Jeep JK Orion Rear Bumper Install Guide
By Body Armor 4x4 | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how to install the Body Armor 4x4 Orion Rear Bumper on your 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. Step-by-step instructions with common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Installing the Body Armor 4x4 Orion Rear Bumper on a Jeep Wrangler JK takes about two hours with basic hand tools. This guide walks through each step and highlights the common mistakes that can slow you down.
What to know before you start
The Orion Rear Bumper replaces the factory rear bumper on 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models. It uses the same mounting points, so no drilling or modification is needed. The bumper is heavy—about 60 pounds—so plan for a helper or a jack to support it during alignment.
The textured black finish is durable but can scratch if you drag the bumper across concrete. Set it on a padded surface while you work. All necessary hardware is included, but you may want to replace the factory bolts if they are rusted or seized.
What you will need
Gather these tools before you begin: a 19mm socket and ratchet, a 21mm socket and ratchet, a torque wrench, a breaker bar, a flathead screwdriver, and penetrating oil. A floor jack or a second person to hold the bumper is strongly recommended.
Installation steps
- Step 1: Remove the factory rear bumper: Use a 19mm socket to remove the six bolts securing the factory bumper to the frame brackets. There are three bolts per side. If they are rusted, apply penetrating oil and wait five minutes. Pull the bumper straight back to release it from the alignment tabs. A common mistake is forgetting to disconnect the license plate light wiring on models that have it—unplug the connector before pulling. Check for the wiring connector before yanking the bumper off.
- Step 2: Remove the factory bumper brackets: The brackets are held by four 21mm bolts (two per side). Use a breaker bar if they are tight. Keep the brackets—they are reused with the Orion bumper. A common mistake is discarding the brackets, thinking they are not needed. Without them, the new bumper will not align. Set the brackets aside in a safe place.
- Step 3: Attach the Orion bumper brackets to the frame: Bolt the supplied Orion brackets to the frame using the factory 21mm bolts. Tighten to 75 ft-lbs. Do not fully torque yet—leave them slightly loose to allow adjustment. A common mistake is overtightening now, which makes it hard to align the bumper later. Leave the bracket bolts snug but not fully torqued.
- Step 4: Mount the Orion rear bumper: With help or a jack, lift the Orion bumper onto the brackets. Align the bolt holes and insert the supplied bolts and washers. Hand-tighten all bolts before torquing. A common mistake is tightening one side completely before the other side is started, causing cross-threading. Start all bolts by hand before using a tool.
- Step 5: Torque all bolts to spec: Torque the bracket-to-frame bolts to 75 ft-lb and the bumper-to-bracket bolts to 45 ft-lb. Work in a crisscross pattern. Check that the bumper sits level and the D-ring mounts face outward. A common mistake is forgetting to re-torque after 100 miles of driving—hardware can settle. Re-torque all bolts after your first off-road trip.
Product facts
- 2007-2018 JEEP WRANGLER JK ORION REAR BUMPER: The Body Armor 4x4 Orion Rear Bumper features integrated D-ring mounts for recovery equipment. You can attach tow straps or shackles directly to the bumper without needing an aftermarket hitch or add-on recovery points.
2007-2018 JEEP WRANGLER JK ORION REAR BUMPER
