I'm working on getting stuff together to build a rear bumper/tire carrier for my YJ and while I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do I have a few questions to kind of finalize my plans. First, I plan on using either 2x4 or 2x5 square tubing for the bumper part but I'm not sure which. What have y'all used and what would be recommended. Also, what wall thickness should I use. Secondly, where can I go to get some D-ring mounts and a 2" reciever to put on the bumper? Thirdly, what are you guys using for a latch, and where can I get one that will work well? Lastly, the other thing I'm not sure about is the actual tire mount itself. None of the pictures I've seen have shown this part very well so I'm really not sure how I'm going to do mine. Any pictures y'all could share would be most helpfull.

I know avalanche engineering makes some sweet d-ring mounts... but they also come with a spendy price tag attached. I've been trying to find somewhere else that sells 'em cheaper, but haven't had any luck so far. If anyone knows someplace, I'd appreciate it if the PMed me with the info.

I used 2x4 x 3/16" for the bumper, 2x2 x 3/16" for the upright (tire mount), & 1/4 inch L-brackets to attach it to the '69 frame. All steel was surplus and cost $37 with a bunch of cut off wheels. They had ready made gussets, hitch tubing, and other small odds-n-ends that one could use for various things. A piece of 1" x 1.5" x 3.5" scrap could work for a D-ring mount, I'd run it though the bumper and weld on both sides. hth

here is mine: http://www.printroom.com/EditAlbum.asp?album_id=78212

the pics were when it was completly done.

what I did for the tire mount part was take a piece of the 2x2x1/4 box tube and mount on the upright. then I took a 3/4" nut and welded it into the end. took a pice of 3/4" allthread on put two nuts on it (one for a jam nut) and a flat piece of 2" steel. also put a handle on the other end of the all thread. put the jam nuts on there then the flat steel on it. leave the flat steel loose. then just twist it into the 3/4" nut that you already welded on. gives you one thing to take off to get the tire off. also give that neet little handle.

to hold the tire up and support the weight of it just put a piece of flat steel on top of the 2x2

I used 2x4 3/16 wall tubing for the bumper the swinging portion and the upright. I would have used 2x5 for the bumper but my rear crossmember was already 2x4. I used shackles instead of d-rings and just found some scrap steal a the surplus joint.

arndog

Latch:
www.mcmaster.com
pn: 5135A25 Under "Machining" -> Clamps.

That is the latch I used. They also have many other styles to choose from. Look under "Hardware" -> Latches and Catches.

Rockstomper has a good hinge set up.

You can get the latch at Grainger.

2x4 .120 wall is fine.

Originally posted by Sully
I know avalanche engineering makes some sweet d-ring mounts... but they also come with a spendy price tag attached. I've been trying to find somewhere else that sells 'em cheaper, but haven't had any luck so far. If anyone knows someplace, I'd appreciate it if the PMed me with the info.

MORE makes em

http://www.mountainoffroad.com/catalog/Bumpers/rockproof.htm

and at $10 a pop.


-josh

Thanks for the help, compadres.

Northern tool sells the drings and hitch. I just ordered them. A 6 inch portion of hitch goes for around $10 and the d-rings are $7.95 a pop.. Good luck.

There are some pics of my bumper at my web site XJ Evolution (http://home.swbell.net/rriojas3/). The bumper is on an XJ but you might be able to get some ideas.
There is also some good information on bumpers, tire carriers, and components at
jeepfabrication.com (http://www.jeepfabrication.com/)

RR3