I'm building a 4x4Labs rear bumper from their kit and figured I'd make a thread for it. I know there have been a couple of other good build threads for the 4x4Labs bumpers, namely this one for an 80-series where the process is very similar to the 100's after the frame crossmember is removed, and this one from a year ago. I referenced both of them extensively, but I also know that having more pictures and descriptions available can only help.
My truck is primarily the family adventure vehicle, and we usually go wheeling a couple of times a month when possible. I got tired of dragging my rear end coming off obstacles, especially when the truck is full of people and/or gear, so a couple of months back I was hoping to purchase a prebuilt rear bumper. However, all manufacturers were pretty backed up and it was going to be fall before I could get my hands on one. 4x4Labs' website said they were shipping kits to residential addresses in 2 weeks. I suppose I should have called them rather than just placing an order on their site though. It ended up being closer to 6 weeks and I had to ship to my employer's loading dock. Because the kit was still considerably cheaper than a prebuilt bumper, I went ahead and ordered a front bumper kit, too. The clearance will be nice, and having a winch will be good peace of mind. ...for the Jeeps sharing the trail, that is!
Here's a rear bumper kit with dual swingouts (spare carrier and ladder), along with a front bumper kit as it fits in the truck:
Here's how she looks a couple of days before any of the work:
This is at my maximum departure angle. The hitch is slightly digging into the dirt as this photo was taken at Bill Moore Lake near Empire, CO:
A look from behind with the spare removed. You can see I've mangled the trailer wiring connector on a few obstacles:
First thing to do is remove the factory hitch, rear bumper cover, step plate, and spare tire winch. Then cut off the resonator:
My truck is primarily the family adventure vehicle, and we usually go wheeling a couple of times a month when possible. I got tired of dragging my rear end coming off obstacles, especially when the truck is full of people and/or gear, so a couple of months back I was hoping to purchase a prebuilt rear bumper. However, all manufacturers were pretty backed up and it was going to be fall before I could get my hands on one. 4x4Labs' website said they were shipping kits to residential addresses in 2 weeks. I suppose I should have called them rather than just placing an order on their site though. It ended up being closer to 6 weeks and I had to ship to my employer's loading dock. Because the kit was still considerably cheaper than a prebuilt bumper, I went ahead and ordered a front bumper kit, too. The clearance will be nice, and having a winch will be good peace of mind. ...for the Jeeps sharing the trail, that is!
Here's a rear bumper kit with dual swingouts (spare carrier and ladder), along with a front bumper kit as it fits in the truck:
Here's how she looks a couple of days before any of the work:
This is at my maximum departure angle. The hitch is slightly digging into the dirt as this photo was taken at Bill Moore Lake near Empire, CO:
A look from behind with the spare removed. You can see I've mangled the trailer wiring connector on a few obstacles:
First thing to do is remove the factory hitch, rear bumper cover, step plate, and spare tire winch. Then cut off the resonator: