My slow high clearance rear bumper build

So I started a couple of days ago. I'm using a 4x4 3/16" wall main tube for the rear bumper. I have a basic set of tools that I'm using. Grinder, my Hobart 210 welder, my chop saw, and my drill for drilling the holes for the frame brackets. Boy do I wish I had a plasma cutter especially for when I get around to the 3/16" plate for the sides.

Started off by cutting the bumper to 69" inches wide and then cutting a 1" angle downward on both sides.


Then I decided that was a good length and went and bought a 2" hitch receiver from the local trailer supply store. Made my cuts in the middle of the tube to drop the hitch receiver through.

Then I cut 3"x4" 1/4" thick angle iron to 15" and cut the short side off at the last 3" so that I could key it into the main tube. Then drilled 5 holes in each bracket where the pre existing holes are for the stock bumper.



Then I made the notches in the main tube where the frame brackets will key into the main 4x4.



Test fit it and it slides right in perfectly. I get my welder back from the shop on Friday and I'll start welding these pieces together. Also made my recovery points too. I'll be cutting the notches in the 4x4 and have them go all the way through to the frame plates and weld them all together. Still need to drill holes big enough for 5/8" or 3/4" shackles.





This is where I'm at so far.

 

looks great so far!

 

Thanks bro. I appreciate it. Can't wait to get the side panels cut out and welded up. Then I think it will really start to take shape and look how it's supposed to.

 

Random part of my build that really has nothing to do with my bumper but was funny. As I was grinding out the little notches for the frame Plates to key in, I guess I had so many sparks flying at my shirt that I caught on fire. I didn't even realize until I started smelling smoke and then I looked down and was like oh damn I'm on fire. Luckily it was a cheap shirt and didn't spread very far or hit my skin at all haha. Here's the minimal damage

 

Thats happened to my jeans before ahah

 

Hahaha it was a little scary cuz I was like oh damn I'm on fire but then I was like hahaha that was frickin funny. Should probably wear some sort of thick apron in front of me when I grind things or weld things.

 

Got the hitch receiver and recovery points welded in along with the main tube to the frame brackets. Need to round out the left side recovery point and drill the holes to fit 3/4" shackles. My buddy has a plasma cutter so I will be cutting out the side panels here very soon. Also will start cutting the besides very shortly. Kinda nervous haha but oh well.

 

Haha thanks man. Probably gonna order the spindle for the swing out today too.

 

Just cut the bed sides! Ahhh that was a little stressful but can't turn back now!




Then I did a little as someone else on here called it "CAD" (cardboard aided design) really quickly. I'll end up doing another one that's nicer to make my Steel cutouts but I just wanted to see what it would kinda look like

 

That's going to look awesome.

 

Thanks man!!! I hope it turns out looking really cool!

 

Which spindle have you chosen to go with?
Edit: also any thoughts on what you are going to do for a latch? I have heard from a couple builds that you're gonna want something quite strong (~1000#) and easy to use.

 

Rear end me, I dare you! Ha

 

Honestly I'm not quite sure yet. Thinking either AtoZ fab or Comp 4x4 spindle.

Hahaha exactly. Whoever does ain't gonna be havin a good day!

Hopefully the show is good haha

 

In for results

been thinking of doing this myself

 

Bahaha! I know right. The recovery points were certainly a little overkill but the 1" thick stuff was in the scrap pile at the metal store and was the much cheaper route. They're beefy!

 

I be creepin' up in hurr.