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- #61
I bult a front bumper and installed mini truck power steering! Bumper is made from 2" X 6" X 1/8" rectangular tube. 48" wide. mounted flush with the bottom of the frame rails. All stock bumper supports were removed and holes were cut in the back side so the face of this bumper is directly against the ends of the fram rails. I did this to maximize aproach angle and have the greatest amount of clearance. The hardest part of the build were the ends and keeping a clean radius that matched the main body of the bumper. D shackles are 6 1/2 ton 7/8" with a 1" threaded clevis pin.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-5-ton-BOW-...item2306c53f15
Shackle mounts go all the way through and are welded on the back side. They will also double as a mount for a tow bar.http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXTREME-DUTY...9f5d38&vxp=mtr
Rubber bumpers are standard loading dock bumpers that you find on the backs of tractor trailers. I wanted something there that stuck out farther than the clevis mounts and fairlead so that I could give someone a push if needed without damaging anything. Found cheap locally at Utility trailer supply http://www.utilitytrailer-utah.com/default.htm
Reciever is mainly for moving trailers around(I tow an expedition trailer and have several others to park in a confined space. Much easier to position with a reciever in the front) but, they also come in handy for a variety of accessories.
Now I'm just waiting for the Badlands 12000 lb. winch to go on sale again
I just got the power steering in, so I dont have too much experience with it yet, just tooling around on the closest local trail, and no experience with other popular PS conversions for compairison. However, It works, steering is much easier. Seems just as good in the dirt. Kinda hard to back my short Expo trailer before, trying to turn and look backwards with both arms wrestling the steering wheel. Now its a breeze. I can turn the steering wheel (stock) rapidly with the palm of my hand.
I read a lot of threads before going this route. I like that I didnt have to change steering geometry, which, eliminating linkages can be a plus, but It also adds hundreds of $$ in parts to buy and complicates the conversion IMHO. I liked that it was a fairly simple install. Had it done in three evenings after work. Mine was complicated slightly because I had the older style box and had to buy the Rag joint adapter from JT Outfitters. (they are lousy! Didnt ship it for 2 weeks and only after I called wondering where the part was. No responce via email.) Anyway, I didnt want to cut the frame, and I didnt want a big gear box out in front (Saginaw) I dont see myself ever going larger than 35" tires, So all things considered it works well for me. Im pretty happy with it. No pics of the conversion yet cause my camera battery died.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-5-ton-BOW-...item2306c53f15
Shackle mounts go all the way through and are welded on the back side. They will also double as a mount for a tow bar.http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXTREME-DUTY...9f5d38&vxp=mtr
Rubber bumpers are standard loading dock bumpers that you find on the backs of tractor trailers. I wanted something there that stuck out farther than the clevis mounts and fairlead so that I could give someone a push if needed without damaging anything. Found cheap locally at Utility trailer supply http://www.utilitytrailer-utah.com/default.htm
Reciever is mainly for moving trailers around(I tow an expedition trailer and have several others to park in a confined space. Much easier to position with a reciever in the front) but, they also come in handy for a variety of accessories.
Now I'm just waiting for the Badlands 12000 lb. winch to go on sale again
I just got the power steering in, so I dont have too much experience with it yet, just tooling around on the closest local trail, and no experience with other popular PS conversions for compairison. However, It works, steering is much easier. Seems just as good in the dirt. Kinda hard to back my short Expo trailer before, trying to turn and look backwards with both arms wrestling the steering wheel. Now its a breeze. I can turn the steering wheel (stock) rapidly with the palm of my hand.
I read a lot of threads before going this route. I like that I didnt have to change steering geometry, which, eliminating linkages can be a plus, but It also adds hundreds of $$ in parts to buy and complicates the conversion IMHO. I liked that it was a fairly simple install. Had it done in three evenings after work. Mine was complicated slightly because I had the older style box and had to buy the Rag joint adapter from JT Outfitters. (they are lousy! Didnt ship it for 2 weeks and only after I called wondering where the part was. No responce via email.) Anyway, I didnt want to cut the frame, and I didnt want a big gear box out in front (Saginaw) I dont see myself ever going larger than 35" tires, So all things considered it works well for me. Im pretty happy with it. No pics of the conversion yet cause my camera battery died.
