End cap mod for ARB bumper…

I have an arb bumper with winch that I’m getting ready to install on my 2002 Tacoma. Ive read a few threads about doing an “end cap mod” on these trucks. From what I understand, if I plan on using the winch much I need to do this mod to add some extra reinforcement to the end caps. Those of you that have done this on a Tacoma can you please share how you went about it. Pictures would be cool too, thanks!

 

Please take some pictures .

The most important thing for Winching is How the Winch is attached to the Bumper How the Bumper is attached to the Vehicle .

You can have the world strongest built bumper and pull the bumper and winch off the front of the truck your first hard pull.

Strengthen the truck first then worry about the bumper .

 

I just took 1/4” plate and cut it approximately the size of the end of the frame and drilled a hole in the middle for the bolt for the ARB bumper. I welded a captive nut into the side of the plate that would be inside the frame and then welded the plate into the end of the frame.

My stock frame ends were pretty toast.

 

Grind flush afterward finishing welding.

 

This is exactly the technique I used.

 

I think ARB has an extra bolt that is supposed to be ran through the frame. A new hole is to be drilled.
Mine doesn't have any of that reinforcement and it's been fine, I have a 9.5k shittybuilt and I use it.

 

I have learned to use weld nuts they work much easier then regular nuts .

I also insert a piece of tubing in the frame with two nuts welded also use the tow hook holes with longer bolts .

That gives me at least 3 M12 bolts on each side

 

Almost exactly the technique I used. Only difference was that I used a big piece of angle iron. I want to say it was 4" legs and 1/4" thick. I trimmed one leg to form the front and then ran the leg into the frame and did a couple of plug welds to connect the leg to the frame.

And for what it's worth, both of my original end caps were cracked and failing

 

Made an L with a pin and tied it in.

 

I have a Shrockworks bumper. They send a piece of 1/4" angle iron with a nut welded on the inside that you weld into the front tube of the frame. The front will be perimeter welded into the frame. Then on the side you are supposed to drill a hole on the outside of the frame, the use a rosette weld in that hole to hold the frame and angle iron together.

Sorry I don't have any pictures...I installed the bumper many years ago.