rear bumper build Qs

[point45]

im starting to mock up my rear bumper, its gonna be a plate, with a swing out for a 33" and possibly a jerry can.

1. i assume that the bent hook rods attached to the tailgate are for extra support, does anyone incorporate those in, or just cut them off?

2. i also have not seen a lot of reciever hitches inside of the bumper, mostly on the bottom, im assuming this is because its a PIA to get between the bumper and the gas tank, or that it is easier to just attach it to the bottom.

3. i think for a latching mechanism it looks like i cant go wrong with the Poly perfomance http://polyperformance.com/shop/Synergy-Universal-Swing-Out-Latch-Assembly-p-19993.html.

4. probably the most important is the hinge. I think ive got it down to 3.
i havent seen anything on it this one, but i like the concept:
http://www.4xinnovations.com/Swing-Out-Tire-Carrier-Hinge-Assembly_p_109.html

And i cant decide on either of these 2:
http://www.comp4x4.com/Tire-Carrier-Hinge-Kit-HEAVY-DUTY-1-3-4-Spindle.html

or the mega spindle
http://www.atozfabrication.com/store/product.php?productid=16138

5. Lastly, is there a reason most the the spare tire mounts are on the Passenger side? i would think the drivers side would be more beneficial because its already your blind spot.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[85 Jimmy]

I can maybe answer a couple if your questions.

For the hooked support rods, I just reused the torx bolt that is originally there so I could still have the extra support. These tailgates are a lot heavier than a truck tailgate, so I figured I'd keep it so it helps out on lifting the tailgate.

In my bumper the receiver hitch is in the bumper, but I'm running 6" of lift and 37" tires, so I'd have to get a ridiculously long drop hitch to actually use it. About the only reason I could see people running a standard hitch or one that hangs below the bumper is to avoid a drop hitch.

For latches and hinges my bumper uses some poly bushings, but it's a swing down tire carrier. I can't imagine it's be very fun to lift up a tire and when that weighs 100+ pounds high enough to get it on the mount, and then line it up with the studs. I know that people do it, but it's not something I'd want to deal with.

I have an old blazenoffroad bumper, here's a picture of what it mostly looks like, this isn't my truck or bumper though. I can take a picture of it this weekend if you want.

 

[brans87]

I wouldn't mind seeing pics of your bumper and sharing ideas with us here. The bumper you posted a pic out of is very clean and nice sturdy bumper. Swing away is nice cause we can still use load etc back of truck but open to your thoughts.

 

[919jackass]

i don't know anything about the tire carrier but you deff need the tailgate hinge hooks. with out it you wouldn't want to close it. mine broke a while back and wow what a difference. i didn't put my hitch in mine i used 1/4 plate 6 inch flat bar and a peice of square tubing also 1/4 inch thick. i hope it's solid enough

 

[919jackass]

yes it is a bottle opener every one needs one on a custom bumper. build it like YOU want it.

 

[919jackass]

My Redneck Cadillac

 

[toomany]

I don't have the helper springs hooked up on my tailgate. While heavy...it's not that bad. I have more problems dropping it than putting it up.

 

[point45]

Thanks for the replies. i decided to go with the 4X hinge and their Latching system. i started my mockup with cardboard tonight. I have a pretty good feeling, enough to order material.

Im going to recess the hinge and the latch catch into the bumper, but i need them here before i can figure that out..


thank thanks for the info on the hooks, i see we like similar style shackle mounts

 

[85 Jimmy]

Here are the pictures of my rear bumper.

I got luck and found a front bumper that matched the rear. Both are old blazenoffroad bumpers.

 

[point45]

i have it tacked together, taking it to work to weld it out and get the shackle points mounted. Then its on to figuring out the spare tire swing arm. i think the hinge will be low enough not to cover the break lights, so hopefully i wont have to cut in new lights.

 

[rebelgregory]

Looks great. I dig the angle on it. I think it will look even better with the swing-out. I think it will show that the slope is on purpose. Someone who didn't know you fabbed it might think you just got rear-ended.

 

[63chevyll]

Sweet bumpers. And good links.
Also think the tire on the drivers side is a good idea.

The only thing im.going to.incorporate into my rear bumper is a way to use a small winch to pull the spare tire carrier, and tailgate step all up so my wife can do with without any problems

 

[K85 Octane]

Yep, I've seen the little "Harbor Freight winch mounted to the roll cage above the wheel" trick. Only problem is dealing with the hardtop or soft top in the way.


Hey Point, what's up with those shiny corner moldings? Are they just missing the rubber or what. Caught my eye

I went swing down as well, without making this thread about bumpers, it's in the build thread if interested. The receiver is part of the bumper also. I ended up using a 16" drop.

 

[point45]

Thanks rebel, I'm kinda drawn to thing being put on edge or just making it slightly different. With the license plate being recessed it kept the hitch as a a step so I could **** off with it a bit.

 

[point45]

Oh I stripped the moldings off the sides because they were half off to begin with, then when I went to take the corners off I found it would leave holes I didn't feel like filling.

Oh and its not going to be a swing down, it will go off the side.

 

[919jackass]

That looks good. And solid. Although we still need pictures of the finished product.

 

[point45]

So i have it all welded up and ground out and mounted the hinge. Making some progress.

 

[rebelgregory]

 

[919jackass]

Looks good point

 

[point45]

Some progress, i slightly lost interest when i cross threaded the nut that hinge bolts to, since I fully inclosed it. But, now it has been cut out and mounted.

I dont know how happy i am with the hinge, i seems like it deflects a lot, im probably going to need to gusset the outside some how. i am going to wait until all the wieght is on it before i to that though.