Red or Yellow?

I'm in the process of working on a High clearance, tube style bumper that will maintain the stock Hitch (if desired) and all sensors.

I'm looking to get some input on where to actually make the cut.

I want to hear why also.

 

Subd..

 

Here’s a pic of Zac’s truck. @Spolar

 

Looks like he went closer to the yellow line

 

Yeah, I would think you'd have to. The bumper can only go so high, need to give the tailgate some space to open.

 

Yeah I've been under a few time too look at tailgate mounting and and any other hardware to consider. Neither option would interfere with the Tailgate.

 

The bend in the fender at the red line, if you make your cut below it, will give the cut edge some rigidity and strength.
An unhemmed cut edge on sheet metal moves and waves, looking like crap.

 

That makes sense. I may have to consider a bracket to secure the body of I do the red line.

 

Exactly. Went as high as I could go

 

@boardude and @Porschetech29 both have high bumpers for good departure angle. Look at their trucks for good ideas on where to cut. It depends on how you attach the bumper to the frame. I think yellow is more realistic.

 

@Porschetech29 needs to create that build thread

 

I vote yellow

 

That helps a ton!

 

@Mwray8909 see you on sat

 

Are you removing the stock hitch?
Whatever you do you need to keep the stock hitch or duplicate it higher to tie the frame together with something beefy. You can't just assume the bumper will be strong enough. You need a big piece of steel specifically welded across the back between the frame. Otherwise you will eventually have the issue I am having where the bed is tearing apart.

 

My bumper will have to include a hitch. I actually plan to add support to the frame anyway. I know most folks do need or use the hitch. We will be duplicating it higher by about 3 inches but tucking it in closer by an Inch as well.

 

I integrated my hitch into my bumper also but its not strong enough to keep the bed flex under control. I need to add a 4in square steel tube to brace across the back of the frame. Also adding a bed cage/RTT rack tied into the frame and boxing the frame.

The design of the stock hitch works like a sway bar to control the flex of the rear frame. Without it the frame flexes too much and has started ripping my bed apart. My tailgate doesn't fit correctly and the floor is pulling away from the bolts that hold it to the frame.