Gaging Interest - FJ80/FZJ80 Rear Bumper Kits

[caanuck]

I stole this from another thread. It shows the quarter on an lx with the trim still intact

 

[Fourrunner]

Boy....I think I am below that trim that runs horizontal and butts into the fender flare. You can see they removed the mud flap, just like my design.

 

[Corbet]

As far as trailer hitches go, I am really nervous about liability in adding a trailer hitch. Additionally, adding a hitch to this bumper would require removal of the rear cross member. I designed it with the thought that the end consumer wouldn't have to modify the truck much.

I would not worry too much on liability with a product the end user has to weld together themselves. In the worst case the end user needs to accept at least 50% responsibility for the strength of the final product, IMO. But get some legal advice. I did before marketing my product to the public.

However in most cases if you have the means to weld this thing together you can probably handle the design of a receiver. So not a deal breaker if it does not have the option. I would just keep in mind that some will add it on their own. Some might try to incorporate a rear winch. Some could have something else in mind. To appeal to the largest crowd I'd make sure your bumper kit could be modified for such things.

 

[Fourrunner]

Good advice and pretty much exactly how the 60 series guys are handling the receiver portion. Not sure how much of a deal breaker it has been not having it, but I sleep better at night

 

[caanuck]

Boy....I think I am below that trim that runs horizontal and butts into the fender flare. You can see they removed the mud flap, just like my design.

Then count me in as interested with a tire carrier

Edit: I also run a pintle hitch for the m101 trailer so access to those four bolts is important

 

[kbahus]

It's really going to depend on pricing. Remember the 4x4 Labs kit is $495 and offers a lot of protection and clearance plus it looks great. I would think if you kept the cost well below that you will sell quite a few as there are no other options (in that price point) aside from building your own. Having said that I would be interested depending on price and final design. It makes me happy to see new stuff for the 80 series.

 

[crawlin40]

Interested

Mark me down as interested. Looks very good. Thanks, Matt

 

[mr jits]

Has any more work been done on this design? I'll be in Rigby visiting family in June on my way to Iceland Days and Moab after. Would love to pick this up on the way.

Count me as interested as well.

 

[Fourrunner]

When will you be driving through? I am still working with the laser cutting shop to get the first prototype done. They are swamped and this is small peanuts for them. I call them weekly to find out the status.

 

[Fourrunner]

Sorry....of June? Like nearly a year from now? Boise is about 5 hours from me. Would not be a quick trip.

I will check out that place and see what they can do.

 

[91Chevota]

rear bumper kit

I'm interested. How soon do you think you will have the product on the market?

 

[Fourrunner]

Wish I knew. The drawings are at the laser cutting shop for quoting. I hope sometime this next week (get the quote back...that is).

 

[toojayzee]

Add me to the list as interested. Also price dependent, a hoop option to protect the 1/4 would be cool. I could fab one if not avail though.

 

[MoGas]

How about those of us that run flareless?

 

[Fourrunner]

That might throw some complications into it. It might still be OK. I hope I can get a prototype in the next week or so and we can see what it looks like.

 

[MoGas]

That might throw some complications into it. It might still be OK. I hope I can get a prototype in the next week or so and we can see what it looks like.

I think that it would probably be a little easier as I wouldn't need the little cut out at the forward most upper corner. I would probably add a small hoop like Hannah used so it being wider than the body would not be an issue. I would want 1 swingout for a spare. I have a spindle already.

Would the shackle eyes be on the outside of the frame rails so they could bolt to the frame there?

Dave

 

[Fourrunner]

Dave

The area you have circled, you would want that filled in?


The shackle mounts will be bolted to the frame rail. They are considerably bigger than the shackle mounts I have on the FJ60/FJ62 kit.

 

[MoGas]

... Would use 1/2" thick recovery points that would be bolted straight to the frame rails (requires removal of the factory bumper mount).

I guess I should read the thread first.....

The current design is built around a 92 FJ80 and not sure if the FZJ80 vary at all (perhaps someone can chime in here).

91-92 flares are more narrow than '93 up.

Dave

 

[Stylo07]

Another interested individual...

 

[Fourrunner]

Got some updates for everyone. Finally got the quote from the shop (we did some work to keep the price down, that is why it took so long). The price will be almost the same as the FJ60 kit ($330 plus shipping) maybe $15-20 more (if I had to take a stab at the final price, I would guess in the $350-$375 range). I do need to make some minor modifications to the design that might add another $25-$35 to that price. The pricing could get better if I could order at least 6 committed folks. Now, for those who are buying these kits, there will be some minor fitment issues as this design is still a work in progress. This kit will require far less welding than the 60 kit. I am working on getting the rear fender flare area extended to allow fitment on newer FZJ80's and LX450's.

Anyway, could I get a roll call of the folks who would be willing to put money down (show me that you are in the game) and will get the design finalized and a hopefully in the next couple of weeks can get a prototype done.