Bumpers

coltarms · Post by **coltarms** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 1:58 pm

I'm thinking of removing my bumpers and replacing them with some steel. Basically, I'm looking to reduce the approach/departure angles. Any thoughts?

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:29 pm

Depending on where you are, you might get ticketed, also, it could weigh a huge amount.

If you do do it, incorporate a bull-bar up front and a trailer hitch in the back. Not really for heavy trailer hauling (unless you reinforce forwards) but in case you need to get pulled out, you'll have a good tie-in point.

coltarms · Post by **coltarms** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 6:38 pm

A grill guard and winch plate were on the list for the front, including something to mount lights on. Rear must have a tow hitch, jerry can holder, ax and shovel mounts, and spare tire carrier. I am also looking to build a roof cargo rack using some conduit and my ski rack mounts.

Iain · Post by **Iain** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:19 pm

I've got the same game plan coltarms, I dont have time to get into it right now, but I'll toss a few ideas I have up here as soon as I have a chance...

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 11:35 am

I think if you do go this route... Reinforce the structures further into the body. Not just the given bumper mounts. Extra rigidity, extra pulling/pushing power, etc. Heck, if I were you, I'd try and create an extra full-length subframe that extended a little past the existing "faux" frame-rails, on an even plain, both aiding in that rigidity and giving you an easy mount point for heavy skid-plates. Just watch for driveline clearance, be it driveshafts, CV shafts, or rear axle.

I know, a little beyond what you were talking about, but probably not a bad idea regardless.

coltarms · Post by **coltarms** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 1:02 pm

Anything I do has to be able to serve as a tow point. Skids would be great, but not many places to mount them to, and they would be pretty expensive.....

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 1:53 pm

Thats why I said make your own mounting points. Tubular square would work well I'm sure, with heavy gauge steel mounted across. You don't need plate for a skid. Unless you're driving around a bunch of IED's.

83toybeater · Post by **83toybeater** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 6:57 pm

heres my front, i still need to make a back. it made an amazing difrance on anagle of aproach

takza · Post by **takza** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 6:51 am

I'll say one thing about entry/exit angles...and that is I'd rather have the tow hooks at the back and whatever hits on the front HIT before the trans housing hits the dirt or rocks.

Call the bumpers an early warning system?

One serious smack of the trans on some solid rock isn't going to be pretty?

** I actually got to looking under the car and it seems the area right in the middle between the axles is right where the rear driveshaft support bearing is...so most likely the muffler or rear floorpans would hit something before the trans...I seem to be a little fixated on the trans?

coltarms · Post by **coltarms** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 2:41 pm

Toybeater,
Did you fab that whole thing yourself or buy one for a different application and modify it?

83toybeater · Post by **83toybeater** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:28 pm

i fabed it myself, i just bought a big sheet of it, and cut it with a circular saw, and used a router to round the edges. it works easyer to work with than wood. just use wood cuting tools

coltarms · Post by **coltarms** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:01 pm

I'm talking about the bumper.....

83toybeater · Post by **83toybeater** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:31 am

sorry, yes i fabed it up myself, i bought a cheepo pipe bender and bought some tube, its bolted to the car with 2 expedition toe hooks.