Bumper builders help me out

[drohweder]

I posted this over in the 40s tech section but since I know many of you don't slum on this forum I thought I would come over here and ask too. I've done the search and seen some of the awesome bumpers you guys have built so help me out with finding the components. Here is my post:

I needs some direction to find some of the components I'll need to do this.

What are my latch options and where do I find them (to buy).

Only spindle I've seen is Slees for $90 and rocklogic4x4.com's for $40. Any other sources. I've heard of some people using tractor parts--I'm a city boy so point me in the right direction.

Thats about it. I think I am going to build one like the 4+ high clearence bumper but I'm going to bend tube for the swing outs.

Thanks in advance. First comes the 40....then comes the 80

 

[Dogburn]

Here



-Dog

 

[White Shark]

Don't buy the Rockstomper crap. I've seen a few snap in half. For the same price, you can call Luke over at 4X4Labs and get a beefier unit for about the same price. He also offers 2 heavier sizes as well. After comparing a lot of different units, I bought 3 from 4x4Labs. I'd do it again in a second. He's a great guy to deal with.

http://www.4x4labs.com/products/index.html

"Our Basic spindle is a 1-1/4" 1500 lb. spindle with a 2-1/2" shell. $50

Our Heavy Duty spindle is a 1-3/4" spindle with a 3" machined shell. $90

Our Heavy Duty removable spindle has a 7500lb. spindle with a 3" machined upper shell and a 3" lower tapered shell. The upper portion that holds the swing arm may be unbolted from the lower part and removed as needed."

 

[drohweder]

Thanks Sharky. I was on his site last night and somehow missed that. What size do I need to hold a 35in spare and hi-lift? I am a cheap bastid and would likely go for the $50 one buts its worth doing it right the first time. Thoughts?

 

[White Shark]

Latches: http://www.mcmaster.com/


51335A65
Pull-Action Toggle Clamp W/Positive Latching Steel, 700# Holding Cap, 2-5/64" H X 5-31/32" L O'all
In stock at $23.69 Each

 

[White Shark]

I picked up the $50 units. He said that you wouldn't want to go any larger than 35" on that unit. He also said that you shouldn't use the $50 model on full width bumpers. but as a dual swinging unit. The other units are a monsters. I'm not driving down corrugated washboard roads all day like I used to, so these units are plenty heavy enough.


Check out this FAQ link too. Plenty of good ideas here. https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=12729

 

[Josh83]

Christo reccomends the 2000lb latch. At $38 thats what I have on order for my bumper project.

 

[drohweder]

Those latches look beefy but what about the spring pins I have seen some people use. Are they better? Pop open on rough rodes? Just want to explore any and all options.

Thanks again! Dan

 

[Dogburn]

Don't buy the Rockstomper crap. I've seen a few snap in half.]

Interesting, I'll make a note. I've bought other products from them (plasma rope and pull straps) and the quality was good. Not to hijack the thread, but you've seen them break? Under what conditions? What could someone do to a spindle to snap it? Just curious,

-Dog

 

[Josh83]

Don't buy the Rockstomper crap. I've seen a few snap in half.]

Interesting, I'll make a note. I've bought other products from them (plasma rope and pull straps) and the quality was good. Not to hijack the thread, but you've seen them break? Under what conditions? What could someone do to a spindle to snap it? Just curious,

-Dog

I have *heard* of a few breaking. I think it is a bouncing/fatigue issue over time.

 

[sleeoffroad]

I am a cheap bastid and would likely go for the $50 one buts its worth doing it right the first time. Thoughts?

This is the one area that you do no want to cheap out. Spindle and latch. Buy good stuff. You can cheap out on paint instead of powder coat. It is a lot of work to make a bumper and tire carrier. You are really going to be pissed off when you do all that and the spindle bends. And believe me they can if you use an undersize one.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Those latches look beefy but what about the spring pins I have seen some people use. Are they better? Pop open on rough rodes? Just want to explore any and all options.

Thanks again! Dan

Spring pins are to keep alighnment for the latches when closed and also for keeping the carrier open. It will not work to keep it closed. The latches are over the center latches and they require correct alignment to stay locked, unless you get the safety latch one. Those have other issues like pinching fingers when you close them.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Don't buy the Rockstomper crap. I've seen a few snap in half.]

Interesting, I'll make a note. I've bought other products from them (plasma rope and pull straps) and the quality was good. Not to hijack the thread, but you've seen them break? Under what conditions? What could someone do to a spindle to snap it? Just curious,

-Dog

Search Yotatech. Some carries that were made for 4runners snapped. Not sure if they were all homemade.

 

[Dogburn]

Search Yotatech. Some carries that were made for 4runners snapped. Not sure if they were all homemade.

Thanks Christo!

-Danny

 

[ginericLC]

I'll echo what Christo said about the 2000 lb latches. I use the one with the pull trigger latch down. Mine is a Carr Lane Model. It was about $40. I used a 800 lb one on my 60 only to have the U bolt section snap. The only thing I don't like about my latch is that is green rubber on the handle.

Also, figure in a lot of labor time. I have about 4: 8-10 hour work days into mine and it isn't anything special.

I use Hammerite paint because it is cheap, durable, and when you bang it up on the rocks you just redo it. I could never justify powdercoating any bumper due to the rocks we have in Idaho. They are volcanic and they just peel powdercoat and paint off.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Dro-You should spend a day and drive up to Luke's shop in Grass Valley. He has a whole stack of the stoutest spindles you will ever see. He is also a super good guy and will share a wealth of knowledge with you. After you speak with him, I promise you will want one of his bumpers. I agree with the other posters. It never pays to cheap out in this stuff. You want overbuilt everything or it will break.

 

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

Latches http://www.awdirect.com Great bumper build-up www.yankeetoys.org/black900rr/rearbumper.html

 

[drohweder]

Awesome info. Thanks, I'm starting to make my list Just wish there was a place I could go to look at these things in person to get a feel for size and strength.

Keep em coming. Where does Christo get those handled spring pins he has on his bumpers???

 

[NorCalDoug]

...Where does Christo get those handled spring pins he has on his bumpers???

He used to pick them up ready-made, but it turned out that they were not stout enough. He now has them machined. The new ones are also stainless so they won't bind up internally. You could pick up one or two from him. He has the pins and sleeves ready to weld on.

 

[tltaylor22]

I used on,my 40 bumper, and will use on my 80 bumper a front spindle and hub assemble off a 40 front axle. Weld a broken birf on the inside and put the hub on top and your set. Swing it open and lock the hub and it stays open. I tried a light wt latch but it failed, so I temporarily used the hub to lock it closed. I plan to buy one of the beefy latches already mentioned.

Trent