My rear bumper build

[yota fan!]

I've wanted to do a rear bumper for a LONG time, but that would require time and money. I am unfortunately unemployed so I have a ton of time...but no money. So I am doing a budget rear bumper build to use some of my free time in a productive way. Keep in mind while looking at the pics and reading that this is not a forever bumper. I have been drawing up plans for my dream bumper/tire carrier for about a year so this is just for in the meantime.

Alright so I have really needed a hitch for my truck so I have been searching for a hitch as well. I found this bumper/hitch in a local for sale ad for $50. I talked him down to 40, Then drilled holes in the bumper cause it didnt line up like he said it would. then drilled holes to mount my plate to it.



then I went and bought some steel and got some ideas on how to modify it to something a little more to my liking. Then started &





Then I remembered I had to take my girlfriend out so I threw it on the truck. It doesnt look to bad considering I'm only $60 into it
It does need some recovery points and a lot more work done but this is how it sits now.


I am going to use the factory license plate lights in the holes on the driver side of the bumper. The hole on the other side is for my trailer light plug(which was another project because my truck did not have trailer wiring.)

Feel free to throw me any advice, I might just take it!

[TEJASYOTA]

Looking okay so far.
No real comments on the design...yet.

While you are welding and you mentioned you are working on a design for a tire/bumper - I would go ahead and weld on the reinforcement plates on the frame.

[yota fan!]

Yeah I really want to get the frame reinforced(I'm going to have a 4 wheeler in the back and be pulling a tent trailer later this summer). But I don't have anything to block my gas tank from sparks so I'm kinda nervous about it. And are their any brand plates you especially like tejas?

[TEJASYOTA]

I have CBI plates. Note that Demello also makes great plates too and I have seen guys make their own too.

As for sparks, I used a damp towel and drape across the wires and lines during the welding process.
No sparks will reach the gas tank.

[yota fan!]

Ok thanks thats good to know. Also do you have any suggestions for where to put any recovery points or how to attach them?

[yota fan!]

also their is no price on CBI's site, do you know what their plates cost?

[ROCTAC]

I think I paid about $80 for mine. Nathan is definately correct about welding the reinforcement plates to the frame especially if you are going to put a tire carrier on the rear bumper. I have seen plenty Tacoma frames bent because of not reinforcing the frame and carrying around a 33" or 35" tire. As far as the recovery points Ballistic fabrication makes some nice weld on d ring brackets. Make sure you use removable d ring clevises and those brackets mentioned earlier if it's a daily driver. Some people use permanent mount d rings, they will rattle the whole time you are on the freeway and drive you crazy! This is fine if it's not a daily driver.
Jason

[yota fan!]

Here's today's progress. I grinded down some edges, then used an 80 grit flap disk and hand sanded a few areas I couldnt get the disk in to. then put 3 coats of primer and 3 coats of paint. In the future I would like to add a backup light(a 3"x5" single light) right above the hitch in the recessed area. here are some pics. I used the factory license plate lights off the original bumper but they dont fit as well as I would like, I was thinking some simple chrome ones with a (roughly) 3"x3" base plate and then a bubble lense to light the plate would be nice. Feel free to give me any suggestions and links to products you have in mind. Thanks guys!

[hytenor]

if you are planning oh towing any kind of weight you'll need to add a lot more triangulation to the framework of the bumper up under the bed. (essentially some cross pieces going from the center point to where the frame brackets end... I\/I ) find someone with a factory tow kit or check out a local U-haul or Draw-tite trailer hitch place and you'll see what I mean. don't forget to add safety chain attachments.
for recovery points I would just get one of those Warn units that fits into your hitch receptacle; welding 3/4" thick shackle mounts requires a much bigger welder than what you show in the pic.

[yota fan!]

Thanks for the advice! It's hard to see but It actually has trailer chain spots in the center. The triangulation is a good idea but the previous owner put way way WAY more weight then I plan to haul and never had a problem. Any suggestions on the license plate lights?

[hytenor]

Originally Posted by yota fan!

Thanks for the advice! It's hard to see but It actually has trailer chain spots in the center. The triangulation is a good idea but the previous owner put way way WAY more weight then I plan to haul and never had a problem. Any suggestions on the license plate lights?

then the previous owner was an idiot. the factory bumper with hitch ball is rated for 3500#, the factory tow kit, 5000#. why? the extra triangulation.

put the plate and a lighted frame up on the tailgate.
Summit Racing has the frames...or just get the lighted bolts for the same effect but cheaper. cut off those light mounts and fill in the holes

[TEJASYOTA]

Originally Posted by yota fan!

Ok thanks thats good to know. Also do you have any suggestions for where to put any recovery points or how to attach them?

Originally Posted by hytenor

The best location to have your recovery points is in-line with the frame rails.
And if you want it to be even stronger, triangulate (brace) the bumper to the frame. Of course the design, type and size of steel you use, will determine how strong it will hold against a pull.

The photos above by Hytenor shows a good location for the recovery points.