Improving the approach angle/front-bumper for 2021 Sport?

7156 Views 14 Replies 11 Participants Last post by sashakoul, 7 d ago

Erland

Discussion Starter · Oct 17, 2021

So far I've added skid-plates from Crawford, better tires, and a 2" Ironman suspension lift, but the chin on the new 2021 Sport model really kills the approach angle.

Warn says their semi-hidden winch kit (100621) isn't compatible with the 2021 Sport, but I don't see why not except for how the lower plastic trim has changed.
I'm curious if anyone has successfully installed the Warn kit on the Sport model? and is the added weight noticeable?

I've seen a couple tube bumper options that look pretty hideous, cost a fortune, and aren't even available to order if I wanted to. Any good options I might be missing?

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cbetts

· #2 · Oct 17, 2021 (Edited)

2

Your best method will be to cut away the plasic and install an aftermarket bumper. I am pretty happy with my RRW bumpers on my Crosstrek. It does have a mount point for a winch.

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LostinTexas

· #3 · Oct 17, 2021

cbetts said:
Your best method will be to cut away the plasic and install an aftermarket bumper. I am pretty happy with my RRW bumpers on my Crosstrek. It does have a mount point for a winch.
View attachment 307993

View attachment 307994

Not sure if I love that. Several things that just don't make me happy about it.
I don't hate it though, so probably on my way to loving it.
In my case, I'd lose the fog lights, but that should be easy enough to remedy. Not too sure about having the front end exposed, but probably not as much a problem as my mind is thinking.
Thinking outside the box? I do love that.

cbetts

· #4 · Oct 17, 2021

Fortunately, we don't see rain much in SoCal. I am pretty sure the engine compartment would be a mess if I ever go mudding. I am still working on some splash panels to help remedy that.

It is not a decision that you can back out of cheaply though. I you are curious, here is a link to my build thread when I started the bumper project. LINKY

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warmwind76

· #5 · Oct 18, 2021

Well, so much for crumple zones. And all your junk is exposed. There has to be some modesty laws about that. I think it's in Leviticus somewhere.

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Montana Actual

· #6 · Oct 22, 2021

2

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JJMS

· #7 · Feb 1, 2022

Both the Warn and Body Armor work with the 21 sport, it just takes a bit of fitting

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greenbluegreen

· #8 · Feb 1, 2022

JJMS said:
Both the Warn and Body Armor work with the 21 sport, it just takes a bit of fitting View attachment 309448

Would you say the the approach angle is improved? It's hard to tell from the photo, but it looks like the protruding chin just gets replaced by a (at least nicer looking) sloping metal bumper.

JJMS

· #9 · Feb 1, 2022

Sli

greenbluegreen said:
Would you say the the approach angle is improved? It's hard to tell from the photo, but it looks like the protruding chin just gets replaced by a (at least nicer looking) sloping metal bumper.

Slightly shortens the overhang

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JJMS

· #10 · Feb 1, 2022

JJMS said:
Sli

Slightly shortens the overhang

Plus it's angled with no lip to catch

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King Hippo

· #11 · 8 mo ago

JJMS said:
Both the Warn and Body Armor work with the 21 sport, it just takes a bit of fitting View attachment 309448

Do you happen to know how much weight that added to your front end? I know it’s heavy, but you also have to remove a bunch of stuff to put it on there. Adding 80lbs but removing 60 is not so bad. I’m wondering if anyone figured out the added weight.

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ClackAttack

· #12 · 5 mo ago

King Hippo said:
Do you happen to know how much weight that added to your front end? I know it’s heavy, but you also have to remove a bunch of stuff to put it on there. Adding 80lbs but removing 60 is not so bad. I’m wondering if anyone figured out the added weight.

Lueking for an answer to this question myself!

cbetts

· #13 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

2

I forgot to weigh all the parts from my RRW bumper swap. I think I added 20 lbs in the front and evened out in the back. This is solely based on my memory of what the factory metal felt like when I put it in the recycle bin.

Here some pics of what was removed:

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medtech

· #14 · 7 d ago

King Hippo said:
Do you happen to know how much weight that added to your front end? I know it’s heavy, but you also have to remove a bunch of stuff to put it on there. Adding 80lbs but removing 60 is not so bad. I’m wondering if anyone figured out the added weight.

The Warn bumper is around 60lbs if I remember correctly.
Otherwise just deal with the stock one. If it digs in, the tabs on the side will pop out and allow it to flex.

sashakoul

· #15 · 7 d ago

medtech said:
The Warn bumper is around 60lbs if I remember correctly.
Otherwise just deal with the stock one. If it digs in, the tabs on the side will pop out and allow it to flex.

Yup… The stock bumper is quite elastic. I’ve caught mine on a few rocks and have rammed through too many snow banks.
That being said, I’ve broken most of the lower plastic supports now and the bumper will pop out on the sides if I sneeze too hard in front of the car.

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