Finally finished my XJ rear bumper

[JSwanson]

Finally finished my Dirt Bound Offroad diy rear bumper. 5 weeks ive worked on this thing every chance i could. I am a newbie welder and did all this with my Handler 140 so hopefully it doesn't fall off or apart
Ordered the mohave diy kit a while ago and then decided i wanted the diy tire carrier also so ordered it up. Fwiw mine came set up for a cut and fold so i had to make new rear supports and a few other pieces. It also came with a bear claw type latch instead of the pop pin style i had seen and assumed it came with so i ordered 2 of those on ebay. I went to the steel yard and picked up 1.5 tube, 1.5x3" tube and a 2'x2' plate of 3/16 for my ladder project. I duplicated some of the swing arm pieces and used a comp4x4 dual shear hinge for the ladder. Enough yapping here are pics. I am not good and taking in progress pics as i work alone and just want to get things going.

 

[JSwanson]

more pics

The back of the jeep is now a little over an 1" lower than the front so new springs are in the future. I am very happy with the results. It doesn't have any rattles, which if you have ever driven an XJ is a huge plus. Still waiting on my roof rack but it is supposed to ship this week. The exterior of the Jeep is almost done... for now they are never really done.

 

[goatherder]

Nice work. Looks like you know what you're doing.

 

[Mr_Miyagisan]

awesome! this is the bumper I'm going to be going with too. I have the front Mojave bumper now. Hope to pick up the rear in a month or so. Good Job!

 

[JSwanson]

Thanks guys!

 

[bdp1978]

Thats a slick bumper man! Looks like pretty good skills for a self proclaimed "Newbie Welder" !!!!

 

[AZ4X4DUDE]

Awesome job, looks great!

 

[JSwanson]

Thats a slick bumper man! Looks like pretty good skills for a self proclaimed "Newbie Welder" !!!!

Awesome job, looks great!

Thanks guys.

 

[Zeep]

Look's well done. I would like something similar for my LJR, san's the ladder rack. Possibly with a aluminum swing-out.
How much do you think it weighs?

 

[Mr_Miyagisan]

Just saw that they discontinued this bumper. Not to happy about that.

 

[JSwanson]

Look's well done. I would like something similar for my LJR, san's the ladder rack. Possibly with a aluminum swing-out.
How much do you think it weighs?

Thanks. Not sure exactly but I would guess 100-120#

 

[JSwanson]

Just saw that they discontinued this bumper. Not to happy about that.

The DIY version is still available.

 

[Mr_Miyagisan]

how was it for your handler 140? I have the same welder, have yet to use it. Feel pretty stout? Kit pretty easy to put together?

 

[JSwanson]

how was it for your handler 140? I have the same welder, have yet to use it. Feel pretty stout? Kit pretty easy to put together?

The welder was fine its all 3/16" well within the capability of the welder. Plenty stout I didn't weld on the d ring tabs as they are just surface mounted and I didn't feel like I could get enough penetration to make them usable. The kit was kind of a pain. It comes with no instructions and takes a bit of trial and error to figure it all out. If you go that route I will be happy to help if you need it. Just let me know. I used my workbench and clamps/adjustable wrenches to bend the parts into shape.
There is a youtube video of the tire carrier but it is kinda fast for my liking and it also pertains to the cut and fold version of the bumper.