Looking to build a front bumper with receiver hitch for off-&-on winch and have a few questions.

1. Is it true that I need 1/4" plate for the frame mounts and all tie in pieces for the receiver hitch?
2. How thick do I want my Clevis ring mount tabs?
3. is 3/16" appropriate for all other pieces? I'm looking for a stout bumper that can take some deer impact, but isn't so tough that all the damage goes to my unibody.

Thanks. More questions to come as I further my build plans.
s

 

i used 1/4" plate for the mounts. 3/16" tube for the "structure" and 1/8" plate for everything else.

 

I think 3/8" is complete overkill. That thing will weigh a ton. If you use 3/16" thick steel, it will be able to take plenty of abuse and do the job just fine. As long as you use 1/4" for the mounts and tie it in, it should hold together fine and take a hit.

 

OOPS? I meant 3/16. Too much crack and LSD. I'll edit. Thanks for catching that. What size for the D-ring tabs?

s

 

I'd watch out with those drugs some day they will catch up to you.

anyhoo I am looking at making a bumper this weekend, want to know this information, I want to be able to hit cows and horses without damaging my jeep, how strong of a bumper will be best??

 

Did you take me seriously about the drug comment?

The problem with bumper building as I undestand it is that they are easier to replace than your unibody so you actually want to build a bumper strong enough to pull you out and winch and all that jazz, but you don't want it so stout that impact energy goes to the unibody. A lot of folk use the 1/4" for the mounting and frame brackets, but 3/16" elsewhere. That being said, have fun with it. The cool think is that everyone has a different idea so homebrew bumpers are unique.

s

 

For those, a lot of people use 3/4" to assure they don't bend. JCR sells weld on D-ring tabs if you don't want to cut them out or buy extra material http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=DPL .