expedition type body armor - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

jtlb150 · 02-01-2009, 03:19 AM

ive got a 77ford f-150 shortbed that i plan to use to get to remote camping spots and to run some fire roads and i want to get or build some body armor.
does any one know of a brand that makes winch bumpers for this style, i dont want a really heavy one though. i also want some rocker rails but i think i would have to build those, any one got some ideas for this? here is pics of my rig.

kodiak1232003 · 02-01-2009, 09:53 AM

I really like the body style of those years. I would think that warn makes something thats a good balance of light and tough, something like a work truck bumper/winch mount. To that I would add tube steel uprights to protect your lighting/cooling systems.

Here's the main page on Jeff's Bronco Graveyard
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/c-...ch_bumpers.htm

Here's a few choices from those pages. They seem pricey, but I'll bet you'll only have
to buy one once. pretty beefy looking.
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-...r__stage_1.htm
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-...nch_bumper.htm

rock rails = do it yourself

Interior roll cage for protection, mounting accessories like CB, flashlight, cup holder, fire extinguisher...

I'd look around for reviews of ANYTHING you want to buy, BEFORE you buy it. the main idea behind overland/expo travel is reliability and utility. If it's not useful or doesn't increase the realiability of your rig. it doesn't belong ON your rig...

my .02 cents

p14175 · 02-01-2009, 10:49 AM

You might check eBay, Craigslist, etc. for used winch bumpers and other body armor for your truck.

jtlb150 · 02-01-2009, 03:56 PM

ive been to that site before, i was thinking about the stage one bumper with some tube goin up to the top of the grill line, with room to mount my highlift inside the tube between it and the grill to save some room in the bed.

i figured i would have to build the rock rails myself i was wondering what you guys think would be a good design for it, i dont need to use it as a step i just want to protect the bottom of the cab.

i want to build a roll cage eventually but i want to save as much room in the cab as possible so i was thinking about finding a way to build it between the panels of the cab in the back so i have room for stuff behind the seat. this will be a dual purpose build for camping and adventuring and also some minor trail runs, i was thinking about doing a shackle flip in the back and some 4" cage lift coils up front ive got 33"tires right now but ive got my eyes on some nice 35"allterrains a friend has. i also want to build up the axles with some stronger components so i dont have to worry about breakage will out exploring.

kodiak1232003 · 02-02-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtlb150

ive been to that site before, i was thinking about the stage one bumper with some tube goin up to the top of the grill line, with room to mount my highlift inside the tube between it and the grill to save some room in the bed.

i figured i would have to build the rock rails myself i was wondering what you guys think would be a good design for it, i dont need to use it as a step i just want to protect the bottom of the cab.

i want to build a roll cage eventually but i want to save as much room in the cab as possible so i was thinking about finding a way to build it between the panels of the cab in the back so i have room for stuff behind the seat. this will be a dual purpose build for camping and adventuring and also some minor trail runs, i was thinking about doing a shackle flip in the back and some 4" cage lift coils up front ive got 33"tires right now but ive got my eyes on some nice 35"allterrains a friend has. i also want to build up the axles with some stronger components so i dont have to worry about breakage will out exploring.

for rock rails, i think many have gone the way of 1.75 .20 wall DOM for legs and hitch steel 2x2 for the actual skids, and then kickers angled upwards for a step or to pivot on (also of 1.75" .20 wall or similar) You'll gain strength and lose weight with cromoly, but you add a lot of $$. might not be worth it.

as far as the cage, sounds good.

as far as the susp, do what you want, but remember, a little shop and/or junkyard in bumfukk isn't going to have high zoot axles or susp. components. I personally would stick with a stock spline count, and go with a higher grade material while keeping the axes open or at most, LSD. I would then limit my tire size to a 33-34 and keep it skinny to maintain on-road driving goodness.

thats my take. You have a very reliable, tough truck, as is. K.I.S.S (keep it simple, stupid)

great start with research and questions. have fun!

Brian

jtlb150 · 02-02-2009, 01:09 PM

kodiak that is what i planned but with a locker in the rear if it isnt already since it tends to get muddy and soft here. i plan on keeping the 9" and d44 for a long time they seem nice and strong i just want to make them more reliable so i dont have to worry about breakage.

the rock rails i think will be somthing similar to what you described but with plate to seal it up so i dont have to rinse as much mud and dirt out of it and it will be a smooth surface to rub against instead of square and tubing that i could possibly get hung up on.

money is on the way so i will probly get started on it in march,im just collecting information first.

02-01-2009, 03:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
jtlb150 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Member # 121712 Location: pacific junction,iowa Posts: 20	expedition type body armor ive got a 77ford f-150 shortbed that i plan to use to get to remote camping spots and to run some fire roads and i want to get or build some body armor. does any one know of a brand that makes winch bumpers for this style, i dont want a really heavy one though. i also want some rocker rails but i think i would have to build those, any one got some ideas for this? here is pics of my rig.

02-01-2009, 09:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
kodiak1232003 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 44006 Posts: 2,391	I really like the body style of those years. I would think that warn makes something thats a good balance of light and tough, something like a work truck bumper/winch mount. To that I would add tube steel uprights to protect your lighting/cooling systems. Here's the main page on Jeff's Bronco Graveyard http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/c-...ch_bumpers.htm Here's a few choices from those pages. They seem pricey, but I'll bet you'll only have to buy one once. pretty beefy looking. http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-...r__stage_1.htm http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-...nch_bumper.htm rock rails = do it yourself Interior roll cage for protection, mounting accessories like CB, flashlight, cup holder, fire extinguisher... I'd look around for reviews of ANYTHING you want to buy, BEFORE you buy it. the main idea behind overland/expo travel is reliability and utility. If it's not useful or doesn't increase the realiability of your rig. it doesn't belong ON your rig... my .02 cents Last edited by kodiak1232003; 02-01-2009 at 10:00 AM.

02-01-2009, 10:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
p14175 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Member # 73315 Location: Central Arizona Posts: 78	You might check eBay, Craigslist, etc. for used winch bumpers and other body armor for your truck. __________________ 1954 Willys Wagon Project -- Getting a Cummins 4BTA 1966 Dodge Power Wagon W200 1994 Dodge 2nd gen 4x4

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02-01-2009, 03:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
jtlb150 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Member # 121712 Location: pacific junction,iowa Posts: 20	ive been to that site before, i was thinking about the stage one bumper with some tube goin up to the top of the grill line, with room to mount my highlift inside the tube between it and the grill to save some room in the bed. i figured i would have to build the rock rails myself i was wondering what you guys think would be a good design for it, i dont need to use it as a step i just want to protect the bottom of the cab. i want to build a roll cage eventually but i want to save as much room in the cab as possible so i was thinking about finding a way to build it between the panels of the cab in the back so i have room for stuff behind the seat. this will be a dual purpose build for camping and adventuring and also some minor trail runs, i was thinking about doing a shackle flip in the back and some 4" cage lift coils up front ive got 33"tires right now but ive got my eyes on some nice 35"allterrains a friend has. i also want to build up the axles with some stronger components so i dont have to worry about breakage will out exploring.

02-02-2009, 01:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
jtlb150 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Member # 121712 Location: pacific junction,iowa Posts: 20	kodiak that is what i planned but with a locker in the rear if it isnt already since it tends to get muddy and soft here. i plan on keeping the 9" and d44 for a long time they seem nice and strong i just want to make them more reliable so i dont have to worry about breakage. the rock rails i think will be somthing similar to what you described but with plate to seal it up so i dont have to rinse as much mud and dirt out of it and it will be a smooth surface to rub against instead of square and tubing that i could possibly get hung up on. money is on the way so i will probly get started on it in march,im just collecting information first.