4x4 labs rear bumper DIY -- What have you done to customize it?

[2fpower]

I saw pictures of some early 4 x 4 labs that appeared to have a piece of plate in that area. So look to my scrap pile and found some quarter inch strap. Huge overkill, but I think it accomplishes what I wanted.

 

[FZJ80 in KC]

I saw pictures of some early 4 x 4 labs that appeared to have a piece of plate in that area. So look to my scrap pile and found some quarter inch strap. Huge overkill, but I think it accomplishes what I wanted.


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I like that a lot. Not too keen on the gap on mine either. Strange because Dave's came with a lip that is bent up there to cover the gap. Luke may have added that to the design since we ordered our kits.

 

[Taildragon]

I stole this pick from google but I believe it's a 1st gen 4Runner license plate mount. I've always meant to source one for my rear bumper. But will probably never get around to it. View attachment 1170609

It's a license bracket from a 1991 rear tire swing 4Runner.

 

[axolotl81]

^+1
First year of the 2nd Gen 4Runners.

 

[LFD2037]

I saw pictures of some early 4 x 4 labs that appeared to have a piece of plate in that area. So look to my scrap pile and found some quarter inch strap. Huge overkill, but I think it accomplishes what I wanted.


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Mine has that already bent into the 3/16" 'shell'.

 

[yohavos]

The wings could use a little bracing... I can't remember who documented it but someone (with a red 80, I think?) took some good pictures of how they did it.

We angled my spare tire to follow the lines of the rear hatch.

 

[LFD2037]

The wings definitely need to be reinforced. I've already smacked mine into my fender and I braced them w/ 3/16" strap that's 2" wide. I welded it from front to back @ the bend of the wing. Can't imagine how bad it'd of been w/out the bracing I did! I think I'm going to measure my clearance between the wing & the fender & weld more bracing in there, probably 4" wide strap and/or some sort of gussets.

 

[2fpower]

Pictures of the wing bracing would be helpful.

 

[bloc]

So what is the issue with them flexing? Is it the weight of the truck landing on a ledge pushing it up into the fender, or things pushing sideways against the wings making them flex into the body?

 

[yohavos]

Pictures of the wing bracing would be helpful.

From @pandathrust

"Red Lobster" Build

 

[pandathrust]

I used 5" wide 3/16" plate to make that gusset in the wing and it definitely made it a ton stronger. It's already been beat up on rocks and hasn't hit the quarter panel yet despite the round tube on top being like 1/2" from the body. If you plan on wheeling your truck I would definitely do this on the labs bumper.

 

[2fpower]

Got license plate mount on. Only a few will realize it came from a pre-1970 Land Cruiser. The light came from CDan -- yes you can still order this pre-1970 Part-- and amazingly the color almost matches the 40th color

 

[2KCruiser]

Here's what i ended up doing,
My Rear Bumper Build with Swing Down Carrier

 

[akarilo]

I changed the profile of the side pieces to contour to the body better. I think the thread is in my sig.

 

[jcardona1]

Pictures of the wing bracing would be helpful.

I know it's late, but here's what I did.

 

[2fpower]

I know it's late, but here's what I did.

What is the extra hole for by the spindle?

 

[jcardona1]

What is the extra hole for by the spindle?

It's for a spring-loaded pull pin. Locks the arm when it's fully open.

 

[aaaaaaaandrew]

@jcardona1 specs on the spring?

 

[jcardona1]

@jcardona1 specs on the spring?

Here you go

Innovative Components AI1/2-1.5-B-TR6 1/2" tip, 2.25" Rounded T knob Spring Loaded Pop Pin, with 1.50" weld on barrel included: Hardware Knobs: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

[LFD2037]

Usually Amazon has those for $9. Wait a couple days if you want to save $4.