I love big kid puzzles!

[the dude]

I am in the process of adding a rear swing out tire carrier and fuel swing out as well. Right now I am collecting parts to build my own. Rock Logic spindles, destaco clamps ect.

I am very interested to see what your reviews are with the XML tire hanging on the back. I have gone from the XMLs to 38" toyos but was planning on using the Michelin for a spare.

Keep us informed.

Thanks

 

[CodyLX450]

I'm sure I'll have to beef up the tire carrier a bit with some thicker gussets. I'll see how its going to work with the supplied setup and modify it as needed from there after a test fit.

 

[FourByLand]

Nice bumper!

But I get the feeling that with any off roading say bumpy or graded road for any amount of time is going to cause alot of stress.

I know this is being discussed I just wanted to voice my concern.

 

[GeoRoss]

That's what i was wondering too. The 39" military tire is heavy as heck and it's going to wanna wiggle i bet.

A 285/75r16 wiggles, your tires are going to shake.


You will want to put some gussets on all surfaces that are flat welded.

 

[4Rescue]

That is an awsome looking puzzle you've got there... And certainly a bold project to take on as a first welding project. Good luck mate and looking forward to seeing how it comes out.

Cheers

Dave

 

[CodyLX450]

This is actually a very stout bumper once setup.

I have a few guys from the Copper State Cruisers off IH8MUD who have these on their 80s and they said they've dropped down and bashed the bumpers on rock ledges with no effect to the bumper.

The spindles are solid units and the latch holds everything together tight. Once latched up everything is like a solid unit so there is no wiggling or rattling off the swingarms on tough trails, let alone bumpy roads.

If I find something that does make a noise or fit different than I'd like...I'll just keep adding gussets until it fixes the problem, or my rear springs give out.

 

[ginericLC]

This is actually a very stout bumper once setup.

I have a few guys from the Copper State Cruisers off IH8MUD who have these on their 80s and they said they've dropped down and bashed the bumpers on rock ledges with no effect to the bumper.

The spindles are solid units and the latch holds everything together tight. Once latched up everything is like a solid unit so there is no wiggling or rattling off the swingarms on tough trails, let alone bumpy roads.

If I find something that does make a noise or fit different than I'd like...I'll just keep adding gussets until it fixes the problem, or my rear springs give out.

I'm not doubting Luke's design at all, in fact he builds my favorite bumpers, but it wasn't designed for a 39.5" tire. That is a lot of weight. A 100 + lb tire reacts much differently than a 70lb tire when sprung. And basically your steel swingout it acting like a big spring. I just watched it happen on a friend's Jeep when he went from 35s-37s. It was stout and sturdy with 35s and now it is like a wet noodle. His frame is actually flexing on the end. At least you shouldn't have that problem.

 

[t0mills]

Definitely going to take some gusseting to make it solid with that big 'ol tire on there, but it will look GREAT!

If this is your first welding project, just remember to tack everything together first, then check the fit, then begin welding more, and recheck the fit often. Remember that even when welding 1/4" steel, it will still want to warp if you're not careful. As long as you remember that, I think it will turn out great. Just remember to post up pics when you're done!


-Tim

 

[GeoRoss]

FYI Cody,

My 33" spare wiggles and vibrates a bit. With your big tires, I suspect it will wiggle much more.

Be sure that the tire carrier doodad is not too close to the rear hatch once it is bolted to the swing arm.

You should gusset it more.

 

[MaddBaggins]

I'd like to add my 3 cents.

Make sure you practice quite a bit on some scrap before you just weld together this bumper. You need to make sure you know how to get the proper heat and wire speed, know how to get proper penetration and a good bead before you put this bumper together and drive down the road.
That spare of yours is heavy and if your welds are sub-par that carrier could easily break off and I would hate to be the poor soul behind you when that thing comes crashing down. It could injure or kill someone.
When I built mine I added extra gussets all over the tire carrier even though Luke assured me it was sufficient. My 315's wiggle quite a bit.

Just some food for thought.

 

[brittan]

I have the same bumper...purchased with Baggins...

It is stout. I have already landed on it a few time and it's solid.

I like the modularity of the unit. I purchased extra saddle's for "other" items I might want to mount in the future. I've already put together a Hi-Lift holder and have a few more ideas.

I share the concern regarding the tire. I welded the tire mount, the instruction suggest a bolted method, just to be on the safe side. If you don't have a welder I suggest getting someone in the group who has one to assist. You should be able to find someone in Prescott to help...

Good luck...

 

[CodyLX450]

Yeah I have a few local people willing to help. I don't think I'll be using the included gussets with the kit but replacing them with sturdier and larger pieces instead.

I'd rather have a bit of overkill gusseting than not enough and have to deal with bending or breakage at any weak points.

I'll definately be warming back up with some scrap steel before I touch any part of the kit.

I taught myself to weld with a entry level Lincoln MIG a few years back with my MGB. It took quite a long time to get anything done since it was such a light duty setup - but overtime I saw my welds get better and better.

I'm sure I'll have a much more enjoyable time with some high end 220 equipment compared to the MGB days...

 

[the dude]

How is this coming along?

 

[CodyLX450]

I have the main shell just about done....

tacked in the towing receiver and crossbar, but found out that the slots for the recovery points are a bit off and will have to be "moved" about 1/4" inwards so I'll be picking up a die grinder tomorrow to add to my garage tools.

I also have to enlarge the spindle holes in the shell since they're too small for the spindles to fit into.

I was expecting some cutting and grinding here and there, but not chopping as much off to fit stuff as I've had to so far.

Ehh.....I guess it beats having parts that are too small or too short to connect.

 

[GeoRoss]

Good luck Cody.

Alvin and I had to do similar grinding. I guess we had the 'glass is half full' take on it though. We were actually amazed at how well everything fit together and considered it all just minor fitment issues. I am still amazed at how smart people are who can come up with this sort of 'kit'.

Have fun and good luck again.

I have the main shell just about done....

tacked in the towing receiver and crossbar, but found out that the slots for the recovery points are a bit off and will have to be "moved" about 1/4" inwards so I'll be picking up a die grinder tomorrow to add to my garage tools.

I also have to enlarge the spindle holes in the shell since they're too small for the spindles to fit into.

I was expecting some cutting and grinding here and there, but not chopping as much off to fit stuff as I've had to so far.

Ehh.....I guess it beats having parts that are too small or too short to connect.