Shop Time w/T.W. Friends

Get up - check.
Get with it -- well, I'm trying..
Contribute --- I'm retired, I need the contribution...

 

Yesterday, I found that my spare tire was frozen in place. To the point of torquing off my hook thingy that’s used to drop it (I could’ve sworn I felt it break loose like all the other times ).

Kicker is I drop and lube it every fall.

Winter is the gift that keeps on giving..


I’m thinking bolt cutters if I can get them on the chain - use a milk crate so I don’t break my arms when it drops. Then bed rail mount it from here on

I’m open to alternatives

Good Morning everyone

 

Dang, that sucks! I guess I better check mine. It’s been a while.

 

Wilco Tire Gate or RIGd UltraSwing

-J

 

Funny. I have a 4x Innovations rear bumper being delivered today (some idiot rear ended me a few months ago). I thought about the swing option at the time but ruled it out as not needed

 

Edit: Swingout Kit

If it's being shipped already powder coated it might be a little more difficult but you may be able to purchase just the swingout system and have it added to the bumper after the fact. I'm not familiar with 4xI's bumper but I do know that other companies offer that option. Perhaps that could be a route that would work best for you. With that said, I can speak on the Tire Gate. I bought one years ago (not the Wilco brand) hoping to be able to retain an obstruction-less rearview mirror. Even with the canted tire, my vision is still obstructed. Hindsight being what it is, I should have gone the swingout route as well and keep the functionality of my tailgate. I had already sold my tailgate so I would have to source another one if I added the swingout to my bumper. It may not be too late for you. Bottom line, I do fancy how the truck looks with the tire gate though.

-J

 

Cool. Thanks. My bumper’s coming bare. I was gonna rattle can it with bed liner.

 

Coastal Offroad has a swingout kit too.

 

Good morning guys. Taking the day off from pressure washing and going to have lunch with a buddy from the Sheriff’s Office.

Hope you have a great Friday and weekend!

 

Glutten for punishment.

That's something my dad would have done when I got in trouble as a kid. It'd take all summer to do the whole yard.

I'd use a can or two of PB blaster on it, let it soak, and then hit it with a really BFH. Repeat steps 1-3 twice daily until the mechanism breaks free.

As for the swing out, if 4XI doesn't have a good DIY kit for the swing out, then I'd 2nd the Coastal Offroad kit. Several of my friends locally have built bumpers and swingouts from their kits.

 

Tire update: bolt cutters didn’t fit from below but I could get the jaws on the chain from above. Just couldn’t get enough umph to cut or even make a dent.

Plan B: winter tire is in bed as a spare. Sawzall with Diablo blade once the bumper is removed should be doable. I’ll take pics. Give me a week.

 

That’s a good idea. I’ll have to dig the hook end of drop staff out

 

If you have enough room to reach over the tire to hit the (4?) bolts holding the chain hoisting mechanism to the cross brace, you might be able to just unbolt the whole thing as a unit. Since my larger spare tire doesn't fit in that location anymore, I have long since removed that chain lift. If the PB Blaster/Kroil doesn't work for you to loosen the chain, maybe you'll have better luck on those bolts. If my memory serves me, they are 12mm. Once it's lowered, a few schwacks with a BFH should break up any rust.

-J

 

Alright fellers, let's play a game... who can tell me what's missing?

Hint, he said it has a new impeller, but wont pump any water

 

Doesn't the impeller go in there somewhere??

 

The impeller is in that black plastic housing. There is something else missing

 

Gotta get me one of those.



You know, reasons.

 

I have to agree 100%

For the longest time I had a friend spray everything within reach the spray keeps it green but it does not grow.

I was told it is similar to what is used on the golf courses putting greens.

Win Win

 

You guys give up yet?

 

You love the weather or you would have moved south!

Some one else that hates snow no matter how invested in the area if it was that bad

i kick my butt sometimes for missing a chance to Winter over in Antartica years ago.