Built a rear bumper

Main goal was to get the hitch up higher so it doesn't drag all the time. I put together a Coastal Offroad front bumper a few months ago, but this is the first time I've built one from scratch.

First step was to make the hitch. It's all 1/4" steel and 2.5x.25 tube. Brackets bolt to the factory holes in the frame.


Figuring out the skin. It's 3/16 steel. Tried to get some angles on there so it's not too boxy looking.


After spending hours and hours smoothing out seams


Primer and Raptor Liner


Just need to paint the inside of the bumper and install it now

 

Nice work!

 

Looks great!
The stock hitch is really low, good job making more clearance!

 

Nice work. Just out of curiosity, how do you access the cross hole for the hitch pin?

 

Just reach up behind the bumper. Plenty of room to get to the pin.

 

Nice

Did you consider notching the crossmember and receiver tubes? Would've gotten some mechanical interlocking and been able to raise the assembly up another ~1.25".

 

I didn't really want to go any higher than the bottom of the bumper because that would require some huge drop hitch. The receiver where it is now is about 7.5" higher than stock.

 

Are you taking orders?

 

Nice!! Learning to weld is on my list of things to do - what welder are you using? Do you like it?

 

no way. I like making stuff, and I don't want to ruin things by turning it into a job. Plus, I'm not a good enough fabricator to take other people money.

I have a Hobart 210MVP. It's a pretty basic mig machine but I like it.

 

Nice - i have been looking at the Hobart 140, they are a highly rec'd brand for sure! Thanks man!

 

Probably cant go wrong with that, but if you have access to a 220 outlet or think you might in the future, I would definitely recommend a dual voltage welder.

 

Hmm, i do have 220 outlet in my garage, so it might be worth it. I need to learn more before I pull the trigger. I try to live by the 'buy once cry once' lol
.

 

You can do a lot with 110, but if you can swing it, 220 is way better.

weldingtipsandtricks on youtube has a lot of good videos and a whole series on learning mig.

 

Nice - I'll check them out. Since time really isn't an issue - there is no immediate budget - makes it easier to stack little for something that would be worth it.

 

Hell of job on that bumper! I've been seriously considering fabbing one up myself if I can get the materials cheap enough.

 

So you’re just going to leave us hanging without a picture of it painted and installed ?!?!!! Outrageous

Great job building exactly what you wanted!

It’s a great way to learn and save money doing it. I also made my own bumpers.

I love making stuff!

 

All done.


The hitch plug is tucked up behind the bumper now.

 

I think it looks great! Similar to the sso bumper for the taco.

 

Looks great to me

 

Looks good. I know someone is thinking it so I'll mention it.....please post a rear shot at some point.