77 series rear bumper install. Some pics.

[BiffS]

So i did a thing...

4x4labs bumper. Figured I'd document the process for future Mudders.

First thing that I think i'll do is replace some of the rear cross member. Now that it's out, I'm concerned that the rear shackle mounts will torque out the frame due to the type of wheeling (web) that we do up here....

so far the kit looks fairly complete, just have to puzzle it all out and keep moving.

 

[divemedic]

Following.

 

[divemedic]

Also, I'm gonna need more pictures of you truck

 

[wardharris]

Also, I'm gonna need more pictures of you truck

Nic -
I am a happy 4x4 Labs owner. My 73 was the development platform for the bumper and kit.....

Luke Porter and the crew did an awesome job of building me a great product. The funny thing is that Luke's first bumper was for a Canadian import Bj70 years ago, but it was before he had CAD and the design was not "saved" so he/we had to start over when I asked for one for my truck. He took it on faith that if we / they built one there would be enough 70s out there to justify doing a production version for the later imports. Things kind of came full circle.

Here are a couple snaps - there is a more complete discussion here 4x4 Labs Rear Bumper System for My 70 Series

 

[BiffS]

Thanks Ward,

I have been using that thread as the basis of instruction for my build this far. A few notables: order of welding matters. A lot. Welded the nuts on the mountain plates first which made the draw bar support difficult to remove once the outer skin was on and welded in. Opted to weld in place, but it's tough to fit in.

There's a number of wedges and tabs in the bag. Those are more of what I'm trying to figure out where they go.

Pic of some trucks for attention.

 

[divemedic]

My welding skills are turds on a seam. I'd likely order a completely assembled kit. Waiting and watching.

 

[hoser]

I have Luke's rear bumper on my 70 as well. (Thanks, Ward for providing the mockup truck). If you need any pics, let me know. But Luke did the install and so I can't tell you the order of things. I imagine there are similarities with his 80 bumper.

 

[BiffS]

I can't seem to find install instructions on their website... Luke sent me some 60 series pics which help some., But it's the misc. Tabs that I'm wondering about. The gap between the bumper and the back doors isn't awesome, but I'm intending on replacing the cut out frame which may fill that hole anyhow.

 

[hoser]

Pics of misc tabs that are in question?

 

[BiffS]

I'm guessing that the larger z brackets are for the body mounts at the front of the wheel well. The rest...

 

[hoser]

The accessory holes on the swing out get those sleeves. The square pieces are the end caps for the swing outs. The rest are shown below.

Look closely to see how the swing out stops work.

Make sure there is ample clearance for your rear doors to clear that lower stop. This is the 80 bumper but it's the same.

 

[BiffS]

Brilliant! Is there a rubber seal for the lower part of the hinge? I was going to look into wheel bearing seals for it as I would imagine that the bearings will get a bit Rusty/ dusty over time.

 

[hoser]

Yes, there is a seal. Did you see the hyperlink I posted earlier? It shows the seals.

4x4labs rear bumper build