Builds Tex's 2019 GX460 build
- Thread starter Tex68w
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- #162
I got fed up with waiting on the insurance companies to get their crap together and I have decided to go ahead and do the bumper install myself. Luckily after removing the front bumper facia and inspecting the clips I discovered that it can be reused after trimming so that's a big win there. I will likely use the insurance money for a few other accessories with my shop once it's all worked out and the insurance pays up in the next few weeks.
I will say that the instructions included with this bumper are down right atrocious. They are more like vague suggestions, the few pictures included are dark and don't show detailed aspects of how and where to mount the support brackets. There are no illustrations, the hardware isn't marked or separated, they don't mention which hardware goes where or in what orientation, it's about as bad as you can get with this. The tolerances are extremely tight for the winch cradle support brackets and I had to use a dead blow and a pry bar to make things fit where they needed to go.
After looking at a few pics online from others who have recently done the install and simply by a process of elimination, I got it all worked out and the winch cradle is finally in, this is about 1/3 of the overall work. I plan to tackle installing the parking sensors and BD lights in the bumper tomorrow and hopefully if I have enough time I will get around to trimming the plastic facia as well (this will likely be the most time consuming step).
If all goes well and my schedule accommodates, I should have the bumper hung and all buttoned up by Tuesday evening. I plan to install the winch in the coming weeks after I have finished my dual battery install.
I will say that the instructions included with this bumper are down right atrocious. They are more like vague suggestions, the few pictures included are dark and don't show detailed aspects of how and where to mount the support brackets. There are no illustrations, the hardware isn't marked or separated, they don't mention which hardware goes where or in what orientation, it's about as bad as you can get with this. The tolerances are extremely tight for the winch cradle support brackets and I had to use a dead blow and a pry bar to make things fit where they needed to go.
After looking at a few pics online from others who have recently done the install and simply by a process of elimination, I got it all worked out and the winch cradle is finally in, this is about 1/3 of the overall work. I plan to tackle installing the parking sensors and BD lights in the bumper tomorrow and hopefully if I have enough time I will get around to trimming the plastic facia as well (this will likely be the most time consuming step).
If all goes well and my schedule accommodates, I should have the bumper hung and all buttoned up by Tuesday evening. I plan to install the winch in the coming weeks after I have finished my dual battery install.
It’s definitely a fun project!
- Thread starter
- #164
I want to thank @BMRisko for posting a pic of his homemade brackets for adapting the Baja Designs Squadrons to the Ironman bumper fog light brackets, it made my life a lot easier. I bent some up tonight and I am very happy with how they turned out and all for only $4 in aluminum and some hardware. And thanks to all of you who suggested the o-rings and rubber washers for the parking sensors.
Tex, please document the whole process of installing the bumper. It looks like I will get the same bumper. If there are any other parts that are needed for the install please share that as well.
Love the fogs lights. Can’t wait to upgrade mine. Lights are just so damn expensive. Super stoked on the bumper for you.
- Thread starter
- #167
Yes, lights have gotten out of control expensive. Once I finish this build (I plan to run LP6's on the bumper and a mixture of S2's, S1's, and Squadrons on the rest of the truck) I will more than likely move on to another light brand. I love the look and quality of Baja Designs and the fact that they make them state side is a big plus, but they are just unbelievably expensive and I am no longer willing to play that game.
The bumper and winch should be wrapped up by today or tomorrow. I have high hopes for the end result, I just fear it might require a spring change due to the added weight up front. I have the performance +110 lb springs so maybe, just maybe it'll work without too much sag or wallow.
I have the the performance springs as well. With just the bumper I have a rake forward. No winch yet. I’ve been meaning to reach out to Ironman for the stench so I can adjust my coils to get some lift back. I love the way it rides now with the weight though.
Does +110 lb springs mean you have 700lb springs in the front? That's what I have. Can't wait to see the pictures.
- Thread starter
- #171
They are the 660 lb springs. They make an 880 lb spring that I might move to should I net more droop/sag out of the front end than I desire with the bumper/winch. I am going to give it a few weeks to settle before I make move on that. The 880 lb springs appear to be green in color.
- Thread starter
- #172
Well the bumper is installed and everything fits and works as it should. Overall I am very happy with this bumper, for under $1100 shipped how can I complain?! I ended up going with the new Gen 3 Smittybuilt XRC 9.5 Comp winch, it has some really neat features, a fast and quiet 7HP motor and a very good warranty. I couldn't justify more than double for the Warn Zeon when the warranties are the same. I ordered the Factor 55 offset fairlead, Flatlink E and rope guard for it as well which should clean up the front end a bit. I don't like how the front license plate is currently mounted so I am going to explore there options there but at least I am legal for now. Stupid Texas front plate law.
We were able to mount the control box offset of center and still keep it hidden within the bumper, the only catch was the need for an easier access to the plug for the winch remote. Curling your arm up, in and around through the cutout on the top of the bumper wasn't ideal and somewhat uncomfortable so I opted to cut a hole through the top of the engine/radiator cowling. This way I can still route the remote cable through the top of the bumper while guiding it into the plug with my other hand from above. I cleaned up the cut with some smaller edge trim, I did the radiator cap as well.
The fogs are running off of the factory switch and the DRL's are a nice touch that I wasn't expecting. The parking sensors worked out well after shimming the openings with rubber washers and neoprene o-rings, they function properly with no alignment issues. Eventually I will mount a pair of Baja Designs LP6's on top of the bumper and in front of the grille. I need to figure out whether or not I need to use an in-line resistor for the signals or if I can use an all new flasher relay because now that the front is LED the flash rate is too fast.
The factory bumper bits removed weigh 67 lbs, the winch only weighs 66 lbs so that's a wash. The bumper itself is 134 lbs so I added roughly 133 lbs up front. The performance springs are rated at +110 lbs so I am only 20-ish pounds over their rating and so far I don't think that the heavy +200 lb springs will be needed. The front end dropped about 1/2" after adding everything which I can live with, but if it settles much more than that I will have to consider heavier springs or possibly a spacer.
I have a RCI skid plate on order and I am still looking into the different tow hook options out there for this vehicle. Roof rack is next and I think it'll tie in nicely with the bar work on the bumper, I've just gotta decide on which one to get and pull the trigger.
We were able to mount the control box offset of center and still keep it hidden within the bumper, the only catch was the need for an easier access to the plug for the winch remote. Curling your arm up, in and around through the cutout on the top of the bumper wasn't ideal and somewhat uncomfortable so I opted to cut a hole through the top of the engine/radiator cowling. This way I can still route the remote cable through the top of the bumper while guiding it into the plug with my other hand from above. I cleaned up the cut with some smaller edge trim, I did the radiator cap as well.
The fogs are running off of the factory switch and the DRL's are a nice touch that I wasn't expecting. The parking sensors worked out well after shimming the openings with rubber washers and neoprene o-rings, they function properly with no alignment issues. Eventually I will mount a pair of Baja Designs LP6's on top of the bumper and in front of the grille. I need to figure out whether or not I need to use an in-line resistor for the signals or if I can use an all new flasher relay because now that the front is LED the flash rate is too fast.
The factory bumper bits removed weigh 67 lbs, the winch only weighs 66 lbs so that's a wash. The bumper itself is 134 lbs so I added roughly 133 lbs up front. The performance springs are rated at +110 lbs so I am only 20-ish pounds over their rating and so far I don't think that the heavy +200 lb springs will be needed. The front end dropped about 1/2" after adding everything which I can live with, but if it settles much more than that I will have to consider heavier springs or possibly a spacer.
I have a RCI skid plate on order and I am still looking into the different tow hook options out there for this vehicle. Roof rack is next and I think it'll tie in nicely with the bar work on the bumper, I've just gotta decide on which one to get and pull the trigger.
Looks great! Well done! You have any pictures of the winch on the tray? I’m still looking at winch options
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- #174
- Thread starter
- #175
We took a short drive up the coast to Sargent, TX this morning for some fish tacos and a stroll along the beach. It was nice to get outside after all of the storms we've been having this past week. The bumper is growing on me but I am pretty certain I am going to move up to a heavier rate spring up front to gain back some lift, it's a little too stink bug looking for my taste. I have a few new creaks and rattles I need to track down now as well, that stuff eats at me like nails on a chalk board lol.
r2m
Richard
I don't have any issues with drooping, but my issues are more with big dips and hitting them at speed. I sometimes hit my bump stops.
- Thread starter
- #177
I haven't experienced that yet but I did hear the passenger side tire ever so slightly rubbed something but I don't see where it touched. It's funny, I never rubbed prior to the bumper and now I have more fore and aft clearance and yet I got a rub lol. I think I'll be ordering the +110-220 lb springs tomorrow.
r2m
Richard
I guess it's "rubbing" you the wrong way?
Any rubbing I had was the plastic in the wheel wells. I just trimmed it until no more rub.
Tex - Looks great. Similar path in Seattle - I'll update my thread, but have the smittybilt installed this afternoon.... Pls post a picture of your controller location. I decided to go for full access on front bumper... I have the BD LP6 harness, so that will go in next week. I like your squadron R in the front bumper - that is on my future shopping list once this round is paid for... (and tips on those welcome).
