Motobilt Crusher Series vs Micro Series — Which Rear Bumper Is Best for Your Jeep JL/JLU?
Upgrading the rear bumper on your Jeep Wrangler JL or JLU does more than change the look of your Jeep — it improves departure angle, adds recovery options, increases protection, and lets you customize your Jeep’s capability based on the way you actually use it.
Motobilt offers two core rear bumper platforms for the JL/JLU:
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Crusher Series Rear Bumper (4 configurations)
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Micro Series Rear Bumper (with optional Rear Lower Corner Armor add-on)
Each offers unique benefits, styling, and functionality. This guide breaks down all the options so you can choose the perfect setup for your build.
Why Choose a Motobilt Rear Bumper?
All Motobilt rear bumpers share the same foundation:
- Laser-cut and CNC brake formed in the USA
- 3/16-inch high-strength steel throughout
- Precision fit to the JL/JLU body
- Designed by wheelers for real trail abuse
- Compatible with factory JL/JLU features
- Clean, modern, high-clearance styling
Whether you're a weekend trail rider, daily driver, overlander, or building a hardcore crawler, there’s a Motobilt rear bumper designed for your needs.
Your Rear Bumper Options for JL / JLU
Motobilt offers five total rear bumper configurations for the JL/JLU — but they’re built on only two core platforms, which makes the buying decision simple:
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Crusher Series Rear Bumper
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4 configuration options
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Strongest and most full-featured
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OEM-style refinement with Motobilt strength
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Micro Series Rear Bumper
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Cleanest, tightest, and highest clearance
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Lightweight & modern
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Best for aggressive departure angles
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Pairs perfectly with the Rear Lower Corner Armor add-on
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1. Crusher Series Rear Bumper (JL/JLU)
The most versatile, refined, and functional rear bumper option.
The Crusher Series is Motobilt’s premium rear bumper line for the JL and JLU. It offers excellent protection, a great departure angle, and a refined look that matches the Jeep’s body lines.
It is available in four configurations so you can choose exactly what features your build needs.
Crusher Configuration Options
Option 1: Crusher – Reverse/backup lights + Spare Tire Cutout / Step
Best for: Daily drivers, trail rigs, overland builds
Benefits:
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Allows for auxiliary rear lighting to be added as an upgrade.
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Cutout doubles as a built-in rear step for roof rack access
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Great blend of functionality and convenience
Option 2: Crusher – Fog Light Mounts + No Cutout
Best for: Drivers wanting maximum rear strength + OEM features
Benefits:
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Strongest Crusher option (full plate, no cutout)
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Allows for auxiliary rear lighting to be added as an upgrade.
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Clean, refined appearance
Option 3: Crusher – No Fog Lights + Spare Tire Cutout / Step
Best for: Minimalists who still want the step functionality
Benefits:
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Lower cost and simpler installation
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Step cutout is great for lifted rigs
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Clean, refined appearance
Option 4: Crusher – No Fog Lights + No Cutout
Best for: Pure strength, pure simplicity
Benefits:
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Highest-strength rear Crusher option
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Maximum plating across the rear body
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Least expensive Crusher option
Why the Crusher Series is a Customer Favorite
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Strongest overall protection
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Cleanest OEM-plus look
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More options than any other JL/JLU bumper
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Excellent for rigs that run a spare tire on the tailgate
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Perfect for Jeeps that need both function AND style
2. Micro Series Rear Bumper (JL/JLU)
Ultra-compact. Maximum departure angle. Modern, clean styling.
The Micro Series is Motobilt’s high-clearance, lightweight rear bumper designed for Jeep owners who want the maximum possible departure angle with a clean, minimalist look.
This bumper is tight to the body, aggressively angled, and ideal for rock crawling, tight trail maneuvering, and modern lightweight builds.
Micro Series Benefits
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Highest departure angle of any JL/JLU bumper
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Lightest Motobilt rear bumper
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Super clean, tight-to-body fit
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Aggressive, updated look
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Keeps rear corners open for clearance
Micro Series Optional Add-On: Rear Lower Corner Armor (MB2184)
Recommended for anyone running the Micro Series
Because the Micro bumper is intentionally compact, it leaves the lower corner of the Jeep’s tub more exposed to damage on rocks and ledges.
Motobilt’s Rear Lower Corner Armor is the perfect complement:
Benefits:
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Adds thick 3/16" steel protection along the most vulnerable rear edge
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Wraps around the lower corner edge for protection
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Matches the Micro bumper’s lines
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Protects body seams from rock hits
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Bolts on easily with the Micro bumper
If you're running the Micro bumper, this armor is highly recommended.
Comparison Chart — JL/JLU Rear Bumpers
| Feature | Crusher Series | Micro Series + Corner Armor |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Level | High | Medium (High with armor) |
| Weight | Medium-Heavy | Light |
| Departure Angle | Excellent | Best |
| Reverse Light Compatibility | Yes (on certain configs) | No |
| Spare Tire Step Cutout | Optional | No |
| Recommended For | Daily drivers, overlanders, mixed-use | Crawlers, lightweight builds, big tire rigs |
| Look | OEM+ refined | Modern minimalist |
Which Rear Bumper Should You Choose?
Choose the Crusher Series if you want:
✔ Strongest protection
✔ OEM-plus look
✔ Reverse light compatibility
✔ Optional step cutout
✔ A great all-around bumper for any style build
FAQ
Q: Do all Crusher Series configurations fit both JL and JLU?
Yes — all Crusher variants fit both the 2-door JL and 4-door JLU.
Q: Does the Micro Series affect spare tire size?
No — it works fine when paired with Motobilt adjustable tire carrier
Q: Do I need the Rear Lower Corner Armor with the Micro bumper?
It’s optional, but highly recommended for trail rigs or anyone wanting extra protection.
Q: Which bumper gives me the best departure angle?
The Micro Series has the best departure angle Motobilt offers.
Q: Can the Crusher step cutout support weight?
Yes — the cutout doubles as a stable step for accessing roof racks or gear.
