Dustboy's front bumper build

[dustboy]

I'm about done with my front bumper. Apologies for the lack of progress pics, I was on a roll and didn't take many.

Objectives for this bumper (some are reasons I didn't just buy an ARB):

-better protection
-better clearance
-better approach angle
-jack points
-recovery points
-relatively light weight
-a fun project!

There's no provision for a winch, for now. If I do decide I need one I'll add 2" receivers to the front and rear of the truck and use a portable winch on a hitch.

Above the rectangular cutouts in front is the 4" x 4" box steel main member. I can slip a hi-lift in there to jack, or just level the vehicle when camping.


Changes I'm considering:

-adding some plate in the triangles where the turn signals are, and maybe between the frame and the end of the fender returns.

-adding skid plates from the bottom of the bumper, extending back to the crossmember and t-case.

-relocating the washer reservoir, as you can see in the pic below, it hangs down a fair bit below the protected area behind the tubular stay. If anybody has done this, or has any ideas, please let me know.

More pics here:http://picasaweb.google.com/dustboy/FrontBumperBuild02?feat=directlink

 

[7wt]

Nice job, I like the way that looks.

 

[Loober]

the advantage that ARB has over yours is how it completely covers everything like the stock bumper. Yours you could see through it and see wires, mounting brackets, etc, I like the ARB b/c even though its aftermarket the truck looks like it came with it...just MO...oh and you can get hi lift jacking brackets that attach to it so you can jack off the bumper, i have it, works well.

 

[AFSOC]

Wow:Wow1:, very nice. Looks great, be very proud.

 

[dustboy]

the advantage that ARB has over yours is how it completely covers everything like the stock bumper. Yours you could see through it and see wires, mounting brackets

Yeah, I get that, and that's the reason I didn't go with a tube-style bumper, there's no coverage for pokey/flying things and they show a lot of guts. I'm not knocking the ARB, it's an excellent bumper.

My problems with the ARB:

-everybody and their brother has one (no really, my brother has one!)
-it sticks out too far
-don't like the look of bullbars
-I can't build it myself!

To your observation Loober, I may plate over the exposed areas. Or, if the stuff behind isn't too vulnerable, I might just spray it all black so it doesn't stand out so much. Again, my biggest concern is the washer reservoir on the right side.

 

[spoof]

I dig your bumper. Very sweet. Got any specs or plans to share? :sombrero:

 

[Cobra_R]

That looks nice, good job! I'd buy one if that were a mass produced bumper!

 

[dustboy]

I dig your bumper. Very sweet. Got any specs or plans to share? :sombrero:

Sure, I could easily make some plans if you're interested.

 

[Loober]

I really wish ARB would make a matching rear bumper, all the other guys either make tubular ones or ridiculously expensive/ugly plated ones

 

[jesusgatos]

-relocating the washer reservoir, as you can see in the pic below, it hangs down a fair bit below the protected area behind the tubular stay. If anybody has done this, or has any ideas, please let me know.

This is an easy fix. I just finished putting my Tacoma back together and all I did was drill a hole in a Nalgene bottle, transferred the squirter pump over into the new windshield-wiper fluid container (the Nalgene bottle) and then clamped the nalgene bottle to my rollcage using two poly shock reservoir mounts and hose-clamps. you'll have to come up with another type of mount, and some other type of container might work better for you, but it's stupid-simple in any case...

Nice job on the bumper, by the way.

 

[spoof]

Sure, I could easily make some plans if you're interested.

Don't want to up your workload, but if it's something that others would benefit from as well or that has more interest that just me....

 

[dustboy]

all I did was drill a hole in a Nalgene bottle, but it's stupid-simple in any case...

Nice job on the bumper, by the way.

I like simple solutions. I'm sure I can find some space under the hood to do a similar job.
Saw your pics...I am humbled. That is one angry IFS truck.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Again, my biggest concern is the washer reservoir on the right side.

Just build yourself a skid plate for it. Problem solved.

:sombrero:

Nice build, BTW.

 

[dustboy]

I finally got around to finishing the bumper last weekend. I added a hoop to protect the rally lights, and plated the open areas in front of the tires.

IMO it looks much better now, you can't see as much guts through it. And the wings that protect the front of the fender are better supported.

Unfortunately I did have to remove the washer reservoir, I will have to mount a bottle elsewhere to replace it.

Did I mention I LOVE WELDING!!

 

[Funrover]

.

Unfortunately I did have to remove the washer reservoir, I will have to mount a bottle elsewhere to replace it.

Great looking bumper. Another idea I have seen is use PVC tubing as your holding tank.. saves space and you can mount your washer tank just about anywhere!