Those narrow off-camber sections would definitely put a few hair on one's chest!It's a puckerer for sure. This video makes my heart pound. Narrated by Sammy's ball joints.
Dropbox
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Builds Gerry's Build thread: "If it happens again I'm buying an Abrams" (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter MongooseGA
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sammybones
Study in Moppishness
Nope that’s not the one. I found it, I just can’t figure out how to post it
sammybones
Study in Moppishness
Waiting to hear your impressions on the TT rear bumper
- Thread starter
- #267
Waiting for it to be finished. Need to tap a few threads still and final hardware will be here by Tuesday/Wednesday. Need to install lighting as well. I'm no good with electrical so I may have a friend help.
So far, impressions are good. I'll do a write up from install on, have lots of pics.
I have a lovely tribute planned for my original rear bumper. Get your tissues and Sarah McLaughlin albums ready.
So far, impressions are good. I'll do a write up from install on, have lots of pics.
I have a lovely tribute planned for my original rear bumper. Get your tissues and Sarah McLaughlin albums ready.
Bama4door
Supporting Vendor
That's off 621 in Talladega NF. Once you crossed that "creek" rock climb, did you go left or right? We went right and it's super tight and pinstripe city (and we had to go around a closed gate to get out).I think I know that one. I can't find it either.
I've got this one where I did my bumper dirty. I think this was in Alabama though?
Dropbox
- Thread starter
- #269
Well, we definitely ended up pretty pin-stripey...
- Thread starter
- #271
I hope it involves my new toy
Aw man, she's really hung in there for me. The new toy is going to meet my exhaust today, though.
- Thread starter
- #272
Teaser pics:
- Thread starter
- #273
So I bought a bumper.
But before we get to that, let's remember my old rear bumper. Play this for the full effect:
Good ol' Bumpy, she was a good bumper. Born in Japan in early 2005 (or possibly mid to late 2004, not sure), she's been stuck to Gerry for years.
I'll never forget the first time I took this truck to the mountains. I was showing off to my then GF how the AHC works while simultaneously backing the truck into a spot for a picnic. I was also checking out a built LX just up the way a bit, got distracted, and pushed Bumpy into a tree.
(Literally, it was that tree right behind me. I was looking at the one next to it)
Thus began an apathetic relationship between Bumpy and I. I didn't care when she got hit, and she didn't care that I never actually waxed that part of my truck.
As time went on, Bumpy took some more bumps. She took rocks to the (bumper) face in Tennessee, has dragged ass over red Georgia clay, and scrubbed earthen walls as a sacrificial piece of body to keep the truck upright.
(Pictured: Bumpy and her dumb sister Resonatoria getting creamed in Tennessee)
I even drilled some holes in her face so I could stick some valve stems through it.. I only used 2, but there were really 3 holes because I decided I didn't like where the first one went. She just took it.
But Bumpy wasn't long for this world, not from the day I bought this truck. So...
I cut that b***ch off...
But before we get to that, let's remember my old rear bumper. Play this for the full effect:
Good ol' Bumpy, she was a good bumper. Born in Japan in early 2005 (or possibly mid to late 2004, not sure), she's been stuck to Gerry for years.
I'll never forget the first time I took this truck to the mountains. I was showing off to my then GF how the AHC works while simultaneously backing the truck into a spot for a picnic. I was also checking out a built LX just up the way a bit, got distracted, and pushed Bumpy into a tree.
(Literally, it was that tree right behind me. I was looking at the one next to it)
Thus began an apathetic relationship between Bumpy and I. I didn't care when she got hit, and she didn't care that I never actually waxed that part of my truck.
As time went on, Bumpy took some more bumps. She took rocks to the (bumper) face in Tennessee, has dragged ass over red Georgia clay, and scrubbed earthen walls as a sacrificial piece of body to keep the truck upright.
(Pictured: Bumpy and her dumb sister Resonatoria getting creamed in Tennessee)
I even drilled some holes in her face so I could stick some valve stems through it.. I only used 2, but there were really 3 holes because I decided I didn't like where the first one went. She just took it.
But Bumpy wasn't long for this world, not from the day I bought this truck. So...
I cut that b***ch off...
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- Thread starter
- #274
Play this for effect:
And her dumb sister Resonatoria, too.
Now that I've gotten that foolishness out of the way, on to the good stuff.
And her dumb sister Resonatoria, too.
Now that I've gotten that foolishness out of the way, on to the good stuff.
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- Thread starter
- #275
I ordered my new bumper from @TRAIL TAILOR . He'd teased a few rear bumper pics for a while but didn't seem to be heading toward large scale production on them. I think I caught Jason on just the right day when I asked for one of these bad boys, because now I've got it!
I added a few things to this above what the base bumper would have been. Options and custom stuff. For options, I selected:
-Dual swing arms. DS is triple jerry can/cooler holder, PS is spare tire.
-Powder coat in smooth satin
-Hi-lift jack mount
-Prepped for lighting (has the cut outs for 2" cubes and 3-ways)
For custom stuff, I asked Jason to add:
-Quarter panel hoops (so glad to have these)
-Individual latches for my swing arms. Since I don't intend to run both of these arms during normal road driving, I wanted to be able to run the spare tire alone. The standard design would have had them latching together, so this was a slight change from the base.
To prep the truck for installation, I removed the old bumper with I think 4-6 bolts. There are actually more, but my tupperware had been ripped from some of the bolts at the very back, so only 4ish at the wheel well were holding it on.
Then, chop that cross member! I had an excuse to buy a reciprocating saw and jumped on it. Made the job much quicker than using a cut off wheel alone.
Once the frame was cut, I cleaned up the edges and primed/painted the rails. I also masked off and painted the bottom jamb of the tail gate so that it blended in behind the bumper.
Pictured above: My new Tough Dog tour-flex springs. I installed these after chopping the frame but before putting the new bumper on. Couldn't argue with a little extra head room to do the job...
Then I prepped the bumper with accessories until I had a second set of hands to help me hand it. This sucker is big. And heavy. So no matter how smart I think may be sometimes, it wasn't gonna happen with just me and a floor jack..
Installed the pop-pin slide plates:
I added a few things to this above what the base bumper would have been. Options and custom stuff. For options, I selected:
-Dual swing arms. DS is triple jerry can/cooler holder, PS is spare tire.
-Powder coat in smooth satin
-Hi-lift jack mount
-Prepped for lighting (has the cut outs for 2" cubes and 3-ways)
For custom stuff, I asked Jason to add:
-Quarter panel hoops (so glad to have these)
-Individual latches for my swing arms. Since I don't intend to run both of these arms during normal road driving, I wanted to be able to run the spare tire alone. The standard design would have had them latching together, so this was a slight change from the base.
To prep the truck for installation, I removed the old bumper with I think 4-6 bolts. There are actually more, but my tupperware had been ripped from some of the bolts at the very back, so only 4ish at the wheel well were holding it on.
Then, chop that cross member! I had an excuse to buy a reciprocating saw and jumped on it. Made the job much quicker than using a cut off wheel alone.
Once the frame was cut, I cleaned up the edges and primed/painted the rails. I also masked off and painted the bottom jamb of the tail gate so that it blended in behind the bumper.
Pictured above: My new Tough Dog tour-flex springs. I installed these after chopping the frame but before putting the new bumper on. Couldn't argue with a little extra head room to do the job...
Then I prepped the bumper with accessories until I had a second set of hands to help me hand it. This sucker is big. And heavy. So no matter how smart I think may be sometimes, it wasn't gonna happen with just me and a floor jack..
Installed the pop-pin slide plates:
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- Thread starter
- #276
Finally, after waiting hours for someone to get home and lend me 45 seconds and their back, I was able to hang the bumper.
Don't mind that women's car in the back ground.
Four big M14 bolts go through the ends of the bumper's cross member and straight into the ends of the frame. Once they'd been spun in, the fun stuff started.
I am the first person to install my own TT rear bumper, everyone else has had theirs done by Jason's shop; so, I was a little short on hardware. No biggie. I'm a whiz on McMaster + Carr now.
While I waited for that to arrive, I started assembling the swing arms.
I did the tire carrier first because no reason. Grease the bearings and set to the side. Grease the o-ring for the threaded cap and set aside. Clean the spindle. I used some glass cleaner and steel wool to start, then rubbed it with a blue shop towel and a thin layer of bearing grease. Slide on the bottom grease seal. I like to fill mine with grease, so I did that and pushed the first bearing down into it. Rub any excess grease oozing from the seal around the outside of the bearing. Now, slide on the swing arm and follow with the 2nd bearing, upside-down. Then big flat washer.
Here's the fun part- using one arm to hold the swing arm, start threading on the lock not to the top of the spindle, gently rocking the swing arm while you do it to ensure it's being seated flag and snug. Next, rummage through your perfectly organized socket drawer and refuse to admit to yourself that you just don't have a socket this size, no matter how many times you check the organizer. Relegate yourself to using a giant crescent wrench and regret it the whole time but not enough to go to the store and buy the correct socket... yet. Thread on the really cool looking top-cap and realize you also don't have a socket for this either. Resolve to use an old t-shirt and huge pair of channel locks. Be proud of yourself for not scratching it. Convince your OCD not to care that the TT logo is not quite square to the 'nut' on the cap and that it's a design feature (It's square to the bumper when the arm is open). Screw in the pop-pin.
Now, let's install the latches. No pictures here, it's pretty obvious. Remove the pin from the pivot point of the latch. Get it started in the hole of the tab on the bumper. Be both impressed and frustrated by how thorough the power coater was because this sucker is SNUG. Get a big punch. And a bigger hammer. Drive the pin into the hole until it's flush on the inside of the tab. Insert the latch. Keep driving the pin until it sits flush on the outer edge of both tabs. Install teflon/plastic pads to the under side of the swing arm. These will act as a slide should the arm be super heavy and lean any. I don't foresee it happening. Install rubber bumper on the swing arm so you don't Hulk-smash it into the bumper one day. Adjust and set the latch once these last two things have been done.
And in the end, you get this!
Don't mind that women's car in the back ground.
Four big M14 bolts go through the ends of the bumper's cross member and straight into the ends of the frame. Once they'd been spun in, the fun stuff started.
I am the first person to install my own TT rear bumper, everyone else has had theirs done by Jason's shop; so, I was a little short on hardware. No biggie. I'm a whiz on McMaster + Carr now.
While I waited for that to arrive, I started assembling the swing arms.
I did the tire carrier first because no reason. Grease the bearings and set to the side. Grease the o-ring for the threaded cap and set aside. Clean the spindle. I used some glass cleaner and steel wool to start, then rubbed it with a blue shop towel and a thin layer of bearing grease. Slide on the bottom grease seal. I like to fill mine with grease, so I did that and pushed the first bearing down into it. Rub any excess grease oozing from the seal around the outside of the bearing. Now, slide on the swing arm and follow with the 2nd bearing, upside-down. Then big flat washer.
Here's the fun part- using one arm to hold the swing arm, start threading on the lock not to the top of the spindle, gently rocking the swing arm while you do it to ensure it's being seated flag and snug. Next, rummage through your perfectly organized socket drawer and refuse to admit to yourself that you just don't have a socket this size, no matter how many times you check the organizer. Relegate yourself to using a giant crescent wrench and regret it the whole time but not enough to go to the store and buy the correct socket... yet. Thread on the really cool looking top-cap and realize you also don't have a socket for this either. Resolve to use an old t-shirt and huge pair of channel locks. Be proud of yourself for not scratching it. Convince your OCD not to care that the TT logo is not quite square to the 'nut' on the cap and that it's a design feature (It's square to the bumper when the arm is open). Screw in the pop-pin.
Now, let's install the latches. No pictures here, it's pretty obvious. Remove the pin from the pivot point of the latch. Get it started in the hole of the tab on the bumper. Be both impressed and frustrated by how thorough the power coater was because this sucker is SNUG. Get a big punch. And a bigger hammer. Drive the pin into the hole until it's flush on the inside of the tab. Insert the latch. Keep driving the pin until it sits flush on the outer edge of both tabs. Install teflon/plastic pads to the under side of the swing arm. These will act as a slide should the arm be super heavy and lean any. I don't foresee it happening. Install rubber bumper on the swing arm so you don't Hulk-smash it into the bumper one day. Adjust and set the latch once these last two things have been done.
And in the end, you get this!
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- Thread starter
- #277
Repeat the process for the other side. Also pictured are the 3-way lights that came with the kit.
I went to install the Rigid lights that came with my bumper, but ultimately decided I'd prefer a flush-mount in this application. I will re-use the Rigid lights either under my rear spoiler or as ditch lights, maybe. New flush-mounts should be in by the end of the week.
While I was doing this, I realized how much more exposed my tail pipe and resonator were. Since I've already crushed the tail pipe several times, it seemed like a great time to chop the whole thing off. And, since I have this sweet new toy, I did just that. Primed and painted the new 'tip'.
Video clip below. It's not as loud in person, I don't think. At least, not from the cabin. Maybe some people this weekend can let me know if it needs to be replaced.
www.dropbox.com
I went to install the Rigid lights that came with my bumper, but ultimately decided I'd prefer a flush-mount in this application. I will re-use the Rigid lights either under my rear spoiler or as ditch lights, maybe. New flush-mounts should be in by the end of the week.
While I was doing this, I realized how much more exposed my tail pipe and resonator were. Since I've already crushed the tail pipe several times, it seemed like a great time to chop the whole thing off. And, since I have this sweet new toy, I did just that. Primed and painted the new 'tip'.
Video clip below. It's not as loud in person, I don't think. At least, not from the cabin. Maybe some people this weekend can let me know if it needs to be replaced.
Dropbox
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #278
When my hardware arrived I finished attaching the wings to the frame. On my truck the captured nuts weren't centered in their holes, so I had to do a little trimming. I also ran a M14x1.5 tap through each of these threads.
I switched to a cutting wheel vs grinding stone on my dremel after this first one, the rest ended up much cleaner. Prime and paint the exposed metal.
Then position the brackets against the frame. There are 3 M14x1.5 bolts for each of them. They'll tie in to the wing of the bumper and get a nut and bolt there. I used M10x1.75 (or 1.25). It doesn't matter which. The ear from the bracket will slide in to rest on the opposite side of the bumper's wing. See pic.
I recommend doing these brackets before installing the swing arms. I didn't have the M14 bolts until later so I did the arms first.
Then I ran the air lines for my air lift bags. I masked off an area, punched two holes, drilled the bumper, and ran the lines to them. I sprayed it with a quick shot of satin spray paint at the exposed metal. Note: I'm a child who recently bought his first label maker.
The bumper is awesome. It's exactly what I would have wanted had I designed it myself. It's about as high clearance as you can get, looks great, holds what I need it to, and seems to be super tough. There's a 2" receiver built in to replace the one that I chopped out. The cross member is beefy as hell. There's no give in the swing arms, no movement when they're latched, and no noise to be heard when driving. It's tight to the body and doesn't have any larger gaps than necessary. Fit and finish is excellent. Note- for the LX, it is juuuust touching the wrap-around cladding on the quarters where it meets the tail gate when the gate is lowered. The spare tire mount has holes all over for adding accessories to it. I'm still mounting my hi-lift mount, more on that another time. Will think of some other accessories I may like to add in the future.
Will try to get some finished pictures tomorrow. Truck got a much needed bath tonight and then it got dark.
I switched to a cutting wheel vs grinding stone on my dremel after this first one, the rest ended up much cleaner. Prime and paint the exposed metal.
Then position the brackets against the frame. There are 3 M14x1.5 bolts for each of them. They'll tie in to the wing of the bumper and get a nut and bolt there. I used M10x1.75 (or 1.25). It doesn't matter which. The ear from the bracket will slide in to rest on the opposite side of the bumper's wing. See pic.
I recommend doing these brackets before installing the swing arms. I didn't have the M14 bolts until later so I did the arms first.
Then I ran the air lines for my air lift bags. I masked off an area, punched two holes, drilled the bumper, and ran the lines to them. I sprayed it with a quick shot of satin spray paint at the exposed metal. Note: I'm a child who recently bought his first label maker.
The bumper is awesome. It's exactly what I would have wanted had I designed it myself. It's about as high clearance as you can get, looks great, holds what I need it to, and seems to be super tough. There's a 2" receiver built in to replace the one that I chopped out. The cross member is beefy as hell. There's no give in the swing arms, no movement when they're latched, and no noise to be heard when driving. It's tight to the body and doesn't have any larger gaps than necessary. Fit and finish is excellent. Note- for the LX, it is juuuust touching the wrap-around cladding on the quarters where it meets the tail gate when the gate is lowered. The spare tire mount has holes all over for adding accessories to it. I'm still mounting my hi-lift mount, more on that another time. Will think of some other accessories I may like to add in the future.
Will try to get some finished pictures tomorrow. Truck got a much needed bath tonight and then it got dark.
- Thread starter
- #279
Besides installing the reverse lights and wiring everything, this install is done!
I present to you: the best looking 100 there is.
I present to you: the best looking 100 there is.
- Thread starter
- #280
What's next for Gerry?
Crap, IDK. Everything I ever really wanted to do with the truck has been done. There's not much, if anything, left for maintenance besides ongoing stuff like oil/lubes. Alternator might come up as I haven't replaced it, but it's still kicking out 13.5+V so no immediate concerns.
I need to re-index my torsion bars. Need to re-foam the rest of my speakers (kit is on my workbench now). Would like to rebuild my drawers now that I've gotten some usage under my belt with them. Want to incorporate on-board air, power, and water into them. I really would like to have my seats reskinned as they're driving me crazy. It's a pet peeve of mine but has been low priority. Dual battery eventually. Accessory lighting. Forced induction...
Crap, IDK. Everything I ever really wanted to do with the truck has been done. There's not much, if anything, left for maintenance besides ongoing stuff like oil/lubes. Alternator might come up as I haven't replaced it, but it's still kicking out 13.5+V so no immediate concerns.
I need to re-index my torsion bars. Need to re-foam the rest of my speakers (kit is on my workbench now). Would like to rebuild my drawers now that I've gotten some usage under my belt with them. Want to incorporate on-board air, power, and water into them. I really would like to have my seats reskinned as they're driving me crazy. It's a pet peeve of mine but has been low priority. Dual battery eventually. Accessory lighting. Forced induction...
