Frame-Built front bumper #1500 — MetalCloak, Jeep Wrangler JK

The factory JK bumper is a thin section bolted to the frame — nothing to mount a winch to and nothing to pull on. The Frame-Built system replaces it with a 3/16in hot rolled steel base carrying an integrated winch plate and welded-on shackle mounts.

This is a pre-configured build — the manufacturer assembles it from the base plus the selected parts, so you do not have to piece it together yourself.

What is in this configuration

• Frame-Built Combo bumper base — 3/16in hot rolled steel
• Integrated winch plate — 1/8in hot rolled steel
• 49in Light Caps — 1/8in cold rolled steel
• All required hardware

The base — what matters about it

• The winch sits as low as possible between the frame rails — a deliberate design choice so it does not block airflow through the seven-slot grill. Under hard work off-road that matters.
• Fits all major winch brands with no modification, including the Warn Powerplant.
• Welded shackle mounts take up to a 7/8in adapter.
• Asked about winch size, the manufacturer answers plainly: “They are designed for a mid-frame winch with a rating up to 12K lbs."

49in Light Caps — why these

49in Light Caps — the middle option. They keep the factory fog lights and cover the body corner, without reaching as far outboard as the 56in caps. This is the most popular configuration.

• Cold formed with zero welds — nothing to tear open
• Built-in approach angle — the cap slides over an obstacle instead of catching on it
• Grade-8 hardware and easily removable — damage one and you unbolt and replace it yourself, without touching the base

Finish

MetalCloak's signature black textured powder coat — a micro-texture semi-gloss. The manufacturer stresses that it is easily repairable after trail damage, unlike smooth paint.

⚠ 2012–2018 models — vacuum pump relocation kit required

The manufacturer states: “The Frame Built Combo Bumper Base for 2012 - 2018 JK Wranglers requires the Vacuum Pump Relocation Kit."

On those years the vacuum pump sits where the bumper base goes and has to be moved. The price on this card is for the base configuration (2007–2011). For 2012–2018 the relocation kit is added — optionally in the version with an sPod mount. Contact us when ordering and we will add the right kit.

Accessories available separately

Any Frame-Built configuration can be extended with:

• a bumper base skid plate
• a fairlead for centre-mounted winches
• a licence plate adapter, winch hook or stinger

We do not list these as separate cards — contact us and we will add them to the order.

⚠ Shackle mounts are not for flat-towing

The manufacturer is explicit: “Shackle mounts are engineered to be used as recovery points only; the shackle mounts are NOT designed for flat-towing."

⚠ Bumpers bought before May 2014

In May 2014 the manufacturer updated the JK Frame-Built system. Parts from this card may not be compatible with bumpers bought before that date. If you are extending an older setup, contact us before ordering.

Specifications

• Fits: Jeep Wrangler JK 2007–2018 (2- and 4-door)
• Manufacturer part number: FB-JK-1500
• Bumper base: 3/16in hot rolled steel
• Winch plate: 1/8in hot rolled steel
• End caps: 1/8in cold rolled steel, 49in Light Caps
• Finish: black textured powder coat
• Winch: mid-frame up to 12,000 lbs
• Shackle mounts: up to a 7/8in adapter
• Install difficulty: easy; body modification: none; time: 1–2 hours
• Shipping weight: about 47.0 kg (our estimate — the manufacturer does not publish one)
• Made in the USA
• Manufacturer lead time: 5–10 days

Reviews

Manufacturer rating: 100% of 100. The reviewer highlights three things: the factory fog lights retained, the winch sitting low between the frame rails without blocking grill airflow, and the strength for a 12,000 lb winch — “Easy install (no frame chopping)".

FAQ

What winch can I fit?

A mid-frame winch rated up to 12,000 lbs — that is the manufacturer's answer. The plate takes all major brands without modification.

Do I keep the factory fog lights?

Yes — the Light Caps are designed around the factory lights.

Any frame or body cutting?

No. The whole thing bolts on with no body modification.

I have a 2015 JK — what else do I need?

The vacuum pump relocation kit. It applies to all 2012–2018 model years. Contact us and we will add it to the order.

Can I change the configuration later?

Yes — that is the point of the Frame-Built system. Caps, hoops and accessories all bolt on, so the base stays and the rest can be swapped.