I have a TJM 17 bumper. once mounted the side extensions have gaps between the top of the bumper and the 1/4 panel. I notice in other rigs pics that there are no gaps. recommendations on how to clean this up. thanks in advance.

 

Do you have a body lift?

 

From what I've read, you want to have about 1/4" gap so that the bumper does not rub the flare. Bill "I'm not Bob" has posted about this a few times.
My TJM has a gap but it is even and looks fine, to me.

Mike

 

you want at least a .5" gap ... I had mine up tight the first time and when I took a hit it bent the little piece of sheet metal right below the headlamp. So I lowered it down a bit, and when I put on the 1" BL .. I had a nice gap in there ... doesn't look pretty but is very functional.

When I get ready to cut the TJM to fit 35", I'm going to have the side pieces welded on as well.

 

Yeah, you want some gap or a slight bump in a parking lot can push the wings into the 1/4 panel and cause damage. Do you have much more than this? http://community.webshots.com/photo/...87536658rVHJHT

 

Nice pic, hope you didnt take that just for me. my sides are a separate unit that bolt to the front piece, yours is all one, is this a newer model, its nice. I like the idea of welding it together. As for the space, the front middle piece is flush with the grill, 1/4" gap, but the sides sag down at an angle. I guess the whole bumper is tilted. I guess I need to readjust. I didnt put it on, but I think it could sit better. do i just loosen all the bolts and readjust with jacks, etc... and then rebolt?

NO I dont have a BL

 

Now I get what you are saying. I have the same bumper and yes you just need to readjust it to get it to sit level. You need to loosen the bolts that attach the bumper to the bumper mounts. Then adjust the bumper to sit level (much easier with a jack or second person). Then just tighten the bolts back up. This should solve your problem.

 

Oh yeah, if you don't have a second person to help you out then here's what I did to get it level. When you loosen the bolts, don't loosen the bolt on either mount that is up highest and closest to the engine. With all other bolts loose, tighten the bolt that is lowest and farthest forward just a little past hand tight. This will allow you to move the bumper to level it out and it will stay there once you move it. Then you can just tighten the bolts back up.

 

Yeah just loosen the bolts enough to let you knock it into position then tighten the hell out of them. Mine had bolt-on wings when I got it, I welded them on.

 

One little tip on loosening those bolts, take out the turn signal and go through the hole with a long 1/2 inch drive extension with a u-joint at the end. Use a breaker bar or a cheater pipe for leverage. I also recommend replacing the TJM mounting bolts with some grade 8 bolts so you can torque the hell out of them. The tightness of those bolts is what keeps your bumper from moving in an accident. That is one advantage the ARB has over the TJM, the ARB is all one piece and can't move on you in an accident.