Ram Rebel Front Bumper Conversion (Must Know Things)

The Ram 1500 Rebel is a strong, elegant, and powerful truck. Most drivers prefer Rebel as the rugged version of the Ram 1500.

A simple look at the vehicle’s makeup shows it is one for off-road adventures. Hence, there is a need for maximum protection.

This protection is one major reason many might consider changing the front bumper of the Ram Rebel.

However, it is not a simple decision. Is it worth converting the front bumper?

More protection is one of the reasons why many consider changing the Rebel front bumper. This conversion makes it more suitable for rugged off-road duties while keeping the driver safe. What’s more? This conversion for more protection does not sacrifice beauty in the process.

Tips Before Converting the Dodge Jeep Ram Rebel Front Bumper

Converting your Dodge Ram Rebel front bumper to a more sophisticated and protective aftermarket version is straightforward.

Many drivers and vehicle owners ask if it is a “do it yourself” process. It’s doable at home, as long as you have the right tool. 

The process involves removing the old parts and replacing them with the new features.

The conversion process is easy for those with little expertise because the new parts go in the reverse order as removing the old parts. 

Before going off into the conversion process, note a few things. First, if the conversion process is for an old car, it is better to wash the car thoroughly.

This washing is helpful if your Dodge Ram Rebel has had many adventures off the road. A clean front bumper makes removing the bolts and parts easier. 

The following process is to lubricate the bolts of the bumper parts. The lubrication makes it easier to remove the pieces without damaging any part of the bumper.

This careful removal is necessary if the driver wants to keep or sell the old front bumper.

What are the Essential Parts of the Front Bumper?

Many individual components come together to make the parts of the aftermarket front bumper.

Getting a front bumper kit that fits perfectly into your vehicle’s frame is essential. The fit front bumper ensures the elements come together friendly.

Most aftermarket front bumper manufacturers provide information on which car is best for each front bumper. 

Several options are available in the market if you want to change any trim level in the Ram 1500 series, including the Rebel trim level. 

Here are the essential parts of a typical Ram Rebel Front Bumper and its functions.

#1. Bumper and Bumper Cover

This double part is usually the outermost part of the setup. Many find it difficult to note the difference between the bumper and cover.

The bumper cover is the visible part of the bumper components. It provides aesthetics to the card front.

There are different types of the bumper cover. However, the latest versions are chrome-coated.

This version is best at withstanding impacts from stones and other objects. It also protects the bumper from scratches. 

Some vehicles do not have a bumper cover but use visible bumpers. The bumper holds the inner setup in place, securing firmly to the car.

#2. The Bumper Absorber

This piece is a new addition to the bumper setup. Every protection unit needs a soft part for absorbing mild collisions.

That is where the bumper absorber comes into the arrangement. It has foam-like materials that fold up and take in the energy to manage the effect on the car. 

The absorber lies between the bumper and the crash bar. It is essential to protect the inner part of the bumper.

In Ram Rebel, the absorber holds the fog light in place. 

#3. The Bumper Reinforcement Bar

This piece is the ultimate Ram Rebel protector. It is the innermost part of the front bumper kit and is generally unseen.

The reinforcement bar function is similar to the bumper absorber but on a grander scale. The bumper reinforcement bar comes into effect during a crash. 

You also find many people call this bar the crash bar. It absorbs the energy from the crash impact and distributes it through the length of the bar.

The distribution often leads to the crash bar’s wreckage to protect the car’s essential parts.

#4. Bumper Valance

This inclusion is one of the critical pieces of the bumper that many overlook because it is often out of the picture.

However, the bumper valance brings style but, more importantly, protection to the underpart of your car. Therefore, it is vital for a vehicle with regular off-road duties.

It protects the car’s inner components from the roughness of different terrains.

This environment includes rocks, stones, a ditch, and many others. In addition, the bumper valance protects the radiator’s lower part.

Some auto mechanic experts refer to it as the lower valence due to its positioning in the setup.

Other parts include the front parking sensor, closeout panel, fog lights, clips, and bolts. 

How to Convert the Ram Rebel Front Bumper?

Converting the bumper to a more powerful aftermarket version is relatively easy.

The most crucial point is remembering the order in which the parts go into the car. This entire conversion is just a combination of bolts, clips, and nuts. 

You want to remove the old parts carefully, especially if they are still intact and you need to keep or resell them.

If the replacement is after a crash, removal might take a different path. These are the steps for removing the old parts and installing the new ones. 

• Unbolts the nuts of the two-piece bumper at the side and slides the glide over the clips. 
• Start the installation by bolting the crash bar to the tow hooks. Then, use the correct nuts from your hardware store to secure the crash bar.
• The next step is to slide in the clips on the crash bar. The number of clips depends on the type of crash bar.
• The next step is to insert the bumper absorber on the setup and insert the bolts. The next step is installing the fog lights and the fog lights harness, if available. 
• You can adjust the fog lights using a screw at the back. It changes the angle of the fog lights. The harness goes into the fog lights at the back. 
• You install the sensor on the bumper cover using the gasket before installing it to the setup. The lower valence connects to the bumper using bolts and clips. 
• Mount the bumper as the last major piece on the absorber. 
• Optional installation is the close-up panel if there are no two hooks. 

There it is; the steps to converting the front bumper of your ram rebel. 

Note that it is essential to fit all the bolts at the right spot and use the clips to hold the parts. 

Cost and Span of Ram Rebel Front Bumper

The entire components cost about $700. This price includes the parts, bolts, clips, and other necessary installation.

The price might seem high; however, its protection makes it worthwhile in the long run. 

A fit front bumper will continue to protect the car as long as the vehicle stands.

After that, the lifespan reduces to about five to ten years, depending on the terrain and mode of driving.

Also, advancement in the setup might make your front bumper obsolete at one point in time. 

Conclusion

The Ram Rebel front bumper is essential for heavy-duty users’ protection. Hence, it is necessary to keep the components in optimal condition.

Changing the bumper to a more sophisticated version might seem stressful. However, it is worth the stress and money. Your Rebel just got more powerful.