Just wanted to post a quick update on the front bumper... I finally decided to keep things "simple" and just extend my front end to match a Jeep. That may sound complex. But it actually seemed easier to me because it eliminated the need to mod the bumper and winch mounting plate. So now I have an extra 4" of frame behind the new bumper. I'm not done. But I have reached the point of bolting on the bumper, with the new frame extension welded up solid. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />


Here's the new body mount design. Its 1/4" steel tubing. I cut it in half down opposing corners (diagonal) to make two brackets. I'm going to add some gussets to reinforce the back end. But there's a bit more work to do there, which will be discussed once I get some more work done on it.






I used 4"x4" steel tube (1/4" wall) to extend the frame off the bracket. I plan to box the ends so the extensions will be stronger.




The bumper mounts on a 2"x4" cross bar (3/16" wall) that connects the frame rail extensions.






I assembled everything with Grade 8 bolts. Once I had it all bolted up and square, I welded it all up. So this mod is permanent! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> My welds aren't pretty. But they are solid...




So here's a photo of "how far I've gone" with the project. You can see from the side view how the extension gives more room for the winch. I feel safer having gone this route than trying to hang the winch off the end of the bumper. I may have lost some approach-angle. But I think everything will perform better, overall, in the end...





More progress-pics in a week! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />