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Rear Bumper w/Swingout Tire Carrier Follow Along

1M views 2K replies 530 participants last post by  boomvader 
#1 · (Edited)
I've been making bumpers for awhile and the biggest question I get is, "When are you going to make a Rear Swingout?!" Well, I finally got most of the parts together and figured I would start today. I thought I'd post along the way with updates as the project progresses. I hope to be done by this weekend. I will post a list of the tools I used (and hopefully substitutions you can use). I will also post a list of materials I used and any useful links that might help to locate parts. Hope this thread helps someone else as Tire Carriers seem to be a pretty popular fabrication topic.

First, a word about shop safety... ya only got one pair of eyes so use the safety glasses/face shield (especially when grinding, drilling.. etc)! Also, when using loud machines (like the grinder) where ear muffs or ear plugs. Lastly, use gloves to save your hands (drilling/grinding).

Tools used:
Plasma Cutter (suppose a chop saw and jig saw could substitute but you'll be cutting for a long time).
Welder (220v wire feed nice but a stick will do)
Grinder (I use both a 7" and a 4 1/2")
Band Saw (chop saw can be used)
Drill Press (hand drill can be used)
2 1/4" bi-metal hole saw
long 1/4" drill bit
1/2" drill bit
11/16" drill bit
1" drill bit (big sucker for the clevis mount holes.. it's a PITA to do!)
Scribe
Center Punch
Tape Measure
Machinist Square
Hammer
Slag Hammer
Phosphoric Acid to clean/etch the steel (Lowe's)

Materials Used: for basic bumper...
2"x4"x1/4" wall rectangular stock 55" long (can sub thinner material if you like but I like it beefy!)
approx 7" length of 2 1/2"x2 1/2"x1/4" wall stock for receiver (can sub a store bought receiver tube.. Northern has one for like $10)
approx 7" of 2 1/2"x1/4" thick flat stock for chain plate
approx 6" length of 3"x1/4" wall square stock (for mounting legs and receiver lip)
approx 18" of 3"x3/8" thick flat stock cut in half for the bumper mounting flanges
approx 18" of 2"x1/4" thick flat stock for bumper end caps
approx one foot of 2"x3/4" thick flat stock for clevis mounts

Materials for the Swingout
2 1/2"x1/4" wall DOM Tubing (from here.. DOM Tubing)
2"OD pipe for the inner sleeve/bearing spacer(Lowe's)
1" trailer spindle rated for 1000lbs (Spindle)
Spindle Bearing Kit (Spindle Bearing )
De Sta Co 2000lb Latch (Latch
2"x3/16" wall square stock for carrier frame

That's as far as I got today with the materials list. I got most of the cutting and drilling done... here are the pics..

First, I cut the pivot tube from the 2 1/2" DOM tube.. 4 1/4" long. Then I cut an inner bearing separator from 2" OD pipe and rosette welded it in 4 places to hole it in place..

You can see the tube in the center with the sleeve in it. The rest of the stuff is the bearing kit and of course.. the 1" spindle.

Rosette welded sleeve

Sleeve with races in it

Assembled Swingout Pivot

Bumper Blank with 1 1/4" hole cut (top and bottom) for spindle... I'm tippy toeing to take the picture.. :D

Pivot test fitted to bumper.. I did this before making any other cuts on the bumper so that if I ruined it, it would be before I went through the trouble of making all the other cuts.

Drilling the 7" long 2 1/2"x1/4" wall square receiver tube for the pin.. I use a long 1/4" bit to go all the way thru both sides of the tube. That way the holes line up...

I then follow up with a 11/16" bit.

EDIT: Instead of making your own receiver tube, it's probably just as cheap and definately easier to buy one from a trailer supply store... Northern sells 6" long weld-in receiver tubes for about $11
 
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#1,559 ·
Thanks for the thread, it helped a lot to build my tire carrier. I just got everything welded up tonight, going to paint it this weekend. It definitely wasn't fun cutting all the tubing with a angle grinder, at least I have a torch for cutting the holes out. I had a Hypertherm powermax 45 last year but sold it this spring, sure wish I would have keep it after building this.

 
#1,572 ·
Probably what I intend to do when I get my new GPF bumper in a couple weeks... piece of 2" tubing with a hole drilled for pin, front plate size of tag w/four holes for tag screws.
RichardD,
Thanks :D(I do photography professionally) but to answer your question...just like what tdkask said. I grabbed a 2" piece of tubing, a thin piece of sheet, welded the tubing off center...that way the license plate clears the fairlead hole, fitted for depth (because of frame cross member), drilled hole for pin, bought those little plastic license plate things and drilled holes for them, installed plate and that was it. I must admit...it's a little bit of a pain in the a$$ to put the pin in, but it's not like I install and remove it every day.

I've also seen these for sale...but I don't believe I've seen them off center...just centered.

Hope this helps?:thumbsup:
 
#1,561 ·
RichardD said:
S8credground, how did you mount the front license plate to work with the front receiver?
Probably what I intend to do when I get my new GPF bumper in a couple weeks... piece of 2" tubing with a hole drilled for pin, front plate size of tag w/four holes for tag screws.
 
#1,562 ·
Automotive parking light Vehicle registration plate Grille Automotive lighting Hood


On another yellow jeep.

Here is my GPF front too. Also have the steering skid. Did not get the front receiver so had it drilled for front plate. Nice work Eddie.

Need d rings and a winch now

Tire Wheel Plant Vehicle Automotive tire


Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Car Vehicle
 
#1,571 ·
View attachment 311326

On another yellow jeep.

Here is my GPF front too. Also have the steering skid. Did not get the front receiver so had it drilled for front plate. Nice work Eddie.

Need d rings and a winch now

View attachment 311325

View attachment 311324
Man o man.... Whenever I think I can be more impressed by Eddie's products, he just proves me wrong. Very nice bumper! The steering skid add that nice little "extra touch". Great work Eddie!:2thumbsup:
 
#1,566 ·
Zachs kit was very nice I agree.

Shackle tab "action picture as requested"
welded front and rear, it sticks out the rear about 3/16"



I picked up the frame tie in brackets and the bumper mounting kit as well. makes the bumper sit very close to the rear cross member.
I was very pleased with these parts.

 
#1,567 ·
Mr. Fancypants using the mill. ;)

It is funny how you look for projects to use the lathe and mill on when you get them. I never touched a lathe until I bought one a few years ago and now I find a way to use it every few days.

Nice work, gentlemen, and thanks for using our products!
 
#1,569 ·
Just shot you a PM...

Haven't modified this style for the YJ yet.. have to make sure it clears the shackle hangers. Also, haven't worked on a rear bumper to match yet.

Once I finish my press brake project, I'll start messing around with bending up a rear bumper.
 
#1,573 ·
Not completely OT, but was at Eddie's today and got to see the hydraulic press brake he's building. I'm very excited to see the new stuff he'll be cranking out soon.

Eddie, after today I get first dibs on the first set of rock rails for a CJ. hahah Next time I come, I'm bringing by a 6 pack.
 
#1,577 ·
Got my new GPF bumper on Monday... yesterday was too rainy to get pics. It's Eddies "standard" CJ shorty (48") w/recessed hitch receiver and clevis mounts, with winch plate. Its modded to hold a custom tow bar so I can pull behind camper/moving truck, etc and folds up to double as a trail stinger. Not everyone will like the looks of it for daily use, but I think it rocks and love it's dual use. Basically the diaginal braces were tubing with heims in place.

Once again, he built exactly what I was hoping for, but more. Thanks again, Eddie.


click image for larger view


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It should be noted that Eddie is not responsible for my crappy paint job, the lack of paint in a couple spots, or the dirt that is already on the bumper. Like I said, it was raining yesterday. :)

Also, as mentioned above, I mounted my tag with a bracket that is in the receiver. the mount was also GPF-made.
 
#1,579 ·
Eddie, what would prohibit you from welding a 7" wide x 5" deep plate to the top of the swing away to place the 3rd brake light on (with extenders)? I have a hunch that may solve some of the 3rd brake light problems but without having mine yet I can't say. I have 2 1/2 inch extenders on my current set up (on the rear door). Is it possible?
 
#1,583 ·
The issue with adding stuff to the top of the "A", is that it would interfere with my jack mount.

Plus, I'd have to figure out an adjustable mount. I've got folks running everything from 28" to 38" rubber. As you try to accomodate all the different possible rim/tire/jack/gas can combos.. it gets tough trying to find enough real estate to fit everything.
 
#1,580 ·
Hi I have been building tire carrier and bumpers for a while now. On my tire carrier I always use a spindle assembly with 2 tapered bearings rated for 1750 lbs. I have been noticing others use 2 hiem style rod ends. And I must admit I am thinking about using them in a new prototype bumper/carrier for a WJ. I have never used these before. So here are my question. What do you think of them?
 
#1,581 ·
I used two heims for my most recent tire carrier and I love it. No rattles, super smooth and I get a lot of questions of, "who built that" at local trail rides :cool:

When I stretch the rear some more, I'll be cutting off the factory cross member and moving my tire carrier assembly to the corner armor still using the heims though..
 
#1,588 ·
It depends on whether you feel you'd need the added protection there. As for the antenna mount, I'm not sure of his typical location, but he's pretty good about giving you what you want IMHO. I'm local to him and have seen a lot of the stuff being built. It's all solid and built to last. If you need the corner guards you can feel comfortable buying from Eddie. Also, I don't think you'll get that quality for the price anywhere else. I've had discussions and he's said he'd rather sell for less profit and have more sales, and happy customers. He keeps up, but always has enough orders to keep him busy (probably never rests). You won't find a bad review, I bet.
 
#1,589 ·
I would say the corners are probably more benefit for the longer Jeeps.. CJ8/LJ.

On shorter Jeeps, by the time you roll off an obstable, you're landing on the bumper already.. most of the time.

I only started adding those corners after a few people asked for them.
 
#1,590 ·
I had the corner ext on my Tj and now on my LJ. I recommend them. Look good and add protection.
the antenna tab is on the swing arm face by the pivot point. No antenna on mine yet.
Automotive parking light Automotive tail & brake light Vehicle Vehicle registration plate Automotive tire
 
#1,593 ·
I have had mine for a few years and it has been through some of the toughest trails in the Midwest and East Coast and never rattled or had any problems at all. I had him make mine a little taller to keep 38"s up in the air for a better departure angle and to allow room for my pintle hitch as I also tow a M416 trailer without a problem.

I like the extra quarter panel protection. I have seen several TJ's come down hard on rocks in that area or even kicked up from the rear tire. For the extra cost it is cheap insurance. I have come down hard on the bumper a couple of times and it have only managed to scratch the paint.

Picture from last weekend.



Older picture showing the side portion.

 
#1,594 ·
I received my bumper/tire carrier on Thursday from Eddie and had a 3-day weekend to get it squared away. I even bought a heater for my garage so I could paint the rascal and get it on my TJ. All I can say is WOW what a product. Will post pics as soon as I get enough posts and an account on flicker or whatever it is. Bought the clevis' from Tractor Supply. My wife also thought this was one cool Jeep purchase well worth the $. :tea:
 
#1,595 ·
...My wife also thought this was one cool Jeep purchase well worth the $.
Well there you go... all the endorsement one could hope for. Mine NEVER thinks any of my purchases for the Jeep are wise... lol... and gets exceptionally nervous when I talk about going to Eddie's these days, as does my kid (lol... inside joke). Still, they will be the last parts left of my Jeep, I'm sure... and will eventually save her from following me all the way from VA to FL with the built in tow assembly. :)
 
#1,597 ·
My Homemade Bumper

started a bumper project for my 04 got the bumper built and epoxy primed gotta build the tire carrier now. the bumper started out as 3/16 3x4 rectangular 1"x2" for d ring mounts, and 1/4" plate for the mounts. probaly gonna shoot it with bedliner i need a bit more metal before i can start the tire carrier so it will be a week or two before i get to that.
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i382/heathvancamp/2012-01-16_07-34-04_701.jpg[/IMG]
 
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