Builders who wheel hard know that front bumper clearance matters long before the tires touch the obstacle. A standard bumper, even many frame chop designs, can still hang up on ledges, limit approach angle, or leave the winch exposed in the wrong places. The Motobilt Tomahawk Front Winch Bumper with Bull Bar was built for Jeep owners who want better front-end packaging, more usable clearance, and added protection around the winch area.
The Tomahawk design came from concepts developed on the Motobilt TJ Front Half Frame Kit, where clearance, suspension travel, and chassis layout all matter. This bumper uses an upswept frame chop profile that improves approach angle and tucks the front end tighter than traditional bumpers. It also includes an integrated winch mount with recessed mounting holes and a second underside winch line opening. That lower route lets builders run the winch line straight down to suck down the front suspension. In steep rock crawling situations, this can help lower the center of gravity and keep the front end more controlled on climbs.
The integrated bull bar adds another layer of protection for the winch and front grille area without taking away from the bumper’s high-clearance shape. This version is designed for Jeep Wrangler JK, JKU, JL, JLU, and Jeep JT Gladiator platforms with permanent frame modification required. Builders should expect to drill the frame and slightly clearance the two forwardmost body mounts during installation. On 2012-2018 Jeep JK / JKU models, a vacuum pump relocation bracket is also required. Like many serious fabrication parts, this bumper ships bare steel so builders can finish it to match the vehicle and weld it to the frame if they want additional strength.
Important Information
Includes integrated bull bar tube for added winch and front-end protection
Permanent modification to and drilling of the frame is required
Slight clearancing of the two forwardmost body mounts is required prior to installation
2012-2018 Jeep JK / JKU requires a vacuum pump relocation bracket
You will not be able to return the vehicle to factory bumpers after installation
Ships raw bare steel and must be painted or powder coated to prevent rust
Bolt-on design with optional welding to factory frame for additional strength
Optional Light Bracket Mounts: MB2157
Optional Fairlead Light Mount: MB2154
Detailed installation instructions include color photos and step-by-step guidance
If installing with no lift or only a small leveling kit, there may be slight rubbing with the factory non-Rubicon sway bar
Product Specifications
Part Type: Front frame chop winch bumper with bull bar
Series: Tomahawk
Material: Bare steel
Weight: 65 lbs approximate
Winch Mounting Pattern: 10 in. x 4.5 in.
Fairlead Mounting Pattern: 10 in. center to center
Finish: Ships raw steel
Mounting Style: Bolt-on with optional welding to factory frame
Notes
Test fit the bumper, bull bar, sway bar, winch, and fairlead before final coating or paint.
Frame drilling and permanent frame modification are required.
Slight trimming or clearance work at the two forwardmost body mounts is required before installation.
Jeep JK / JKU 2012-2018 models require a vacuum pump relocation bracket.
JK / JKU factory sway bar can be reused, but the Rubicon electronic disconnect sway bar is NOT compatible.
JL / JLU / JT factory sway bar can be modified to fit, but the Rubicon electronic disconnect sway bar is NOT compatible.
Compatible Currie Antirock sway bar part numbers for JK / JKU include CE-9900JKF and CE-9900JKFA.
Compatible Currie Antirock sway bar part numbers for JL / JLU / JT include CE-9900JLF and CE-9900JLFA.
Other RockJock heavy-duty sway bar options will also fit.
Roller fairleads are not recommended with this bumper.
Offset winches are not recommended with the Tomahawk bumper.
The bumper is NOT compatible with the Warn MB8274 or CTI winches.
Yes, Badlands winches fit this bumper.