Desert Rat

I'm in the process of designing some new bumpers (front and rear). I'd like the front to be set up for a winch, the rear to eventually have a tire carrier. My question is this: How did everyone come up with the specs for such a build? Did you just tear off the existing bumpers and build off that? I'm a little old school and I prefer to have a plan in hand before starting a build, I'm not a fan of winging it. My biggest concern is how they mount to the uni-body, I already have a good idea as far as how they'll look, I just need to work out the details as far as how they'll mount. So if anyone has any info as far as bolt up, frame width, ways of tying into the uni as well as do's and don'ts of DIY bumpers I'd love to get some input. Any drawings or pictures of your designs would be cool too. Thanks in advance.

alwaysxj

i would search company's and see how they mount them. the front is easy same as the stock just make it go back farther on the frame rail and mount with the steering box bolts and you will be fine. the rear you want to tie it in to a couple of spots so if you have a tow hitch tie it into that as well. i would do some searches.

alwaysxj

here is a pic of how to mount the rear.

alwaysxj

here is a write up on how to install the ajs front bumper this showes you how the mounts need to look. http://www.ajsoffroadarmor.net/INST_...nt_Bumper.html

jonb8

Very nice bumper, Here's the way I mount mine.

Desert Rat

Oh trust me I been searching my *** off, I'm just not finding a lot of detailed info on mounting points. I appreciate your input.

Desert Rat

Is that the bracket from Iron scorpion or a homebuild?

4.3L XJ

To attach the bumper to the frame, you need to go all the way back to the hole in the frame with a tube in it pictured above. However, you should include all the places you can bolt to. To make this plate, remove all the bolts including the steering box bolts and take a piece of cardboard and tap it with the ball end of a small ball peen hammer on all the bolt holes and the hammer will eventually cut all the holes out. Lay this on your plate and mark it and cut it. After that, bolt the plates to the frame and then begin constructing your bumper to fit the plates. That is just about how everyone does it, even in a production shop that has the jigs set up for this.

jonb8

There homemade, the only reason I don't incorporate the steering box bolts in my brackets is, If the passenger side is strong enough with only 4 bolts then the driver side should be too.

89eliminator

maybe, but the area around the steering box is prone to cracking when mixed with bigger than stock tires. if your doing all that work, you should have incorporated the box too.

tactical40cal

dude this is a sweet bumper!!!

alwaysxj

yes it is and you can get one from aj's. i did not make it they did i just put the pic on because it showed the rear mounts.

tactical40cal

how much $ was it if you don't mind me asking?

Desert Rat

That rear bumper doesn't seem like it has enough mounting points as far as towing and recovery are concerned. The factory hitch ties in to the unibody on the sides, It's a nice looking bumper but I'm not sold on the mounting system. I'm looking to build something that when you attach a winch cable or ****** strap to it when alls said and done the bumpers still attached. I also down the road plan on building a trailer for extended trips and I'm thinking it would be better to tie back into the uni-body more.

Desert Rat

Sorry I added the wrong picture, this was the bumper I was referring too.