Made a front bumper - mounts and all - NO 56k...

XJ_ranger · May 26, 2006

my complete write up is available on my webpage -

http://www.opiebennett.com/tech/frontbumper/index.php

This project had 4 main goals -

Build a high clearance (at least the same clearance as stock) front bumper
Solid tow points on the front for recovery
Re-enforce the frame area around the steering box
Have the area on top of the bumper to carry a winch (Someday, Maybe)

Materials

~9' 1/4"x6" flat stock
~6' 2"x4"x.25" rect tube
~5' 1/8"x3" flat stock
~8' 1"x1"x1/8" Angle
~2' 2"x2"x3/16" Angle
10 - 1/2" bolts - 8 @ 1.5" long, 2 @ 3.5" long
3 - 7/16" bolts (corse thread) to replace steering box bolts - 4" long
2 - 12mm bolts that use the factory threaded hole in the frame
1 - can black primer spray paint
2 - cans "caterpillar yellow" spray enamel

Brackets -
I used all the holes from the factory tow hooks, and added the steering box bolts on the driver side...

Then made an inner bracket-

The center is 2x4x.25 rec tube with angle welded to the back for strength and a winch mounting platform -

front shot of how the brackets ligned up -

brackets after sawzall shaping -

added the ends -

drilled the tabs for the shackles -

Added some angle iron -

boxed the angle in -

done!

primed it black -

and then top coated it - DJ - dont look -

and installed it:

well? what did I do wrong?

HaleYes · May 26, 2006

Beefy.
I like it!

Good work Opie.

:thumbup:

GSequoia · May 26, 2006

XJ_ranger said:
well? what did I do wrong?

Paint.

uke:

Cox89XJ · May 26, 2006

Looks good Opie.
Same type of brace work that I did on mine.

XJ_ranger · May 26, 2006

GSequoia said:
Paint.

uke:

hey! at least its not purple (no offence Andy)

2xtreme · May 26, 2006

It looks like you have two sets of mounting holes where the steering box mounts through the bumper? Did you have to move it?

Any reason you didn't wrap it around the front so that it went under the front turn indicators?

Is it air tight? Use it as a air tank.

Mine is of similar design but I used 3x6 material and it holds almost 5gal of air. The rear of similar design holds almost 7 gal of air.

Just some thoughts,
Michael

XJ_ranger · May 26, 2006

2xtreme said:
It looks like you have two sets of mounting holes where the steering box mounts through the bumper? Did you have to move it?

Nope - the drawings I followed were off by about 1"

Any reason you didn't wrap it around the front so that it went under the front turn indicators?

I dont intend to hit anything there, and didnt want to add the cantalever load on the mounts if I did hit anything there... My front fenders are toasted pretty good anyhow, so im not worried about it.

Is it air tight? Use it as a air tank.

definately not - this is the first real welding that I have ever done

Mine is of similar design but I used 3x6 material and it holds almost 5gal of air. The rear of similar design holds almost 7 gal of air.

I plan to make the rear an air tank (hopefully)

Just some thoughts,
Michael

87manche · May 26, 2006

build me one Opie.

Kittrell · May 26, 2006

I just threw up in my mouth a little...

riverfever · May 27, 2006

Your welcome...

Good rookin' bumper Opie.

XJ_ranger · May 27, 2006

91 Jeep Project said:
I just threw up in my mouth a little...

mission accomplished!

IntrepidXJ · May 27, 2006

nice work opie

Jeepsterboy101 · May 27, 2006

Looks good man

MyJeepXJ · May 29, 2006

Looks great! The first few pix, I was thinking "looks like chit", but as I scrolled down, kept looking better and better!!

Cept for School Bus Yellow.

OT · May 29, 2006

That's a great design, man.
I see it has a little bit of several of our bumpers in it.
Looks tough and sturdy.:thumbup:

jjvande · May 29, 2006

looks good, how would you compare cutting 0.25" with a sawzall to an angle grinder with the thin cutting discs?

nhrocker · May 30, 2006

Bumper looks good man. Looking at your rig now it's hard to believe my Currie kit was the precursor to that yellow monstrosity....:wave:

BlueGerbil · May 31, 2006

GSequoia said:
Paint.

uke:

x2

I like the way it mounts to the "frame".

noresttill · May 31, 2006

I see a lot of winch bumpers with the step up on the sides and the winch sunken lower. Is there a reason for it? or just streamlines the look of a winch?

BTW look great and excellent site!

Jesse

Gojeep · Jun 1, 2006

noresttill said:
I see a lot of winch bumpers with the step up on the sides and the winch sunken lower. Is there a reason for it? or just streamlines the look of a winch?

BTW look great and excellent site!

Jesse

Serves two things to sit it lower. One is the closer you are to the middle of the frame for the pulling forces of the winch, the better, and the less grille area you cover the less risk of over heating from restricting the airflow through the radiator you have.

Made a front bumper - mounts and all - NO 56k...

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