Bed Chop / DIY Bumper

[Mojave40]

So I finally got around to doing a modification that was risky but I love the result. I decided to cut the lower sheet metal off the rear sides of the Gladiator in order to gain more clearance and create a nice clean line off the rear fender. This modifcation gained me 4" of clearance on the sides and after the new bumper I gained 5.5" of clearance to the bottom of the hitch.

Next it was time to mock up a new high clearance bumper that still had a heavy duty hitch. I bought 3x4" steel tube (3/16th thick), 1/4" plate steel to much up the mounting brackets, and ordered heavy duty shackles and tow hitch.

Progress Pictures below:

So the final pictures are of painting (rustoleum textured black spray paint) and final install. The factory trailer wiring was mounted just behind the bumper and should be protected from damage.

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[Zero_Accel]

Very nice! You thinking of making matching rock sliders/guards for the rocker panels? You could line them up with the rear angled corners of your bumper for a clean look.

 

[mdyucca]

So I finally got around to doing a modification that was risky but I love the result. I decided to cut the lower sheet metal off the rear sides of the Gladiator in order to gain more clearance and create a nice clean line off the rear fender. This modifcation gained me 4" of clearance on the sides and after the new bumper I gained 5.5" of clearance to the bottom of the hitch.

Next it was time to mock up a new high clearance bumper that still had a heavy duty hitch. I bought 3x4" steel tube (3/16th thick), 1/4" plate steel to much up the mounting brackets, and ordered heavy duty shackles and tow hitch.

Progress Pictures below:

So the final pictures are of painting (rustoleum textured black spray paint) and final install. The factory trailer wiring was mounted just behind the bumper and should be protected from damage.

Nice work! Looks great.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

Bumper looks good- any plans for mini sliders behind the tires?

 

[KoBear]

Risky but worth it!! Looks awesome!

 

[zuki_dan]

I have been thinking about something similar on mine. I am almost thinking about making a tube pre runner style so it would wrap around the corners to the fender flare also with built in heavy duty hitch recessed into the bumper.

Is that the evo plate mount you are using?

 

[dcmdon]

the guy with the name referenced on YouTube (site prevented me from naming him) did something similar. I don't remember the details. But he raised the rear of the truck behind the rear wheel.

https://www.youtube.com/c/[Banned Site]/search?query=gladiator

Why is the tube of you banned?? Either way, here is the username.

 

[Mojave40]

That video is where I got the idea to do this project. Thank you for sharing!

 

[Mojave40]

I have been thinking about something similar on mine. I am almost thinking about making a tube pre runner style so it would wrap around the corners to the fender flare also with built in heavy duty hitch recessed into the bumper.

Is that the evo plate mount you are using?

I wanted to do a tube that wraped around to the rear fender but we didn't have a tube bender and I was in a bit of a hurry. I'll attch a picture of a guy who did something similar to what you mentioned. The license plate bracket is from EVO.

 

[Mojave40]

Bumper looks good- any plans for mini sliders behind the tires?

Thanks for the reply. Currently I have no plans for some sliders in that area but I like the idea. I'm hoping since its now 4" higher than before and the frame actually hangs lower than the sheet metal that I might be ok.

 

[Mojave40]

Very nice! You thinking of making matching rock sliders/guards for the rocker panels? You could line them up with the rear angled corners of your bumper for a clean look.

Thanks for the reply. Currently no plans for the rear bed side panels although I like the idea.

 

[zuki_dan]

I wanted to do a tube that wraped around to the rear fender but we didn't have a tube bender and I was in a bit of a hurry. I'll attch a picture of a guy who did something similar to what you mentioned. The license plate bracket is from EVO.

Thanks for the pic I saved it as reference.

That is almost exactly what I was thinking with a 2" receiver in the middle though. Was thinking 2x4 or 2x6 between the frame rails and tube out around to the flare.

 

[mog]

Saw this Mojave at King of the Hammers, Chopped the same amount on the bed, with a high-mounted custom bumper, He makes the bumpers and a kit to raise the factory Rubicon/Mojave fenders so you can run 37s with no lift. And the license plate relocation kit.

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