Before I send my XJ over to the body shop to get painted, I want to finish up all the exterior stuff I've been wanting to do... One of them being the front bumper.

I like the look of the prerunner style bumper, but they're all around $300 which is a little on the expensive side IMO.

I'm thinking about just building a bumper since I figure it would be a little cheaper to do it myself.

I have a few questions for you guys though.

1: Where can I find the steel to build a bumper?
2: How much should the steel and hardware cost me?
3: What should I do to make the bumper as strong as possible? (i.e. reinforcements)
4: any advice?


Thanks in advance!

 

I used 2x6x1/4 tubing for mine cut the ends on an angle and put a cap over the ends to keep stuff out of it. Then I put a 2" receiver in the middle welding to both front and back of the tube for strength and used 1/4" plate to make the mounting brackets just bolted to the stock 3 bolts. As for the pre runner part I would use 1&1/2 pipe with120 wall that should be plenty strong for what you are going for. The steel you can get from places like ALRO or Art Iron. That's the name of 2 well known local steel suppliers for someone close to where you are just google "steel supplier " with your zip code. Hope this helps and good luck.

PS. I think they are getting around $.70 per pound right now for new mill steel

 

Just find somewhere that recycles steel. No need to put new mill on there

 

So would I be able to build something like this? I want a bumper that I'll be able to hit stuff on the trails with and not worry about damaging anything.

 

Thanks! Now I just have to find someone who will let me use their welder, since I don't currently have one. I've been welding for a few years but still haven't gotten around to buying one.

 

I'm going to the scrap yard soon so I can get rid of a stainless steel grille, my old radiator, my old A/C condenser, and a few other things. Do you think they'll have something there that's suitable for a bumper build? haha

 

That bumper is bamf man

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Yeah it looks awesome but its way expensive lol.

 

Word!!!

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i dont know, would you?

the most important part of a good bumper is the mounts. you need to at LEAST tie into the factory tow hook mounts, while many will tie into the steering box bolts as well. i built my front bumper for about $150 total.

my custom mounts

 

Looks great, you have some awesome fab skills! I plan on mounting it back pretty far on the unibody and possibly doing some cross bracing where the mounts are.

 

here is a cad drawing of the mounts you want to use:

http://www.cherokeetech.com/VBull/sh...nt-Cad-Drawing

and i used 3x6 and just built a bumper to my liking. and 3/8" thick I never worry about it.

btw an 80" piece of scrap was $37.xx

 

Check his out for a rear bumper!!! http://WWW.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...ear_Bumper.htm

 

I've got about $100 in materials for my bumper including tie in brackets I got odd ebay. 6' 2x6x3/16" box and various angle and bar stock for reinforcment. Should be starting on it sometime this week

 

built this for about $140. all made out of 3/16 flat bar. build thread can be seen here......

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/an...-bumper-90895/

sorry about all the dead bugs......this was right after a 300 mile drive.





one thing to think about........remember you have a license plate to put on!!!!! if your state requires one, dont forget to incorperate it into the bumper. my does, and i didnt even think about it. now i have to build a removable rec. license plate holder. doh!!!!