3/4 ton Suburban rear bumper project.

[klmore]

I'm new to the forum and thought I would post some pictures of my Suburban. I've been lurking for about six months and after looking at 02tahoeMD's rear bumper I decided to do the same thing.

I purchased a Kennesaw Mountain rear bumper and have made some changes to fit the truck a little tighter.

We added some metal to the sides to fit the body lines better, then welded a cross 2x4 square tube to the bottom so the hitch would actually bolt to the bumper like stock.

 

[klmore]

Here is a picture of the cross bar. It should be primed and painted next week and I will post up some final pictures.

After the spare is on the back bumper I plan on removing the factory spare and making an additional fuel tank to go in that space.

 

[Momrocks]

Don't you thing that a 3/4 ton bumper is "a little" heavy for a vehicle like a Suburban?

Agreed, that would seem to raise all kinds of havoc with vehicle handling and payload. As a rule of thumb, I try to keep my bumper target weights to 100lbs or less. I am very sure a 1500 pound bumper is sturdy, but overkill IMHO.

 

[Maximus Ram]

You 2 are funny:wings:
Don't scare'em off just yet...he's only has 2 posts.



Nice looking start to the bumper. Keep the updates coming:victory:

 

[02TahoeMD]

Welcome aboard klmore! Most excellent job in reworking the ends of the KMA bumper. I am very impressed...if you live anywhere near me I would gladly spend a weekend getting that mod done to mine. You do great work. I look forward to seeing how it turns out, and it is great to see another GM fullsize guy here.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Don't you think that a 3/4 ton bumper is "a little" heavy for a vehicle like a Suburban?

My Suburban just gets to riding nice at a little over a 1/2 ton (17 concrete retaining wall blocks at 70lb each) so I would say that 3/4 ton is just about right for that Cadillac ride. :ylsmoke:

 

[klmore]

My front bumper may be closer to the 3/4 ton, or at least it felt like it trying to mount it with a winch installed.

I like this site because people actually set up their vehicles to be used. While I'm not going on an expedition any time soon, I still like to have a properly outfitted truck.

The challenge I'm having with my Suburban is no aftermarket parts fit. The body is a basic Suburban, but the frame is more like a 2500 HD, or Hummer H2. I've enjoyed finding the proper parts and making them fit my truck.

 

[greg mgm]

I like the rear bumper! Reminds me of a Reunel.

 

[klmore]

Update

I thought I would update the bumper thread.

The bumper is painted and installed. I do have a couple of problems with it, but overall it's an great product.

 

[klmore]

Problems

The main problem I have is the swing out section doesn't lock in the open position. I think I'm going to do the gas shock mod that 02TahoeMD did to his bumper and this will solve the problem.

Another issue is the tire hits the truck, which is my fault. When we completed the install I didn't like the spare sticking out so far from the back of the truck. I had them cut the mount and pull it up tight to the rack. It looks great, but I did create this problem as a result. KMA even made me aware of the issue if a 40" tire or larger is installed.

The filler panels we added did make it look more finish out around the rear body area.

Now with the spare out from under the back I can add a larger second tank to increase fuel capacity.

 

[02TahoeMD]

good job!

KLMore, well done!! Your fab skills are excellent, and painting it the body color was a great touch. If KMA built bumpers that looked like that, they would have people beating their doors down. Great job on bringing the bumper up to the level it should be at. :beer:

The gas piston mod is pretty easy to do, although you could get away with just welding on mounting tabs unlike myself...who has zero welding ability. Makes a world of difference and I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

 

[Momrocks]

That is a good lookin rig! Love the body colored bumper paint.

 

[corbin8or]

That is nice looking!!
me likey