Swing Out is Almost Done
Once the arm was welded up, we could weld it to the outer spindle housing. It took at least two hours just to get the arm to have a level look with the bumper.
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212374-5339449828f60756ee001014b110e5b0.jpg)
Early the next day, we started on the upright, stop plates, wheel plate mount, and the gussets. I ended up grinding down the welds on the front and then smoothing it out with a flap disk for a very clean smooth look.
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I wanted the tire slightly tilted because it was higher than the tailgate and I wanted it parallel with the lower metal on the hatch. Getting the right angle for this also took longer than expected.
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212375-2c0265cf90e670dcf27bfb3778e873f8.jpg)
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Then came the stop plate. It is 1/4" angle iron spaced out slightly to follow the shape of the bumper wing. Behind it is a polyurethane stopper that has a recessed place for the nut to hold it on.
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212377-86cd38ead1476b8b1d6ecc607da605f8.jpg)
After using the receiver for a week, I wanted to redo the design and place bolt holes further out for more strength. The bolts right around the receiver in the factory 4 holes made me nervous. Especially when I hauled several bikes.
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The latch hook was welded onto the receiver plate. The swing out also needed a stop pad that would keep the arm from flexing and putting stress on the spindle. So I made another polyurethane spacer with a slightly slanted top that the swing out stop slide into. Then I recessed hole for a self tapping steel screw.
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212378-85a6019c77c24a16d75ecac115baa962.jpg)
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In order to make the hollow aluminum cross step stronger, we went to the local hardware store and bought a 48" strip of 1/8" flat aluminum. Cut that into three pieces and pushed them into the cross member. We also put some gorilla glue tape between the pieces to keep them together and make it a really tight fit.
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212379-6fe5f54ed1bd2b62782b8677d3b44b48.jpg)
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To address the issue of the license plate being covered up, we used some aluminum U channel with nylon spacers behind it to bolt it on. Eventually, I will mount the license plate on the swing out with the cooler, but for now this will do.
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212380-9485d9882a27b1f485864337a61563a9.jpg)
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Using a hopper gun, we shot on a healthy coat of Rustoleum Bed Liner.
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212381-05a71ea6d4c8613051d121afe1978afb.jpg)
Top cap painted to match trim
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212382-b8e4b2b28ad5434732d724c327134515.jpg)
Also painted the receiver with the same bed liner. This is the same stuff the bumper wings, flares, hood vents, and rear cross member are sprayed with.
![image.jpg image.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/212/212383-b0e37e65e32e885b5d947a2dcd8f1718.jpg)