Fab Fours
Know Your Gear
Not sure where to start?
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll point you to the right series.
What's your primary use case?
Do you want to run a winch?
Which matters more — protection or approach angle?
Bumper Series at a Glance
Matrix
Most popular
Slim all-in-one, winch-ready. 30" center light bar on most applications; Bronco Matrix uses a 20" bar. Side LED pod sizes and counts vary by vehicle. 3/16" US steel. Sensor and Toyota Safety Sense compatibility depend on the exact vehicle, bumper, and guard configuration.
Vengeance
Front & rear
Bold angular lines, 11-gauge US steel. A lightweight, high-clearance bumper design; confirm any winch requirement against the exact product specifications. 20" center light bar mount on most fitments. Sensor & ACC compatible versions available (sensors optimized for lifted trucks).
Premium
Flagship winch
Winch bumper options from midsize to heavy-duty trucks, plus Jeep applications. Applicable truck fronts use 1/4" & 3/16" steel and a 3-direction alignment system; Jeep and rear construction differs. Up to WARN 16.5ti on approved applications. Many fitments include 90mm fog and 60mm turn lights.
Aero
Ford F-150 & Raptor
Ultra-lightweight front & rear bumper options for select F-150 and Raptor applications. Applicable fronts weigh 45 lb with no guard or 55 lb with pre-runner guard; those weights do not describe the rear bumper. Front applications retain the factory skid plate and may support ACC with the specified relocation bracket. Verify model year, bracket, and diesel exclusions for the exact bumper.
Grumper
Jeep · Bronco · Ford · Ram · Chevy/GMC
Grille + bumper in one shell — Jeep, Ford Bronco/F-150/Super Duty, Ram, and Chevy/GMC 1500 & HD. 11–14 ga. steel depending on application; Truck 2.0 uses 11-ga steel with a 3/16" winch mount. Approved WARN winch models and capacity vary: up to 12,000 lb on applicable products, with the GR4650-1 stubby limited to 10,000 lb and no trail-camera accommodation. Sensor compatible on select fitments.
Black Steel
Ranch · Standard
Replacement-style ranch bumper in gloss black powder coat. Bolt-on tow hooks included; optional bolt-on winch mount, 1" D-ring mounts, and 2" receiver. Rears retain the factory receiver and wiring.
Black Steel Elite
Ranch · Elite trim
Smooth-steel ranch bumper in flat black, tow hooks standard. Optional winch tray (holds up to a WARN 16.5), bolt-on D-ring mounts, 2" receiver, and Hi-Flow or Light lower guard.
Red Steel
Front & rear · Budget
Industry-best price point, 11-gauge steel. Fronts are pre-runner guard only, winch-ready to 12,000 lb, with integrated shackle mounts and a 3×3 cube light mount on each wing. Most fronts are not sensor compatible.
Also in the Lineup
Winch Mounts
Hidden winch option — slips through the factory tow hook slots straight to the frame. Up to WARN 16.5 on heavy-duty fitments.
Rock Sliders
Tube, HardCore, and step-slider styles in 3/16" steel and 2" tube. Many double as a step.
Side Steps
Bolt-on steps using factory body mounts — no drilling on most fitments.
Jeep Armor
Fenders, flares, ViCowls, tube doors, and tire carriers for JK, JL & JT.
Rack Systems
Headache, sport, overland, and roof racks. Confirm the complete rack system’s load rating, required cross-members, and stationary, driving, or off-road conditions before loading. An additional cross-member is not a complete rack.
SXS / UTV Bumpers
Polaris RZR, General, and Ranger fitments. Winch mounting provisions and approved winch models vary by product.
Toyota Hybrid & Ultra Light Bumpers
HYBRID is winch-compatible; ULTRA LIGHT is non-winch. Tacoma TB24-01 HYBRID uses 3/16" plate + 2" tube and lists WARN EVO 10 or ZEON 12; 4Runner TB68-01 lists ZEON 10. Tacoma TB24-03 ULTRA LIGHT uses 11-gauge steel. Lighting and Toyota Safety Sense compatibility vary by application.
Jeep & Bronco Bumpers
Stubby, Lifestyle, and FMJ options. FMJ includes stubby and full-width designs; winch installation requires the approved plate/modifier configuration, including JPWP-1 where specified. Winch models and capacity vary by SKU; older JK Lifestyle bumpers exclude ZEON winches.
Guard Configurations
Full guardGrille coverage; clearance depends on bumper geometry
Pre-runnerHoop-style guard with partial grille coverage
No guardClean look without an upper grille guard
Which Guard for Your Use?
Daily driver + weekend trailPre-runner
Rock crawling / serious off-roadCompare bumper clearance and tire clearance
Overlanding / clean aestheticNo guard
Materials & Construction at a Glance
Bumper steel gauge14-gauge to 1/4" plate, by series
Rock sliders3/16" steel & 2" tube (11-gauge on some)
Roof & headache racks11–12 gauge steel (one aluminum headache rack)
Bumper finishMatte black powder coat (Black Steel: gloss black) — most also sold in bare steel
Rack & slider finish2-stage epoxy matte black w/ primer
Tested winchWARN Industries
Tested lightingRigid Industries
ManufacturingFab Fours manufacturing operations: Lancaster, SC
Before You Buy
What Is Approach Angle — and Why Does It Matter?
Approach angle is the steepest incline your vehicle can climb before the front of the truck — not the tires — makes contact with the obstacle first. Lower clearance and greater forward projection can reduce that angle. Compare the actual bumper shape and vehicle setup; width also affects maneuvering and tire clearance.
Stock bumpers
Designed for road use — hang low and extend forward, which limits approach angle significantly.
Fab Fours design priority
Approach angle is a primary design consideration across all series — not an afterthought. Guard style changes grille coverage, but approach angle depends on the bumper’s lowest forward points and the vehicle’s ground clearance.
Weight & Suspension — What to Know Before You Install
Steel bumpers add real weight to the front of your vehicle. On a winch-equipped build, the total added weight can be significant. Assess the net added weight after removing the factory bumper, along with the winch, accessories, existing loads, and vehicle axle/load limits before installation.
Typical bumper weight range45 – 260 lbs depending on series and vehicle (Aero 45 lb; full-guard Premium up to 260 lb)
Front end sagDepends on net added weight, spring rates, and suspension condition
Winch + accessoriesInclude their weight when assessing front axle loading and ride height
Re-check fastenersAfter the first 100 miles (sooner for severe duty), then periodically
Before installing on high-mileage or lifted vehicles
Verify bumper weights for your specific product
Exact weights vary by series, vehicle, and configuration. Check the individual product page or contact support@fabfours.com for the spec sheet on your specific SKU before planning a suspension build.
Protecting Your Finish — Especially in Harsh Climates
Coated Fab Fours products ship with a matte black powder coat (gloss black on Black Steel), most with a 2-stage epoxy primer + topcoat. Both are durable — but steel will rust if the coating is broken and left unaddressed, especially in coastal, high-salt, or high-humidity environments.
Ordering bare steel? Coat it before it goes on the truck.
Most products are also sold in bare steel (paintable, uncoated) for custom colors. Bare steel ships with no protective finish and will begin to rust quickly — have it painted or powder coated before installation. Consult the warranty supplied with your product for coating and corrosion exclusions.
Chips and scratchesRepair promptly using a compatible coating matched to your product’s actual finish; ask Fab Fours for repair guidance
Coastal / salt environmentsRinse the underside and mounting hardware after exposure to salt air or road salt
Rust spotsAddress damaged coating promptly; ask Fab Fours or a professional refinisher for compatible surface preparation, primer, and topcoat
Professional re-coatContact a professional powder coater before preparing the part; follow their stripping, preparation, and coating requirements
Before stripping or blastingConfirm the appropriate method with Fab Fours or your professional refinisher
Will I Need to Cut or Drill?
Some products bolt straight on. Others require trimming plastic, cutting, or drilling. Know before you buy — and before you book install time.
| Product | Cutting / Drilling | What's involved |
|---|---|---|
| Side steps | None | Bolt to factory body mounts or step brackets. |
| Ranch & replacement bumpers | Usually none | Bolt to factory mounts. Some rear applications require trailer-plug drilling; use the exact manual’s drill size and hardware. |
| Headache racks | Yes | Pilot holes in the top of the bed rail (e.g. #27 bit on Tacoma HR2011). Other racks, including HR2013, require their own current instructions; do not assume the same mounting method. |
| Roof racks | Some | Some roof racks require drilling; others bolt on. Check your product page. |
| Bed, sport & overland racks | Usually none | Bolt-on, hook-secure to the bed lip, or stake-pocket mounting. Mount plates are provided for beds where the hooks won't fit — those require drilling. |
| Winch mounts | Usually none | Most slip through the factory tow hook slots straight to the frame and bolt up with factory or supplied hardware. |
| Rock sliders | Varies | JL sliders bolt on. JK sliders require drilling and nutserts. Some Bronco pinch-seam holes need opening with a 3/8" bit. |
| Matrix & plate front bumpers | Some fitments | Some trucks require trimming the bumper cover, fender liner, or valence (e.g. Tacoma Matrix, Colorado). |
| Grumpers | Yes | Trimming plastic headlight supports and/or louvers with provided templates. Any frame-flange trimming must be expressly permitted by the exact Grumper manual and illustrated winch configuration. |
| Fenders & ViCowls | Yes | Body cutting with templates and/or drilling for brackets. Touch up bare metal to prevent rust. |
Your product's installation manual has the exact steps. Search your part number in the Installation tab.
Winch Compatibility Chart
WARN Winch Models & Application Examples
Fab Fours winch-ready bumpers are designed around WARN winches. Not every bumper takes a winch, and series names alone do not establish fit. The examples below apply only to specific products within those lines. Confirm the exact bumper SKU, vehicle, winch model, capacity, mounting orientation, and required accessories before purchase. ULTRA LIGHT is non-winch; do not assume Vengeance accommodates a winch.
| WARN Model | Pull Capacity | Rope Type | Application Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WARN Zeon 10 | 10,000 lb | Steel wire | Selected Matrix, Premium, HYBRID, Stubby, and newer Lifestyle applications | ZEON 10 is the steel-rope model; 10-S is synthetic. Older JK07-B1850/B1851 Lifestyle bumpers exclude ZEON; newer JL24-B5051/B5052 list ZEON 10, XD, or EVO. Confirm exact bumper compatibility. |
| WARN Zeon 12 | 12,000 lb | Steel wire | Matrix (full-size trucks) · Premium · Grumper · Red Steel | Approved only on applications that list this model and capacity. Some Matrix and Grumper products have lower limits. Follow the exact bumper/winch instructions for control-pack relocation and mounting orientation. |
| WARN Zeon 12-S | 12,000 lb | Synthetic | Matrix (full-size trucks) · Premium | Spydura rope version — same clearance as Zeon 12 |
| WARN VR EVO 10 | 10,000 lb | Wire | Selected winch-ready bumpers · Matrix (Bronco) | Steel-rope model. Control-pack position and relocation requirements depend on the bumper; 106011 is WARN’s optional extended-length VR EVO cable kit, not a universal Matrix requirement. |
| WARN Zeon 12-S Platinum | 12,000 lb | Synthetic | Matrix (full-size trucks) · Premium | Some Matrix instructions list 89970 for short or 92193 for long Platinum relocation. Confirm the exact kit and clearance in the bumper and winch instructions; do not substitute solely by series name. |
| WARN 16.5ti | 16,500 lb | Steel wire | Premium (full-size/HD) · Winch Mounts · Black Steel Elite (QWINCH-1 tray) | 16.5ti uses steel wire rope. Capacity and physical fit must be approved for the exact bumper or optional tray. This is not a rating for every product in these series. |
| WARN Zeon (standard) | 8–10k lb | Wire | Jeep JL Grumper: special install | The GR4610 guide compares a 6.75" mounting-hole-to-farthest-point clearance with a 7.14" ZEON example; these are not overall winch heights. Follow its illustrated insert-first or expressly permitted trim procedure, with the approved winch configuration. |
| Non-WARN winches | Varies | Varies | Confirm exact model fit | Dimensions and bolt pattern alone do not establish approved fit. Ask Fab Fours about the exact winch/bumper configuration and applicable warranty terms before installation. |
Matrix capacity varies by vehicle platform
"Matrix" isn't one uniform spec. Selected Matrix applications list a ZEON 12; this is not a shared capacity for all Silverado/Sierra, F-150, Super Duty, Ram, Tundra, or Colorado bumpers. Reviewed Jeep, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Tacoma applications list limits of 10,000 lb or smaller; Bronco applications list VR EVO 10, while some F-150 applications are limited to 9,000 lb. Where the Matrix instructions require standard ZEON control-box relocation, listed kits include 89960 long / 89970 short. Some applications exclude Tremor packages with a factory winch; check the exact product’s exclusions. Confirm the exact rating on your product page before sizing a winch.
Hawse vs roller fairlead
A hawse fairlead is commonly paired with synthetic rope, and a roller fairlead with steel cable. Use the fairlead approved by your winch and rope manufacturers; not every hawse or roller is suitable for every rope. Follow the exact bumper manual for fairlead installation order and clearances.
Sensors & ADAS Compatibility
Look for the SmartSteel™ Badge
SmartSteel is Fab Fours' ADAS-compatibility technology, built into select bumpers across the lineup. SmartSteel-badged products address specified factory safety-system compatibility on supported applications. Parking sensors, cameras, adaptive cruise, and other ADAS functions have separate requirements. Check which functions the exact bumper supports, along with vehicle/trim exclusions, brackets, and calibration requirements.
Factory sensor provisions on compatible models
Sensor-compatible bumpers provide mounting locations for supported factory sensors. Depending on the application, housings may be reused, moved to different positions, or purchased separately; relocation brackets may also be required. Any replacement bumper changes the sensors' field of view, so always test before final assembly. See Sensor Transfer in the Installation tab for the step-by-step.
Check These Compatibility Notes Before You Buy
Each product page lists the exceptions for your exact truck. These are the ones that come up most often:
Sensors on stock-height trucksSome Vengeance and Premium applications were tested on lifted trucks. Check the exact product’s ride-height and sensor notes; follow the specified housing position rather than improvising sensor adjustments. Shackles or hooks in the fairlead can also trigger front sensors.
Toyota Safety SenseCompatibility varies by Toyota model, model year, bumper SKU, and guard design; there is no Toyota-wide 2022 cutover. Check the exact Matrix, Vengeance, HYBRID, or ULTRA LIGHT product for Toyota Safety Sense compatibility and exclusions.
Hands-free drivingSome Matrix and Vengeance fitments are not compatible with GM Super Cruise or Ford BlueCruise.
Blind-spot monitoringRed Steel and many ranch and Premium rear bumpers do not accommodate factory blind-spot monitors.
Adaptive cruise bracketsSome ACC relocation brackets exclude chrome grilles. Confirm the exact bracket’s grille, trim, and model-year restrictions.
360° camerasSupported on many fitments, but guards may show in the camera view.
Engine & trim exclusionsSome Aero, Matrix, and Vengeance fitments exclude diesel or turbo models, and some Ram fitments exclude Rebel, Warlock, and other trims.
ADAS recalibrationYour vehicle may need ADAS recalibration any time a sensor or radar is disconnected.
Vengeance rear bumpers — inner sensors swap left and right (Ford Super Duty E4151)
The two inner sensors switch positions vs the factory bumper. Right inner becomes left inner. Photograph original positions before removing the harness.
ACC relocation brackets — M4450 vs M3850: completely different processes
M4450 F-150 Vengeance application: Module sits behind the driver-side bumper cover and comes off with an E6 external socket. The bracket mounts where the 20" light bar bracket was — 9/16" socket and wrench. Adjust the unit as perpendicular to the ground as possible.
M3850 grille-mounted application: The grille comes off and the bracket is drilled into the louver frame — holes marked 7/8" from center, 3/8" bit, stainless hardware, radar secured with M8 nuts. These are named manual examples, not shared year-range rules. Confirm the exact bracket, vehicle, and current illustrated instructions before drilling or relocating radar.
M3850 grille-mounted application: The grille comes off and the bracket is drilled into the louver frame — holes marked 7/8" from center, 3/8" bit, stainless hardware, radar secured with M8 nuts. These are named manual examples, not shared year-range rules. Confirm the exact bracket, vehicle, and current illustrated instructions before drilling or relocating radar.
Follow your manual’s installation requirements · Off-road use only
Fab Fours products are intended for off-road use. Some manuals require professional installation only, including the G1550 slider guide. Read the complete current manual before disassembly and follow its installation restrictions. Use the supplied hardware and any OEM hardware expressly required by that guide. Do not substitute hardware or methods; consult the product’s instructions and warranty for applicable restrictions.
Find Your Installation Manual
Browse by vehicle make or search by part number (it's on the box, your packing slip, and the product page) to download the full written instructions for your exact product.
Before You Start
Prep Checklist
Common Tools
Most installs use some combination of these. Your manual lists the exact sizes.
- Socket set with extensions — metric 8–22mm and SAE 7/16"–3/4"
- Box / open-end wrenches in the same sizes
- Breaker bar for factory bumper nuts
- Torque wrench
- Torx bits (T20–T40) · E6 external Torx socket on Fords
- Plastic panel / push-pin pry tool
- Drill and bits (1/8", 7/32", 5/16", 3/8")
- Cut-off wheel for trimming installs
- Floor jack and wood block to support the bumper
- Painter's tape and a silver marker
- Zip ties and wire loom
- Anti-seize for stainless hardware
- Multimeter or test light for lighting
Install Tips by Product Type
General sequences taken from Fab Fours installation manuals. Tap a product type to expand it.
1
Lay out and check every part
Verify all components against the parts list on a clean pad before you remove anything from the truck.
Pre-install2
Support the factory bumper, then remove it
Have a floor jack or helper holding the bumper before the last fasteners come out. Unplug fog lights and sensors — and on Super Duty trucks, the block heater if equipped. Save the bolt strips and nuts; most kits reuse them.
Removal3
Trim if your fitment requires it
Some trucks need the bumper cover, fender liner, or valence trimmed (for example, Tacoma Matrix and Colorado). Mark with painter's tape and a silver marker, cut slightly outside the line, and clean up with a flap disc.
Some fitments4
Pre-install the winch, fairlead, lights, and sensors
Often easier with the bumper off the truck. Use only the winch model, mounting orientation, hardware, and fairlead arrangement approved by the exact bumper and winch instructions. The N4160/N4170 front-face rule is not a universal bumper requirement. Wire lights now, but do not connect power until the installation instructions permit it.
Assembly5
Tape painted surfaces the bumper could touch
Painter's tape on the valence, grille, and fenders prevents scratches while you align the bumper.
Protection6
Lift into place with two to three people
Loosely install the intermediate brackets on the frame, then lift the bumper on. Full-size and winch bumpers need three people — two to hold, one to fasten. A floor jack helps. Never try to hold and tighten at the same time.
Safety7
Align, then tighten in order
Using the 3-direction alignment system: set in/out at the frame brackets, then up/down and left/right at the bumper brackets. Set the fender and headlight gaps specified by your manual for body flex; named applications use 3/8" or 1/4", so do not apply one gap to every bumper. Tighten the frame mounts first, then the mount-to-bumper fasteners.
Installation8
Reconnect, secure, and test
Plug in lights and sensors, zip-tie wiring away from heat, moving parts, and sharp edges, and confirm everything works before driving.
FinishYour product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Unplug the trailer plug, tag lights, and backup sensors
Remove the license plate first. Unplug harnesses at their connectors before loosening any bumper hardware.
Vehicle prep2
Support the bumper, then remove it
Loosen the frame nuts with the bumper supported by helpers or a jack, then remove. Pull the trailer plug, license plate lights, and spare-tire access cover (GM) from the factory bumper — they go into your new one. Save all factory hardware.
Removal3
Transfer sensors and install lights
Follow Sensor Transfer below. Install the license plate lights. If you're going from halogen to LED and get hyper-flash, wire in the supplied resistor.
Assembly4
Mount loosely, level to the bed, then tighten
Mount with two to three people. Level and align the bumper with the truck bed before fully tightening.
Installation5
Check tailgate clearance
Lower the tailgate slowly and watch its bottom edge. It must not touch the bumper at any point — including fully open, and on GMC multi-function tailgates. If it does, loosen the bumper and readjust.
Critical6
Install the trailer plug
If the exact manual requires trailer-plug drilling, use its specified marks, bit size, and supplied hardware. Do not assume 7/32" or substitute 1/4"; the E4151 guide, for example, specifies a #16 (.177") bit.
Wiring7
Plate, wiring, and a full test
Reinstall the plate with the supplied plastic inserts. Zip-tie all loose wiring to the frame or bumper. Test tag lights, the trailer plug, and sensors before driving.
FinishYour product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Photograph and label every sensor position
Document where each housing sits before unplugging anything. You'll need it for reassembly.
Prep2
Remove sensors the right way
Expand both sides of the housing and lift the sensor out. Never push on the sensor face — sensors are extremely delicate. Housings release by pressing their tabs and pulling outward from the outside of the bumper.
Critical3
Install housings from the outside in — watch for position swaps
Some bumpers move sensors to different locations. On the Ford Super Duty Vengeance rear (E4151), the right inner sensor becomes the left inner. On the Chevy/GMC 1500 Red Steel rear (RT4050), the outer housings move to the inner locations. Your manual shows the exact map.
Assembly4
Don't epoxy yet — test first
Reconnect the harness and test. The truck should give no ground readings and no error messages. Some kits angle sensors slightly upward so they don't read the ground.
Test5
Epoxy the housings only — never the sensors
Where your kit includes epoxy, bond the housings once testing passes, then plug the sensors back in using the configuration in your manual.
FinishAny replacement bumper changes the sensors' field of view
That's why the test step matters. If sensors misread after install, recheck housing positions and orientation before contacting support.
Your product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Remove the factory bumper
Remove the tow hook bolts (18mm), then the bumper support bolts with a helper holding the bumper. Unplug the block heater if equipped. Save the bolt strips and nuts.
Removal2
Install the winch, fairlead, and tow hooks on the mount
Do this on the ground. Winches rated 12,000 lb or more must use the front-face mounting holes. Follow your winch manufacturer's instructions.
Assembly3
Lift into place with helpers or a lifting aid
A winch mount with the winch installed is heavy. Slide the brackets inside the frame rails and start all hardware loosely.
Safety4
Tighten in sequence to 106 ft-lb
For the N4160/N4170 manual example only: tighten the specified 7/16" hardware on top of the frame first, then the specified 1/2" side hardware to the guide’s 106 ft-lb value. Do not apply this torque to other joints or winch mounts.
Critical5
Reinstall and align the factory bumper
Lift the bumper into position around the mount and reinstall the factory bolts and side supports.
FinishYour product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Remove OEM sliders: 3× ½" frame bolts + 7× 10mm pinch seam bolts per side
Save the OEM frame bolts — they are reused during installation.
Removal2
Remove 2 body mount bolts per side — 18mm socket
These become part of the slider mounting system. Do not lose them.
Removal3
Install Rigid rock lights before mounting (if running them)
Bolt them into the brackets, run the wires through the support brackets, and zip-tie. Rock light bolts must be cut to ¾" to fit the brackets.
Optional — lights4
Tap all holes, and apply anti-seize to stainless bolts
Tapping clears debris from the threads. Anti-seize is highly recommended on all stainless bolts — it prevents galling and makes future removal possible.
Recommended5
Attach with 2 OEM body mount + 2 OEM frame bolts, then 5× 5/16" pinch seam bolts
Pinch seam bolts use a ½" socket. Repeat on both sides and confirm all hardware is secure before driving.
InstallationOther slider fitments
Jeep JK sliders (G1250, G1350): require marking the rocker with a center punch, drilling (1/8" → 1/4" → 9/16"), and installing nutserts.
Ford Bronco tube sliders (G5251, G5252): mount to the pinch seam with 3/8" hardware (some holes may need opening with a 3/8" bit), plus M10 bolts at the body mounts.
Ford Bronco tube sliders (G5251, G5252): mount to the pinch seam with 3/8" hardware (some holes may need opening with a 3/8" bit), plus M10 bolts at the body mounts.
Your product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Remove OEM bumper: 8 nuts from frame studs using 18mm socket
Also remove the closeout panel push pins, plastic skid plate bolts, the fog light harness on the passenger-side frame rail, the 6 grille push pins inside the hood, and the grille itself.
Vehicle prep2
Trim the headlight supports with the provided templates
Remove the headlights (3× M6 bolts each), install the driver- and passenger-side templates, cut with a cut-off wheel, then reinstall the headlights before mounting.
Critical3
Check GR4610 mounting-hole clearance — 6.75" example
For the GR4610 guide’s illustrated configuration, measure from the mounting bolt hole to the farthest point of the winch, not overall winch height. The guide compares 6.75" available clearance with a 7.14" ZEON example. Its illustrated options include setting the approved winch in the shell before mounting with three people, or the expressly permitted frame-flange trim. Follow the full guide; this is not approval to fit an arbitrary oversized winch.
Critical4
Install the grille and fairlead into the shell before mounting
5/16" fasteners on the grille. If you bought the GR4606 light bar mount, install it in place of the mesh.
Assembly5
Align the studs to the frame holes — loose first, then tighten
7/16" flat washer + lock washer + nut. Self-tapping bolts on the top flanges go into the upper frame. Verify alignment, then fully tighten all fasteners.
InstallationBronco and F-150 Grumpers install differently
Ford Bronco (GR5200): move the front camera into the Grumper grille and plug it in before the grille goes on — you can't reach it afterward. Epoxy the sensor housings. Test-fit the grille before final tightening. Hood bump stops or the latch may need adjusting, so close the hood slowly the first time.
Ford F-150 (GR4500): the grille, louvers, and headlight supports come off and are trimmed, then a winch mount, center section, and wings bolt together on the truck.
Ford F-150 (GR4500): the grille, louvers, and headlight supports come off and are trimmed, then a winch mount, center section, and wings bolt together on the truck.
Your product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Install the end caps first
Seat them in the step tubes before mounting — a rubber mallet helps.
Pre-install2
Identify the driver and passenger steps
They're side-specific. Check the diagram in your manual.
Pre-install3
Prep the body mounts
Jeep JL: remove the front body mount bolt (18mm — an impact wrench may be needed) and loosen the middle and rear bolts so they hang. Truck fitments (e.g. F-150 J1043) slide onto the factory studs and use M8 flange nuts.
Vehicle prep4
Hang the step with a partner — finger-tight only
Slide the mounting plates into place and start all nuts by hand.
Installation5
Adjust front-to-back, then tighten
Set the position you want, tighten the body mount bolts first, then the side nuts. Repeat on the other side.
FinishYour product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Disconnect the negative battery terminal
You'll be working with the backup camera and third brake light wiring.
Critical2
Remove the spare and factory carrier — keep the camera and third brake light
Unplug both harnesses inside the rear door, pull the carrier (eight 13mm bolts), and separate the camera and wheel studs from the factory carrier.
Removal3
Assemble the swing arm on the bumper and grease the pivot
Apply a little grease to the pivot pin and thrust washer before assembly, and grease the fitting once installed.
Assembly4
Mount with help — close the swing arm before final tightening
Close the swing arm to the door plate before fully tightening the frame bolts. The assembly will rotate slightly as the alignment bracket tightens.
Installation5
Set the turnbuckles snug — not crushing
Adjust them to hold the swing arm tight to the door plate, but not so tight that the rubber stops crush or metal touches metal.
Adjustment6
Plan for a wheel spacer
A 1.25" wheel spacer is required with the factory wheel and tire, and may be needed with aftermarket wheels depending on diameter and offset.
CriticalYour product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Remove the factory fender or cowl trim — save everything
JL front fenders: 15 bolts per side (inside the door, at the rocker, by the headlight, through the inner fender, and under the hood). Unplug the marker light harness. ViCowl: remove only the side trim — leave the center cowl in place.
Removal2
Cut with the provided templates
Fender installs remove the factory support brackets and cut the body along the templates with a cut-off wheel. Cut to the depth your manual shows.
Critical3
Touch up every cut or drilled edge
Paint bare metal right away to prevent rust.
Protection4
Pre-assemble on the floor
Install the hood latch, marker lights, rock lights, and antenna housing on the new fender before it goes on the Jeep.
Assembly5
Mark, pilot-drill, then step up
ViCowl brackets: mark with a center punch, start with a 1/8" bit, and step up to 17/32". Use anti-seize on stainless hardware.
InstallationYour product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
1
Remove OEM bed tie-downs — T40 torx
Install the brackets to the bed sides. Place the OEM tie-down over the bracket and bolt it on loosely.
Removal2
Drill into the top of the bed rail — #27 (.144") bit, both sides
Insert the supplied ¼" hex head screws. Finish both sides before moving on.
Drilling3
Set the rack over the mounts — attach with 7/16" hardware
Drop the rack over the installed brackets and secure it with the 7/16" fasteners from the kit.
Installation4
Bed rack systems: assemble, size, then clamp
Loosely assemble the front and rear sections, slide them onto the beams, and set your length. Clamp each base to the bed lip with the hook mounts. If your bed won't take the hooks, use the provided mount plates (these require drilling).
Bed racksYour product's manual always wins
These are general sequences. Find your part number on our Installation Guides page for the exact steps for your product.
Never install a bumper alone
Two people minimum. Three for full-size front bumpers and winch installs (two to hold, one to fasten), and for a Grumper with an oversized winch. A floor jack helps. Never try to hold and tighten at the same time.
Tightening & Torque
Tighten the Right Way
Fab Fours manuals don't publish one torque chart for every product. Tighten to the value in your product's manual, or to factory spec where the manual has you reuse OEM hardware.
SequenceStart everything finger-tight, align, then tighten
OrderFrame mounts first, then mount-to-bumper fasteners
Winch mountsUse the exact manual’s torque; 106 ft-lb applies only to the specified N4160/N4170 joints
Reused factory hardwareFactory torque spec
Sensor housings, light inserts, camera bracketsSnug only — don't crack plastic
No value in your manual?Contact support@fabfours.com or (866) 385-1905 before final tightening
Use anti-seize on stainless hardware
Stainless bolts can gall (seize) when installed dry or over-tightened. Fab Fours recommends anti-seize on all stainless hardware — especially on rock sliders, fenders, and door skins.
Post-Install & Maintenance Checklist
Run Through This After Every Install
Glossary
Approach angle
The steepest incline the front of the vehicle can climb before the bumper — not the tires — makes contact with the obstacle first. It depends on ground clearance and the lowest forward-projecting components, including bumper geometry.
Departure angle
The same idea as approach angle, measured at the rear: the steepest incline the vehicle can climb or descend before the rear bumper scrapes.
Breakover angle
The angle formed between the front tires, rear tires, and the lowest point of the vehicle's underside. A shallow breakover angle is what leaves a vehicle high-centered on a hill crest or large rock.
3-direction alignment system
Mounting system that allows the bumper to move up/down, left/right, and in/out before final torque — ensures even gaps even if frame holes aren't perfectly placed.
Anti-seize
A compound applied to stainless bolt threads before install. Prevents galling (seizing), making future removal possible. Fab Fours recommends it on all stainless hardware.
Bolt strip / stud plate
A steel strip with threaded holes or studs that slides inside the frame rail so bolts have something to thread into. Most installs reuse the factory bolt strips — save them when you remove your OEM bumper.
Intermediate bracket
The bracket that connects the bumper to the frame. It carries the in/out adjustment, while the bumper-to-bracket bolts handle up/down and left/right.
Winch mount
A steel cradle that holds a winch behind your factory bumper — the hidden-winch option for trucks that want to keep a stock look.
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
Umbrella term for safety tech: adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision, etc. Any replacement bumper can affect these — always verify after install.
Fairlead
The guide at the front of a winch bumper that directs rope/cable. Hawse fairleads suit synthetic rope; roller fairleads suit steel cable.
Pinch seam bolt
Fastener that threads into the pinch weld seam of the rocker area. Used on rock sliders to spread load into the body structure.
Pre-runner guard
A hoop-style upper bumper guard providing partial grille coverage. Its effect on clearance depends on the bumper and vehicle geometry; it does not itself establish approach angle.
D-ring / shackle mount
Mounting points for compatible removable shackles; these may be integrated or separate bolt-on accessories. The mount and shackle are different components. Use only the loads, recovery methods, and configurations approved for the exact product.
Hyper flash
Rapid blinker flash when LEDs replace higher-draw halogens. Fixed by wiring a load resistor to match original resistance.
Common Questions
Where are Fab Fours products made?
Fab Fours operates its manufacturing facility at 2213 Industrial Park Road, Lancaster, SC, with CNC laser cutting, fabrication, and powder coating in-house. Consult individual product information for product and component origin details.
Are bumpers interchangeable between vehicles?
No. Every bumper is designed from 3-D digitized data specific to that vehicle's contour. Not interchangeable across body styles or frame generations.
Do I need an Adaptive Cruise Control bracket?
It depends on your vehicle, bumper, trim, grille, and model year. Fab Fours uses different relocation systems, including M3850 and M4450 for specified F-150/Vengeance applications and M3853-1 for Bronco Premium applications. These brackets and procedures are not interchangeable. Some exclude chrome grilles. Confirm the exact bracket and current installation guide for your bumper; follow any vehicle-manufacturer calibration requirements.
Are lights included?
It depends on the exact product. Many Premium winch bumpers include 90mm fog lights and 60mm turn signals. Older JK Lifestyle applications may include HELLA fogs and turns; newer JL24-B5051/B5052 retain OEM fogs or accommodate separately purchased lights and list lights as not included. Most Matrix, Vengeance, Red Steel, Grumper, and Aero bumpers ship without auxiliary lights. Check the included-components list for your exact SKU.
What lights are recommended?
Light fitment varies by product and may use specified Rigid Industries lights, included HELLA lamps, or retained OEM lights. Examples include a 30" bar and four 2×3 pods on applicable Matrix 4Runner bumpers, versus a 20" bar and four 3×3 pods on Bronco Matrix applications. The Land Cruiser roof rack lists specified Rigid bar and SR-M pod options. Verify exact light model, size, count, and whether lights are supplied before purchase.
What is the warranty and return process?
For a suspected product defect, contact support@fabfours.com with your part number, proof of purchase, and clear photos before removing or returning the product. For returns, contact the seller listed on your order confirmation and obtain any required authorization. Product warranty terms and seller return policies are separate; follow the terms applicable to your product and purchase.
What does the warranty actually cover, and for how long?
Consult the current warranty supplied with your exact product for structural, finish, and corrosion coverage, duration, exclusions, and claim requirements. Do not assume every series or bare-steel option has the same coverage. If the product information and warranty documents differ, contact support@fabfours.com with the part number before purchase or filing a claim.
I ordered directly through fabfours.com — what's the return policy?
Use the return policy and order-support contact provided with your order confirmation. Contact that seller before sending anything back, keep the packaging, and document any damage or defect with photos. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, fees, and authorization requirements for your specific order before installation or return shipment.
A piece of hardware is missing — what do I do?
Contact support@fabfours.com or (866) 385-1905 with your order number and a photo of what you received versus the parts list. Check your kit when it arrives, and do not begin until all required components are confirmed. Your manual may expressly require reuse of specified OEM hardware. Do not substitute other hardware without approval; grade, dimensions, and coating may differ.
Can I install it myself?
Follow the installation requirements in the exact product’s current manual. Some guides, including G1550, specify professional installation only. Where self-installation is permitted, use the prescribed equipment, sufficient helpers, supplied hardware, and any OEM hardware expressly required by the guide. Read the full instructions before disassembly; some products require cutting or drilling.
Do I need a wheel spacer with a tire carrier?
On the Jeep JL tire carrier (Y1851-T), yes — a 1.25" wheel spacer is required with the factory wheel and tire, and may be needed with aftermarket wheels depending on diameter and offset. Check your tire carrier's manual for your fitment.
Can I repaint or re-coat my bumper?
Yes. Contact Fab Fours or a professional refinisher about the exact product and existing finish before stripping, sanding, blasting, or recoating. Follow their compatible surface-preparation, primer, and topcoat requirements; one grit or primer recipe does not suit every coating. Protect bare steel before installation and consult the product warranty for relevant exclusions.
Will a Fab Fours bumper void my factory vehicle warranty?
Installing an aftermarket bumper does not automatically void your factory warranty. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer must demonstrate that the aftermarket part directly caused a specific failure in order to deny a warranty claim — they cannot void coverage across the board simply because you installed one. That said, if a bumper installation damages a factory component (wiring harness, frame, sensors), that specific damage may not be covered. Keep your installation records and hardware kits as documentation.
Will the added weight of a steel bumper affect my suspension?
It can. The effect depends on net added weight after the factory bumper is removed, the winch and accessories, spring rates, existing loads, and suspension condition. Inspect springs, ball joints, and tie rod ends before installation, especially on high-mileage vehicles. Have noticeable sag assessed by a qualified suspension installer. Leveling kits do not increase axle/load ratings or automatically correct alignment, headlight aim, or ADAS calibration. Check the exact product weight and the vehicle’s load limits before planning suspension changes.
Still Have Questions?
Order & return questions
Use the seller and order-support contact listed on your order confirmation.