does anyone have experience installing both enough to state any benefits of one over the other? I'm looking at these two options for my new 4r. will use with winch and light(not sure which yet). I think like the looks of the bar more on the SS but didnt want to base my decision on that alone haha
C4FAB vs. Southern Style stealth / hybrid style bumper?
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Liquidmantis
New member
I, too, prefer the look of the SSO bumper (obviously, since I went that way.) The C4 had the advantage of access ports on the sides of the winch, but SSO now offers that as an option too. I prefer the more OE look of the original SSO bumper, but that will require a remote clutch winch or reaching down from the top either through a cut-out access hole in that front top cover, or leaving it off entirely.
I just installed my bumper and winch at the end of last week and put install pictures in my build thread.
I just installed my bumper and winch at the end of last week and put install pictures in my build thread.
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what size light is that in your bumper?
Liquidmantis
New member
That's the 20" Heiss. SSO stopped offering the 25" cheapy.
Friggin Idiot
Senior Member
C4Fab Lo-Pro Winch Bumper Instructions
Southern Style Offroad Hybrid Slimline Instructions
Both now have availability for winch access cutouts, and 30" light bars.
Personally only installed the SSO bumper. I'm not a fan of the look of access cutouts, and wonder about how much more exposed the winch is to the elements and damage from road debris.
From reading the instructions for C4Fab & SSO, there are a few differences I noticed right away:
1- Radiator Arms. The C4Fab looks to have detachable brackets, while SSO incorporates it as a part of the bumper structure. C4Fab's is better for shipping as they don't have a chance to get bent, but honestly a couple hits from a rubber mallet and they go back into place easily. Personally, I'd rather have the structure than another bolt to tighten or rattle loose.
2- Side arms for support of OEM bumper. No-brainer here, SSO is longer, mounts with 2 bolts to side of bumper, and goes out to 2 OEM mounting holes. C4Fab only uses 1 large bolt and goes to 1 OEM mounting point. There's a difference in this as well, SSO uses threaded pieces welded to the bumper and arms so there are no nuts to lose, and dimensions are rigid. C4Fab just uses a square hole to hold the carriage bolt in place, and has more of a slot for both the bar to the bumper and arm to OEM. I see that as making installation easier, but unless tightened properly (no torque specs given) could mean that it could end up shifting. Better support goes to the SSO. I have to wonder how flimsy that bottom outside corner of the bumper near the front wheel is with C4Fab's unsupported install though. Maybe enough to vibrate over potholes, which would end up cracking your paint.
3- C4Fab shows you how much to cut off of the OEM radiator baffles. SSO says remove them completely. Points to C4Fab on this one, although it's probably not difficult to figure out where to cut them after installing the SSO either.
Southern Style Offroad Hybrid Slimline Instructions
Both now have availability for winch access cutouts, and 30" light bars.
Personally only installed the SSO bumper. I'm not a fan of the look of access cutouts, and wonder about how much more exposed the winch is to the elements and damage from road debris.
From reading the instructions for C4Fab & SSO, there are a few differences I noticed right away:
1- Radiator Arms. The C4Fab looks to have detachable brackets, while SSO incorporates it as a part of the bumper structure. C4Fab's is better for shipping as they don't have a chance to get bent, but honestly a couple hits from a rubber mallet and they go back into place easily. Personally, I'd rather have the structure than another bolt to tighten or rattle loose.
2- Side arms for support of OEM bumper. No-brainer here, SSO is longer, mounts with 2 bolts to side of bumper, and goes out to 2 OEM mounting holes. C4Fab only uses 1 large bolt and goes to 1 OEM mounting point. There's a difference in this as well, SSO uses threaded pieces welded to the bumper and arms so there are no nuts to lose, and dimensions are rigid. C4Fab just uses a square hole to hold the carriage bolt in place, and has more of a slot for both the bar to the bumper and arm to OEM. I see that as making installation easier, but unless tightened properly (no torque specs given) could mean that it could end up shifting. Better support goes to the SSO. I have to wonder how flimsy that bottom outside corner of the bumper near the front wheel is with C4Fab's unsupported install though. Maybe enough to vibrate over potholes, which would end up cracking your paint.
3- C4Fab shows you how much to cut off of the OEM radiator baffles. SSO says remove them completely. Points to C4Fab on this one, although it's probably not difficult to figure out where to cut them after installing the SSO either.
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WODWorldWide
New member
Actually just ordered my SSS bumper on Friday. They are having a group buy now in the Classified section for 15% off and we are almost up to 20% off.
I prefer the look of the SSS bumper and you can have it come powder coated where the C4 was not. I am sure they are similar in quality but I have wanted the SSS bumper for two years now.
Riddler6.7
New member
Have you looked at the relentless bumper? Very similar to both but I like that the fairlead is strait out instead of angled down.
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