I started working on a winch bumper this weekend. I wasn't interesting in the big plate style bumpers. I wanted a prerunner / tube style. The stock bumper came off easy enough, 6 bolts and some clips holding on some shrouds. My old winch plate from the jeep fit perfectly on top of the frame horns. I sat the winch in place, and notice a small interference with the grill. I bought another grill, and with a little trimming cleared the winch. I took some plate and added a little strength to the end of the frame rails. I am not sure if it's necessary, but I like a little safety factor. After much head scratching, I started cutting, bending and welding. I have some more to do, but I ran into a little more head scratching on final tube placement. Enough of my rambling, check out the pics.
1500HD winch bumper build
- Thread starter johnlogan
- Start date
bftank
Explorer
i like it, it'll make your truck more versatile. you will notice a decrease in mileage as the air will go under the truck now instead of around it. if that concerns you, you could fix it by welding some tabs to bolta custom valance to make the air go around your truck again. unbolt for offroad, bolt on for street trips. random thought
Sweet Dodge! I worked a little more last night on the bumper. I am pretty much done, but the paint was drying so no installed pictures yet. I am not concerned about any gas mileage impacts....it's a 6.0L crew cab. Gas mileage was not too high on my priority list! I do still want to add a skid plate going from the front of the winch plate down to the diff skid. That stupid plastic factory skid just isn't going to cut it. I also need to figure out a mount for my fog lights.
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
Looks like Thuren's old truck.Looks pretty good. Nice job. Looks like something my buddy did too.
angusdevil
Adventurer
That it is. I miss that truck :'(
I did a little more work on the bumper last night that I believe addresses the "large gap between the bumper and the headlights" comment. I am not too worried about the tow hooks affecting approach angle. I have a lot better approach than factory, but with the wheelbase being stupid long I won't be attacking too many rock gardens :sombrero: I'll post updated pictures soon.
