Tire Clearance to bumper - adding dune flag bracket

[GladLad]

Saw a homemade dune flag bracket for sale on FB, and went to Home Depot to build one, because I could tell from the pics they were SuperMag brackets.

(I still need to get new bolts to attach to the frame as they're too short with the added thickness. Not enough threads bite.)

Once I had it setup I realized it may be too close to the tires. Ok when flat, but I'm not sure about flexed and sway bar disconnected. 33" stock Mojave tires. At some point I may upsizee to 35-37 and an AEV 2" lift.

How much space is needed to account for flex and disco? Seller never ended up using it offroad to know for sure.

With the 4-hole bracket added, it gets close. About 2" away at the level point, no flex.

If I cut it off to make a 3-hole bracket, it'd be about 3+" level. Maybe 1.5" plumb.

If I just use the 2-hole L bracket, it's about 4.75" level.

Or about 3.5" with a plumb line for the most forward part of the tire. Again, flat, no flex, etc.

The flag just clears the gap plate with just the 2-hole L bracket.

But when it whips around it will inevitably rub the plate into the grill paint.

So I'm still considering my options, depending on how much space is needed with disco'd flex. Either cut it down to 3 hole bracket. Or use just the 2-hole L and protect the paint in other ways. Or cut into the gap plate. Leaning toward the latter two options, as long as that's still enough flex room?

Or find a welder and do something like this... https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...y-admin-warning-no-politics.23705/post-587554

And yes, I need it to be a front mount, and do already have a standard mount that attaches to the tow hook. I just liked this bracket idea as an easy way to have it permanently attached so I could make flag mounting faster.

Future tires, lifts and bumper changes are all possible too.

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[Gvsukids]

But when it whips around it will inevitably rub the plate into the grill paint.

You could pop out the plastic tabs and remove that plastic gap filler.

How much space is needed to account for flex and disco? Seller never ended up using it offroad to know for sure.

Your tires will move up and down when flexing, one way to test it is to disconnect and then drive onto a ramp.

 

[NewGladdyOWNR]

My flag bracket attaches to my front tow hook. I think it was $50 at one of the shops near Silver Lake.

 

[GladLad]

You could pop out the plastic tabs and remove that plastic gap filler.

Yep, that's another option. I thought I'd like to keep it on generally, but never seen it off to know how much I'd care.

Your tires will move up and down when flexing, one way to test it is to disconnect and then drive onto a ramp.

Need to find a ramp. If it doesn't touch then, is it still possible in offroad situations? Because a ramp is just under weight vs a forceful bounce. Oh, and I guess I'd need to a wide enough ramp to be able to turn the tire toward the bracket too.

I'd hope the 2-hole L is short enough. But just thought of another option if I'd be adjusting the gap plate anyway; I could maybe cut it down it a 1-hole. Will have to check clearance.

 

[GladLad]

My flag bracket attaches to my front tow hook. I think it was $50 at one of the shops near Silver Lake.

The twisted one? That's the one I currently use. Just wanted to try some quicker options.

 

[NewGladdyOWNR]

The twisted one? That's the one I currently use. Just wanted to try some quicker options.

Yup that one. They make quick release flags, but you'd just leave the bracket on full time, unless that's what you're trying to avoid.

 

[GladLad]

Yup that one. They make quick release flags, but you'd just leave the bracket on full time, unless that's what you're trying to avoid.

Yep, that's what I was looking to avoid.

Honestly, if I had known ahead of time that it was going to be so close to the tire I wouldn't have bothered and been fine with the tow hook bracket.

But I saw it for sale, assumed it was a viable solution, and liked the idea. Then saw the error in it, and somehow got stuck in make-it-work project mode. Even though it's already past the point of saving me time.

 

[GWolgamott]

Why not use bolt near the fog wiring(edit: My wiring is moved to accommodate my bumper fog location btw so not in picture)? I can't see it in ur Pic but maybe it's under something? I've a bracket connected there. Using after market bumper though plenty of clearance there for me.

 

[GladLad]

Why not use bolt near the fog wiring(edit: My wiring is moved to accommodate my bumper fog location btw so not in picture)? I can't see it in ur Pic but maybe it's under something? I've a bracket connected there. Using after market bumper though plenty of clearance there for me.

Reason I didn't use it is because I just copied an existing build in parts and location (assuming it was viable). But I'll have to look tomorrow.

Yours is more simple though. Where did you get that bracket? And is there anything holding it from spinning other than a tight wrenching?

 

[GWolgamott]

It's in a threaded hole so I just put it on with an impact, it isn't going anywhere. Pretty solid, part of the oem bumper setup don't remember what that bolt used to hold. Bracket was something handmade got off an etsy store. 1/8" stock and angled right to fit. Impressed with it and was only $25. Well I ended up buying two for $35 so I could have option which side I wanted it on. One shown here is the spare one. Although with an oem bumper may need to remove the splash guard. Not sure if the furthest hole is beyond the edge. But honestly I'd have just drilled a hole if and left my splash guard on.

 

[GladLad]

It's in a threaded hole so I just put it on with an impact, it isn't going anywhere. Pretty solid, part of the oem bumper setup don't remember what that bolt used to hold. Bracket was something handmade got off an etsy store. 1/8" stock and angled right to fit. Impressed with it and was only $25. Well I ended up buying two for $35 so I could have option which side I wanted it on. One shown here is the spare one. Although with an oem bumper may need to remove the splash guard. Not sure if the furthest hole is beyond the edge. But honestly I'd have just drilled a hole if and left my splash guard on.

Thanks for the link! I'm pretty sure it will pass the splash-guard/gap-plate considering the 2-hole L bracket just about does.

It's higher and closer to the bumper, so I imagine good clearance. Do you happen to disconnect and flex pretty hard offroad? What size tire?

 

[GWolgamott]

I just but that bracket on actually. But it's close to my bumper. I doubt it'd hit the bracket unless I had larger tires. Running 285 70 17 so just shy of 33". Disconnect a couple times but rarely do it unless know going in area where want the extra flex. My bumper is high clearance though and that bracket sits almost flush so just a bit more out then the bumper.

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