side snapped the head off 3/4's of the way into tightening. So I'm asymmetrical.