Damaged rear spanner - options for rear bumper?

[dobovedo]

I've got a 2000 TJ that had an older Smittybilt rear bumper/tire carrier on it. The bumper started sagging to the point where it damaged the rear spanner on both sides, shown in the pics. Wondering what my options are to install a better rear bumper, either with or without tire carrier. Note that my skill set and experience with vehicles is pretty limited and I'd be paying a shop for anything beyond installation of a new bumper (as long as it doesn't require welding).

1. What would it require and potentially cost to have this spanner replaced? Obviously it's welded to the frame and seems like it's gonna be pricey. I assume the tub would have to be removed given that it looks like it partially sits on and is attached to this spanner?
2. If I got a Rock Hard rear bumper (either with or without the tire carrier), could I just bolt through the damaged ends since I'd be using their frame brace kit and also drilling the recommended inner holes where there's no damage? Seems like the damaged ends aren't really doing anything at that point... all the load is on the bumper parts and the frame?

 

[CharlesHS]

You can reinforce the bumper mounting area by straightening the affected areas, welding in a 1/4-3/8" plate and then welding the tears in the metal.
The rear bumper crossmember (PN 52058 121AB) can be replaced IF welding the reinforcement plates are not enough.

 

[Ashim]

Genright makes several options of a rear bumper plate that bolts over the rear crossmember.

 

[Brianj5600]

Tie ins will help too. They help transfer load to the frame. How many bolts were holding the bumper on?

 

[dobovedo]

Tie ins will help too. They help transfer load to the frame. How many bolts were holding the bumper on?

View attachment 610227

on the old shittybilt (now I know why ya'll call it that) there were only three bolts. Two thru the face of the crossmember (like on the left in your photo), plus one underneath which went thru an L plate. Really poor design. That bracket underneath did absolutely nothing. Thanks for the advice about the tie ins. If I am able to go with the Rock Hard I'll look into having someone locally do the welds for me.

 

[dobovedo]

You can reinforce the bumper mounting area by straightening the affected areas, welding in a 1/4-3/8" plate and then welding the tears in the metal.
The rear bumper crossmember (PN 52058 121AB) can be replaced IF welding the reinforcement plates are not enough.

View attachment 610226

OK, thanks for the suggestion! I'll look into finding someone locally to possibly do a repair. I'm in a pretty small town and fairly new to the area but I'm sure I can find something.

 

[JMT]

@dobovedo adding the bumper and frame tie ins directly to the frame will be more than sufficient.