Designing my own rear bumper. Is my design sound?

[toy02ota]

Rather than do the easy thing and buy a rear bumper I am wanting to make one my self. Taking measurements and using google sketchup I made this
http://tacomaoffroad.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216

It goes down 8" from the top of the stock bumper is now. I will be working on a 3D model soon but I wanted to see from others who know offroading if this would impede me much on the trails. I just paid her off and am in the process of buying a car for DD and this will be my trail rider

Note I dont do any super heavy off roading as there isnt any to be had here in w. tenn. I really want to get rid of that ugly chrome bumper and I thought I could test myself by making this.

Thanks
Matt

 

[balakay]

I have 3D models somewhere for one I designed. I was trying to get the highest clearance possible but never really got it figured out. If I can find them I'll post them up.

 

[toy02ota]

I have 3D models somewhere for one I designed. I was trying to get the highest clearance possible but never really got it figured out. If I can find them I'll post them up.

That'd be much appreciated. Thanks man

 

[drew02a]

Looks similar to the one TKGN1 did

 

[Silverback]

Rather than do the easy thing and buy a rear bumper I am wanting to make one my self. Taking measurements and using google sketchup I made this
http://tacomaoffroad.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216

It goes down 8" from the top of the stock bumper is now. I will be working on a 3D model soon but I wanted to see from others who know offroading if this would impede me much on the trails. I just paid her off and am in the process of buying a car for DD and this will be my trail rider

Note I dont do any super heavy off roading as there isnt any to be had here in w. tenn. I really want to get rid of that ugly chrome bumper and I thought I could test myself by making this.

Thanks
Matt

Is there a reason you want it to drop down so far? I like the style, but I would make it a little shorter, about 65% of the total height you have now.

 

[toy02ota]

Okay I remeasured and did a 3d rendering.

Front view

view looking from top. (the boxes that measure 4.5" on either side are the kick up things)

view of the eintire thing where angles can kinda be seen

Will I have any problems with the kick ups on my 02? I dont plan on doing any cutting. Also, I will be taking my reciever off and building it behind my license plate which will flip up. Idea, comments, suggestions?

 

[AlienXtx]

6" thick? overkill man, looks good though

 

[toy02ota]

Is it? I was just going with about the same size as the stock. Only the top is 6" thick. The rest of it goes 4.5"

 

[AlienXtx]

well if your going to use it for a step then your good, but depending what thickness metal your using, 4" all the way up would be super strong. Thoses [icture Drew posted of Todds bumper should give you an Idea of thickness and strength because it aint going anywere.

 

[TacoXpo]

One of the more important things that are missing from your design (maybe I missed it) is how you are going to transfer energy to the frame rails - A nice bumper is half the challenge.

 

[toy02ota]

One of the more important things that are missing from your design (maybe I missed it) is how you are going to transfer energy to the frame rails - A nice bumper is half the challenge.

I was going to get the stock brackets to work. Is that what you mean? I was going to use angle iron on the inside of the bumper for a frame and attach the stock bumper brackets to that.

 

[TacoXpo]

I was going to get the stock brackets to work. Is that what you mean? I was going to use angle iron on the inside of the bumper for a frame and attach the stock bumper brackets to that.

I don't know what your bumper is like. The real deal is the factory bumper is for shopping carts traveling at 5 mph. I personally would have the bracket as an integral welded on part of the bumper.

 

[AlienXtx]

again, look at how Todd mounted his to the frame rails, he went straight to them and added a brace.

 

[Silverback]

Well I really think you need to do some more research on your design... specifically the mounting aspect of it. Last thing you need is for it to fail and kill someone.

Check out www.offroadfabnet.com for some great tips and tons of pics from people who have done exactly what you are looking to do.

Also check out Kevins work, you can see some of the frame support brackets. http://s983.photobucket.com/albums/ae314/ArmorTechOffroad/Tacoma Wrap Around Rear Bumper/

 

[TacoXpo]

Well I really think you need to do some more research on your design... specifically the mounting aspect of it. Last thing you need is for it to fail and kill someone.

Check out www.offroadfabnet.com for some great tips and tons of pics from people who have done exactly what you are looking to do.

Also check out Kevins work, you can see some of the frame support brackets. http://s983.photobucket.com/albums/ae314/ArmorTechOffroad/Tacoma Wrap Around Rear Bumper/

Good board and great idea.