Has anyone RECENTLY done a DIY rear swingout bumper?

[rahksi]

Do it yourself can be done for less money, and you can end up with a nice finished product. But here's what most people don't think about before they start a project like this from scratch.

First do they have the required skills to engineer the bumper and complete it's construction, and second, do they own, or have access to the required tools for a job like this.

This last one can be an expensive hurtle for many to overcome for a one off project. Having access to a full shop with say a metal lathe, milling machine, drill press, band saw and a Mig, or Tig welder sure makes this kind of fab work a heck of a alot easier.

That being said, if they don't have the skills, or tools for a job like this, then i whole heartily agree with you, spend the money and buy a prefabbed kit, or better yet a completed bumper. In the long run it'll be easier, and a much cheaper way for them to get the bumper they want.

I have the (hobbyist version) of most tools and have done minor fabbing in the past. I am looking for a good build thread or something to go off of though and get ideas.

 

[Rifleman]

I have the (hobbyist version) of most tools and have done minor fabbing in the past. I am looking for a good build thread or something to go off of though and get ideas.

I think you'll be able to fab most of the items you want using a limited amount of tools if you have a metal chop/cutoff saw, mig welder, a hand drill, along with a set of drill bits and a set of threading taps.

The one item you won't be able to made because it's made on a metal lathe, is the swing out arms pivot shaft, pivot shaft housing, along with the pivot bearings, so you'll need to source a vendor to buy those items from.

What i would do is model up the bumper you think you would like to build on a cad program on your lap top to proof out your idea BEFORE you start cutting and welding any steel. Once you have the idea proofed out then buy the steel and start cutting and welding.

 

[Broski]

It absolutely can be done. I built my rear bumper but it’s a tube bumper. And no swing outs.
I’m about to help my good friend build a rear bumper for his 100 series with swing outs.
But he got the labs swing outs for free and some metal to go with them.

If you starting from scratch I still think a kit is the way to go.
It’s going to save time & money and net you a better bumper. IMO

 

[1MAC]

Once I’m ready to swing, I’ll do the General Green swing-out on OEM bumper. Super classy look and form-fitting.

They haven’t been selling them for a while now. I’m waiting for the next run from @SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr His looks much better.

 

[rahksi]

I think you'll be able to fab most of the items you want using a limited amount of tools if you have a metal chop/cutoff saw, mig welder, a hand drill, along with a set of drill bits and a set of threading taps.

The one item you won't be able to made because it's made on a metal lathe, is the swing out arms pivot shaft, pivot shaft housing, along with the pivot bearings, so you'll need to source a vendor to buy those items from.

What i would do is model up the bumper you think you would like to build on a cad program on your lap top to proof out your idea BEFORE you start cutting and welding any steel. Once you have the idea proofed out then buy the steel and start cutting and welding.

I have a plasma cutter, mig welder, and the rest.

I CANNOT cad to save my life.

 

[lumbee1]

I learned how to weld while building my 4x4Lab kit in 2017. While I can appreciate a DIY solution (my roof rack is homemade) I'm glad I used a kit. The pieces fit together perfectly and it is well engineered.

2017

2025

 

[Rifleman]

I have a plasma cutter, mig welder, and the rest.

I CANNOT cad to save my life.

Since you can't use cad to design your bumper, you can always do it the old fashion way. Use a tape measure, pencil, and some graph paper to draw up a small scale blue print. Then use math and geometry to prove that your design will work when swung open, or closed.

 

[Gascan]

They haven’t been selling them for a while now. I’m waiting for the next run from @SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr His looks much better.

@SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr 's Swing out is the bee's knees! I have the DIY weld kit and absolutely love it; his new bolt-up design appears ingenious and I'd be first in line if I needed one. I know the 4x4Labs was mentioned but the drawback with that one has always been that you lose the rated trailer hitch; say what you will, but I like the ability to rent a trailer at U-Haul every 8.5 years, if need be. When all is said and done, expect to spend approx. $1500 with a DIY kit that you get for under $1k... despite that, there is something extra special when you see an 80 series, your own or otherwise, with a spare tire hanging on the rear end.