Custom Rear Bumper

[elotsip]

After looking at all the bumpers out there I have been able to find one that I really like that is affordable to me at this time. So I am thinking of building my own. I've done some fab work in the past but this is a bit more complex than other stuff I've done.

The main things I wanted were rear lower rocker protection and a 2" receiver built into the bumper to improve my departure angle.
So here's what I've come up with. Measurements were taken from my stock Sport bumper. The cut out for the lights can be whatever I just threw them on there for reference. License plate would be on a 2" receiver to make it easy to remove if need be.

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[Free2roam]

Almost looks like this one.
https://redsummitmachineworks.com/p...hitch-and-bumper-combo-maximum-coverage-steel
Looks nice though. You a auto CAD or 3d modeler graphics guy?

 

[elotsip]

That was one of the two that I liked that can't afford. :D
I've done some 3D design just for fun but no training or real experience.

My plan is to just cut the panels out and make a prototype out of cardboard. Once I get it the way I want it I will use those cardboard plates as templates for the steel.

I'm thinking I will use 3/16 flat bar for the majority of it. The bumper, receiver and rocker guards will all be tied into the frame.

 

[elotsip]

Here's all the panels separated and laid out flat. I'll print this out and get measurements for each piece to start cutting out the pieces.

 

[Chance575]

Watch the depth on your hitch receiver if you plan on running a large spare tire under the truck

 

[elotsip]

Thanks, that a good point.

 

[RodRecket]

The JCR vanguard was probably the other bumper you were looking at? I had similar criteria, the rear bumper must have bedside protection and I wanted the hitch relocated for additional clearance. Their bumper is a three piece design with the bedside guards bolting to the bumper and frame. I've beat it up pretty good so far and have been impressed. The first attached pic is after I dropped the rear on a rock. I was able to loosen the bolts and put it back into place. Second is after

FWIW I had to modify the gusset of a 8" drop hitch to make towing possible.

https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTRV.html

 

[elotsip]

Yes, sir. That is the other one I was looking at. If I had the money I would just buy one or the other but I don't right now. I just bought some foam core to start cutting out the pieces.

Are those lights low profile? I really don't like how far out the tail lights stick out. I thought about relocating the brake likes to the bumper but decided against it.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

If you can work with metal go at it, will be exactly what you want. But if you gotta pay someone to do it, likely more than the price of the others most similar. If you can do this yourself, sell it.

 

[elotsip]

I'm doing it myself for sure.

 

[Fcmalie]

Yes, sir. That is the other one I was looking at. If I had the money I would just buy one or the other but I don't right now. I just bought some foam core to start cutting out the pieces.

Are those lights low profile? I really don't like how far out the tail lights stick out. I thought about relocating the brake likes to the bumper but decided against it.

Those are the Oracle low profile lights, I am loving mine on my Mojave. They didn't work properly on my Sport, and no clue why. I'm still hoping to get the Red Summit bumpers front and back, but I'm not sure if he is actually planning on increasing production anytime soon. I need to save up for them anyways, so slow production isn't a bad thing for me?

 

[elotsip]

I finished the foam core prototype. I made a small change to the slant in the center to make it easier to fab. I think over all it looks okay.

Now I need to remove the stock bumper and see how this fits and make any tweaks or changes.

Now I need to buy some steel and a whole lot of 4.5" cut off wheels for my hand grinder.

 

[elotsip]

I finally got the bumper pulled off today to get some better measurements for mounting the bumper.

I also revised the bumper a bit. Instead of having it taller in the middle where the license plate is I think I am just going to keep the the same height all the way across.

I also went down and bought some steel today. I'm going to make most of it out of 1/8th flat bar but I'll have plenty of gussets to reinforce it. In the center where the receiver is I'll use 3/16th.

I'm still not sure what to do about the stock cross member that the stock bumper bolts to.
1. Just leave it as is but cut all the brackets off.
2. Cut it and twist it so it doesn't hang down so low.
3. Remove it and add my own cross member tied into the receiver and bumper.

The new bumper style isn't quite as fancy as the initial one but it won't hang down so low. I think at this point the lowest part will be the cross member or, if I remove it, the spare tire. I may end up moving the spare tire if it's a problem. I'm only running 35"s so I don't think it will be an issue.

 

[RodRecket]

I'm also running 35s and since I don't rotate my spare in went with a kenda klever 35x10.5 to help keep it tucked up

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