Brute Force Fab official on TW

I just installed my HC on sunday and I'm 90% sure the receiver tube is about the same length as the factory hitch (its short). I can go out to the truck in a bit and take a picture but I don't have the stock one with me to compare.

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I'll preface this image with saying this is a used bumper so I can't say if Billy has changed the design at all but this is why my Brute Force Fab HC bumper looks like from the bottom.


The receiver tube does not stick out past the mounting bolts for the bumper. This picture is pretty much a straight shot from the side of the truck to where the receiver ends.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks a lot! I'll have to get my eyes under my truck to compare.

The only photo I have at the moment is this one, which was before taking the 1" space between the tire and factory hitch.

 

Dead set on leaving the spare under there?
Not sure I understand high clearance bumper and spare underneath.
Knowing you, you've thought it out though and have a reason. I'd be curious to hear it.

 

Valid point, and what you don't see referenced side by side in the two photos above is that your tow receiver tube will actually come in almost above where you spare is located. The spare will hang below the HC bumper. For me personally, I am moving an air compressor tank mounted in the spare location, but it appears the HC license plate height remains the same and that is where the two receiver will adjust.

 

Sure.

For now, yes, spare needs to stay there.. It's 84 lbs. and want to keep COG down low.

The HC bumper would give protection to the sides where none exists, and the factory hitch can get out of my way.

All the times I've dragged the rear end on trails, it's always been the section below the red line.




As an aside, I want to better study the cross member holding the spare tire elevator and see if any space can be gained by cutting it out and having one fabbed up in it's place. Maybe gain an inch, at the same time, I'd probably have frame plates welded in I think, just because.

 

Billy got back to me and he's 95% sure that the receiver tube on the HC bumper is about 5/8" shorter than stock hitch. But we'll pick a reference point on the frame and measure to be 100% sure.

 

@Crom , the final piece I would consider is if your hitch receiver extends out past the backside of the receiver tubing on the bumper...

I will just cut mine down if so.

 

IMO... and we all know what that's worth.
There's nothing wrong with dragging your hitch over the rocks. Think of it as an "ass end slider".
The problem I had that led to me getting an HC rear was hitting the lower bedsides on rocks or the corner of the bumper.
The stock bumper, being made out of something much like warm butter, would bend up and pop out my taillight.
I can't say for certain, but you may find that a spare in the stock location becomes the low point with an HC rear and you might drag on and bugger up your spare.

 

I have a 35" spare underneath when I move across the country (the bed is full of everything I own so I need the space and I move every 3 months for work) My bumper is Billy's but not the high clearance. Unless his hitch is different from the high clearance to his regular plate bumpers, you'll have no trouble fitting a 33" tire under there.

 

Thanks. Good point. I'd probably just do the same.

Good points to consider.

Same thing happened here, chromium bumper on a rock, pushed up and broke my tail light out earlier this year. Cost me about $90 to replace.

I think you're probably right in that the spare would be the lowest object under the truck and there is a certain amount of risk there. It's one I'm willing to accept for now.

And man, I've been waiting for 7 years for a tire snake to bite my bumper, but it's never happened.

 

That's great to hear. Thanks.

 

I've never had my spare up under the truck since I put the BF bumper on. I don't want to give you the wrong info, so I'll just let Billy answer.

 

Billy measured and said that his HC bumper hitch is 1/4" less than stock. So good to go!

 

I'm about to pull the trigger on the tube bumper.

 

Subd for picss!!!!!

 

If I order this week hopefully I'll have it in time for my wheeling trip in mid October

 

Anyone had to do maintenance on their swing out? Is there anyway to remove the swing out and cover the spindle when not needed?

Wondering if I should bite the bullet and add a tire swing to my rear HC I want to get ordered. Running 33s, and don't ant it under the truck. But I'd rather not lose bed space I think, but I could throw in a tire carrier for trips I guess

 

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure a 33" will fit under the bed, in the regular spare tire mount.

any particular reason you dont want it under there?

 

It would hang lower than the HC bumper I think. But serve as good protection if you don't care about the rim or the tire.

 

I know it will, but the whole point of doing a HC bumper is just that, more clearance. Along with doing the BAMF 12" rear shocks , I am just trying to get more out of my truck now.

I love the look of the tire swing on the HC rear. Just curious how much maintenance comes with it, I already have enough stuff to worry with rebuilding as it is lol. I know Billy's stuff is amazing and he will stand by his product, not questioning the work or him at all.

I have seen some HC rears with the arms removed and I can see the spindle. There wouldn't be a problem running it without the arm for a little while would it? For riding and camping I would take it of course, just curious