MapleMoose's Build

Looking at the top face now, just realized i forgot to put a straight edge before tacking it together. The jackstands arent level but it looks pretty close to straight

 

How level is it? Doesnt look bad in the pics, I wouldnt wory to much if its not perfect but thats your call.

Why not add a few holes in the back for reverse lights?

 

Thanks guys

Ill check tomorrow.

Its far from complete. Im adding reverse lights, shackle tow points, trailer hitch tube, trailer plug hole, license plate light,.... and eventually a tire swing gate

 

That'll be sick, cant wait to see it(and totally copy it)

 

fuck it, close enough. And again, similar to adam's bumper, if I did it I think I would make it stick back 2" and drop down 4", but thats just me. I like what you did with the license plate recess. looks dam good. Cant wait to see all the goodies you put on it. also the biggest thing is I would put on bed side tubes to protect the bed.

 

Originally i was going to go with the "BoxRocket" style using 5x3 square tubing but it was too expensive and my shop had tons of flat bar available. So i said fuck it ill make a plate bumper. How hard can it be?

I decided to go more with the "Relentless" rear bumper look. I wanted it to be still used as a step so i made it 5x4 instead. Dont think i go wrap arounds yet. Well see once its done. Its going to be a slow after work project

 

You should extend out some tubing from the bottom of the bumper to protect the lower bed sides like boxrocket's bumper

 

I also modeled mine after Relentless. As soon as I saw it, I said to myself "I need that". And since I live in the middle of nowhere, I built one.
You're doing a great job, it looks awesome. Just make sure your tow points go straight through to the frame.
Building your own bumper is super fun, but a lot of work.
Can't wait to see how it turns out!

 

I would like to do that but i dont have access to tubing or a tube bender. I also like the clean look. Well see what happens once its on.

Thanks for that piece of info! I wouldnt have thought about doing that.

 

wait like the shackle points?

Shackle points on front bumpers dont tie into the frame...its just 3/4" plate uber welded to the front.

 

make sure the tail gate can open man..that looks a tad high..

 

On the one I built for the rear, my tow points went straight through the plate and were actually the pieces that got bolted to the frame, so there wouldn't be any strain or tension on the plate of the bumper. Pull right on the frame.
I'll try to find a pic
edit: I guess all I'm saying is keep the tow points close to the place that attaches to the frame.
I went straight through because it was easier.

 

I think front bumpers are bolted on stronger to the frame than the rear. Also tugging someone out using the rear is a lot harder on it than being tugged on. And its not good to be using your front bumper to tug someone out in reverse.

 

Its just mocked up. Nothing is even close to be bolted yet

What thickness did you use? I was thinking 1/4"

 

For the part that bolts to the frame or the tow points sticking out?
I used 3/4" x 2" flat bar for my tow points, straight through and bolted those to the frame. The only problem with that is you can't re-use the stock blots because you need longer ones.
Once you're through the bumper, I'd switch to something like 2" x 1" x 1/4" C-channel, almost like the stock mounting pieces but a little beefier.

 

sub

 

Whats up dude? Anything happening? Bumper progress?

 

Nothing new.... Ive been really busy these days. Also looking for a place to move has been stressful. Truck is started to show its age. Just hit 392,000 kms last week and i need to start putting money into fixing the front end suspension. LCAs, LBJs, cv boots, bearings... Engine also needs some work.. Haven't wheeled it in almost a year


BTW, do you have your stock LCA's still? Good shape?

 

I hear ya. I'll send you some pics of the LCA's