Advice Mounting D-Rings (1 Viewer)

[workingdog]

I'm hesitant to ask this, because I know there are some very strongly held beliefs around attachment points, but I'm going to risk it.

I need to mount some D-rings to the front of my 40 so I can be legal for Cal 4x4's Winter Fun Fest this weekend. I want to mount it as strongly as possible. I bought these D-rings from Trail gear - they appear more than beefy enough. I'm going to bolt them up where shown in the picture because it puts the pulling force inline with the frame. Do I need to putting any kind of uber washer or plate on the inside of the bumper to distribute the load? Is a giant bumper washer enough? Or do I need a small plate (like you can see for the A-frame attachment).

 

[JackA]

I think you should be fine with some normal washers. That bumper looks pretty stout.

 

[reddingcruiser]

I assume the other bracket is for a tow bar. You might consider getting crafty and find a way for your new hardware to serve a dual purpose and accept the tow bar. That would clean up the front of your bumper a little.

 

[kevos37]

In lieu of washers you could use a piece of plate with corresponding holes. Maybe make it slightly larger than the d-ring bracket footprint. It can't hurt. I like the other Mudders idea of cleaning up the bumper.

 

[pjohnson]

The d-ring might not pull through with just washers, but I would bet a good yank will deform the mount area.

I would put a plate on the inside to spread the load.

 

[pb4ugo]

I'm with kevos, and pjohnson. Make a plates to capture the bolt holes inside of the bumper. I made plates for my frt tow hooks on the under side of the frame. They've been there for yrs, with no distortion of the frame, and they get used a lot.

 

[3_puppies]

as close as the holes are to the radius of the bumper, it is going to be difficult to get a backer behind it.
if turned 90 degrees it would be easier to mount and have a good plate behind for reinforcement.

 

[middlecalf]

Well I have nothing to offer other than a lot of the above comments seem like great ideas.

But I’m unfamiliar with the “why” of these d-rings.

I need to mount some D-rings to the front of my 40 so I can be legal for Cal 4x4's Winter Fun Fest this weekend.

What are these actually “legally” for? Stout looking buggers in any measure.

 

[pjohnson]

Cal4wheel vehicle safety requirements for participation.

Safety Requirements - California Four Wheel Drive Association

 

[Drake2]

I like those anchor fabs......did you make or buy? If purchased, from who and how much if you don't mind. Thanks

 

[brian]

Just weld it on.

 

[middlecalf]

Well if those tow bar (not a tow “ball” as referenced in regs) brackets are sufficient to tow this rig around I think they would be sufficient for what I read is required in the regs. Plus you have a winch. But I’ve never been to the event, so no clue as to what the trail police might demand, other than beer or bribes.

 

[workingdog]

Thanks for all the great input.

They are from Trail Gear and they are incredibly stout.

My welder isn't big enough to reliably weld stuff this thick - but it would have been HUGELY easier, getting my fingers in there to get the nuts on was really tough. I've got them one with grade 8 washers for now. When I get the opportunity, I'll weld them in place.

Yes, there isn't a lot of room to fit any kind of decent plate on the back holes are so close to top or bottom. And this is the shorter of the two options from trail gear.

Mount them sideways? That would look very strange with the shackle on it.

Yes, once I get the D-rings mounted, I can use my 'blue ox' as a tow bar and get rid of the a-frame brackets and clean things up a little - except for the holes - might be a good place to mount a harmonica.

Thanks again for the thoughts

 

[73FJ40]

Any chance the attachment piece has the same pattern as your bumper bolts? If so, four longer bolts and four holes, and double nuts (one on each side of bumper attachment flange) which would lock the bumper to the frame.

no welding, and no tugging load on the bumper.

 

[workingdog]

Any chance the attachment piece has the same pattern as your bumper bolts? If so, four longer bolts and four holes, and double nuts (one on each side of bumper attachment flange) which would lock the bumper to the frame.

no welding, and no tugging load on the bumper.

None at all.