Im looking to start my bumper. im just wondering what you guys are doing to attach it to the uni-body. im not like most people and just go out on the trail and when i get stuck just need a little tug. i go out in thick tire absorbing mud. so when i get stuck i normally need to be snatched out,hard. im worried about ripping the bumper off/ripping holes in the frame.
so i guess my question is how far back on the uni-body do you go with the mount; do you put the plate(s) on 1,2, or 3 sides of the uni-body and how many bolts do you recommend attaching it.ohh and thickness of the mounting plates. hopefully ive provided enough info for someone to help me.

 

http://www.twisted-halo.com/digicam/...er%20mount.pdf

 

Search for "unibody tie in brackets". It should tie in with atleast 10 bolts, and capture the sleeved hole on each side, and the steering box holes. If you want more tie ins, then add a peice that utilizes the swaybar bolt holes too.

A minimum of 1/4" steel should be used.

 

I'm using 3/8" plate for my brackets

 

x2.

 

Nates 4x4 makes a set of bumper brackets you can buy to make your own bumper for $30

http://nates4x4.com/catalog/product_...products_id=76

 

thanks for the info guys. i get metal cheap so 30 bux for some prefabbed ones wont work for me.

 

Just be sure to model yours off of the pre-made ones.

 

they are going to be a little more than the prefabbed. i might just go ahead and box in the uni-body while im at it. probably not though

 

Alright, gimme your thoughts.

I built this the day before this thread opened and it appears you would all find it too weak. If I were to attempt to improve on what I've got, could I add a 1/4" plate (with the 7 mounting locations per side as depicted in the PDF on this thread) to the current mount? Maybe rosette weld the two 1/4" pieces together and weld the new mount to the bumper as well?

Currently I have 4 bolts mounting on each side like my tow hooks were.

s

 

Sorry I can't post picks. But basically go back as far as you can! I used 3/8ths to do that you should get longer bolts for the gear box. Its an odd bolt I found them at a jon dear parts store. I went back to the last sway bar bolt. I only went on one side of the frame then used agle iron to get the SB bolts and but welded it to the 3/8ths plate. I sleaved all the holes between. I used 19 grade 8 bolts only case the bumper is connected to my exo cage. I saw 25 possible bolt locations. I have NO problems even when pulling out a f350 duilly running 43s with a barried front axle. That took 15 ft of slack in a 20 foot chain in 4 low. Not recommended but I got the job dune without damage and one good laugh.

P.S. When will full size trucks learn to stay on the pavement were they belong
And out of peat moss swamps!

 

So how would you suggest I improve upon what I've got looking at the photo

Thanks,
s

 

here is what i did. the more attachment points the better.

 

cool. thanks for the pics. im actually going to try to go the full height of the frame and back probably about 8-10 inches or so. i need to get crackin.

 

me and my dad built my bumper and it only ties in with 4 bolts on each side. well bout tow weeks ago i dropped off a waterfall in about 6 feet of water, story short it took a rubi and a samurai full on crawler to get me out. considering how hard i was yanked around my bumper and mounts are completely fine, that including pullin myself up the waterfall wit the smittybuilt xrc 8 which worked amazing!