Fabricating a Pre-Runner Bumper

[MastuhWaffles]

In a few weeks or so, I'm getting ready to build myself a pre runner bumper. Its going to be made out of tubes and a skid plate. The problem is, I don't have a pipe bender, and I have to design it to where I can simply put straight tubes together. My plan is for it to be a bolt on, the bottom bolting on to where the sway bar attaches, and the middle being attached to the part where the 2 bolts on the front bumper on. Hopefully it will turn out well, I'll post some pictures of the design. Now for the rear bumper I have to figure out what I want to do with it, I want it to be tubes as well and be I want to be able to stand on it, so I've got an idea for it too, I have to figure out a mount for the license plate lights though.

 

[straycat]

Find a tube bender and make it right the first time, Bro!!! I went to a fab shop years ago before I had a tube bender and they set me up with some help when I was making a rear roll cage for my 69 Boss 'Stang. That is how I got myself a tube bender. See if someone will help you out for cheap or free. It can't hurt to ask.

 

[MastuhWaffles]

Find a tube bender and make it right the first time, Bro!!! I went to a fab shop years ago before I had a tube bender and they set me up with some help when I was making a rear roll cage for my 69 Boss 'Stang. That is how I got myself a tube bender. See if someone will help you out for cheap or free. It can't hurt to ask.

Free would be nice, I'll try and find some place, because if I could bend the tubes that would help out with the structural integrity, besides being durable I want to be able to use it, like with bump gates and etc.. My main plan this weekend is to get my bumper off, and do measurements and refine the design. And I may just leave it off..

 

[MastuhWaffles]

Here's a rough idea, I know the sketch sucks but, its a concept.

 

[TrexMex]

Looks good, I would put two tubes one on top of each other as the "main bumper" for added protection

 

[truckfan]

Looks like a good plan. Can't wait to see the outcome. Keep us posted.

 

[dzrt_ranger]

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-hydraulic-pipe-bender-32888.html

This bender isn't too expensive and it works. Built this with it.

 

[dzrt_ranger]

For license plate lights they sell aftermarket ones, I think autozone does too. I bought some that have the light built into the bolt but they feel weak, I already broke one.

 

[Rangurr]

I really like the concept - I've been toying around with the idea of purchasing a tube-bender as well.. I've got my front and rear bumpers as well as some rock sliders for the sides all designed in my head as well as a few non-ranger related projects such as raft frames, etc.

I Like your design for the front bumper but I agree with TrexMex about doubling up for a main bumper.

Either way, keep us posted - I'm excited to see how this turns out!

 

[dzrt_ranger]

What do you guys mean by doubling up the bumper??

 

[Rangurr]

Here's what I meant by double bars - yes, I know my sketch is crap. I was taking notes for class at the same time

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[dzrt_ranger]

Here's what I meant by double bars - yes, I know my sketch is crap. I was taking notes for class at the same time

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Ohh haha I don't see those too often. Another thing to add strength is make the bumper out of DOM material or Chromoly. It's more expensive but a lot stronger than just mild.

 

[Rangurr]

I personally wouldn't do chromoly unless you have a way to heat-treat it.

Also, I din't want to re-draw but picture that lower bar about 4" lower with a bunch of diagonal pieces of steel tubing connecting them

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\....../......\....../......\....../......\....../
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^ Kind of like that but with the bars at shallower angles.

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\........./ < Here's a side view - same concept
..------

Ignore the .'s - the original post smashed everything together

 

[MastuhWaffles]

I guess I should update this since AgPete reminded me about it. Well I had initial plans on doing this, I still don't have a pipe bender and I got caught up in school. I also took into the account of materials and time it takes. And not doing it right would be costly. So I'm just going to save my money and pick up a already built one, as well as paint it black.

 

[straycat]

Find a custom bumper off a Jeep. They will fit with some mods (bumper brackets). The Jeeps are right at the same size as our Rangers.