jp0863
1/2 ton status
Who makes a swing away or other tire carrier bumper for Suburban? I tried search feature, but got a ton of build threads and didn't see anything specific to bumpers. Would like to mount the tire and hi lift to the bumper.
CK5
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Rear tire carrier/bumper
- Thread starter jp0863
- Start date
RLC Welding and Fabrication
Louisville, Ky
DIY4X and maybe ORD are others that make a bumper you are requesting.
Louisville, Ky
DIY4X and maybe ORD are others that make a bumper you are requesting.
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jp0863
1/2 ton status
I only saw front bumpers on RLC website, was that something they offer?
You would have to call them and go over plans on what you want. They make what you want per your order. They just don't have all their bumpers listed.
502-403-6832 ask for James.
502-403-6832 ask for James.
gonefishin
1/2 ton status
wow that is an awesome looking bumper!!! does the tire carrier rattle any?
NO rattle. I glued a small piece of rubber to the bumper where the pad sits. About where the latch is.
jc06vmax
Registered Member
Sub'd 
That's probably the slickest bumper I have seen...I've been casually looking for a setup myself. It would be nice to be able to fab your own, but my welding skills at this point are marginal at best...I would like to have something bulletproof, even if it adds a little in cost.
Google brings up TAG bumpers first if you search for K5 bumpers, but I've read horror stories about them...
That's probably the slickest bumper I have seen...I've been casually looking for a setup myself. It would be nice to be able to fab your own, but my welding skills at this point are marginal at best...I would like to have something bulletproof, even if it adds a little in cost.
Google brings up TAG bumpers first if you search for K5 bumpers, but I've read horror stories about them...
89yimmiJ
1/2 ton status
Cross enterprises in Newbury Park, California. I have one on my Jimmy and it is built extremely well.
jp0863
1/2 ton status
Got an photo's 89yimmij?
89yimmiJ
1/2 ton status
It's been on for almost ten years and sitting out in the sun so the powdercoat looks a bit faded. I've been rear-ended lightly once and backed into a tree once and the bumper still opens with a 35" tire with one finger. Not even a dent or ding.
One of the things that I like is that the tire tucks up much closer to the tailgate than most. There is also a cover that goes over the frame horns that provides a place to stand when on the bumper. I just took it off to do some wiring 7-8 years ago and then got married, a house, and some kids so haven't put it back on yet. Just need 5 minutes.
Hopefully, after I finish two other builds that I have going, a Pro-Touring '63 Nova and a Resto-Mod '68 Impala, I plan to do a body off build on this truck. When I do that I will add different license plate lights, a second rear light, and tabs for tie down straps for the jugs.
I researched rear bumper/tire carrier design for almost 2 years before I built my own. I've seen a lot of design flaws out there with other people's latch design and potential rattle issues. Every design I've seen requires multiple latches or combinations of latches and locks to keep the tire gate still (from moving).
Eventually I came up with my own design, and my single (one) latch design keeps the tire gate from moving in any of the four directions. Plus, it's adjustable should you need to tighten or loosen it. It's 100% quiet and the gate is solid (won't wobble at all). Anyhow, please feel free to check out my build. I've had quite a few people approach me both on this site and in person asking me to build them one. It's a great design, and I list all the lengths and dimensions on my build thread. Check it out.
Scroll half way down the page --> http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317811&page=2
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317811&page=3
Eventually I came up with my own design, and my single (one) latch design keeps the tire gate from moving in any of the four directions. Plus, it's adjustable should you need to tighten or loosen it. It's 100% quiet and the gate is solid (won't wobble at all). Anyhow, please feel free to check out my build. I've had quite a few people approach me both on this site and in person asking me to build them one. It's a great design, and I list all the lengths and dimensions on my build thread. Check it out.
Scroll half way down the page --> http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317811&page=2
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317811&page=3
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It's not hard to keep the swinging part tied solidly to the bumper (although it is important and I've seen some designs that don't). The hard part is making the whole bumper rigid enough that a large tire doesn't make it flex. Even if instead of a latch and spindle you welded the tire carrier at both ends, the heavy tire would still bounce the carrier in and out a bit as the truck is driving around. It's just flex in the swing arm and the actual bumper. Putting the spindle at the far end of the bumper is the worst possible design for rigidity, but it's also one of the few ways to let your tailgate actually open. That flexing/bouncing is what eventually cracks the trailer spindle off.
I didn't build this and the guy that did don't anymore. Just a chance to pic whore and another idea for you. Truck is gone, still have the bumper. Plan on cutting it down to use on my 72. I will be back one of these days...
badmix
1/2 ton status
Here is mine, just so ya'll have an idea. I refuse to name who built it, they had the worst customer service ever, sent the project still wet with paint and all the plastic wrap stuck to it and pulled paint off, they forgot parts and it was suppose to be "bolt on" , they failed to tell me I had to cut the rear of the frame off to make it fit. They took 3x the amount of time to complete and was one excuse after another. Cost me time / money at fab shop.
But here are pics so you can see the design.
I added the Green latch, it holds it all tight, they just had a spring loaded pin that would rattle around in the hole, no way to fix that, so I added the latch, now its tight but on occasion, you have to tighten the U clamp.
But here are pics so you can see the design.
I added the Green latch, it holds it all tight, they just had a spring loaded pin that would rattle around in the hole, no way to fix that, so I added the latch, now its tight but on occasion, you have to tighten the U clamp.
jp0863
1/2 ton status
Yeah something like that PWagon... I started doing some thinking the other day, I may just buy some fab tools for what I would spend on a bumper, and make my own. Dang now I have to use that thing again.. what's it called?? Oh math...
Tubing bender suggestions anyone?
Tubing bender suggestions anyone?
