Unibody tie in bracket

[dscowell]

How difficult would it be to modify my bumper to fit in a unibody tie in bracket? Would the modifications to the bumper effect the strength of the bumper? Would anyone be able to this for me?

[Popsgarage]

Depends on how the bumper was built to tie into the unibody horns. Most tie in brackets are 3/16" to 1/4" per side so you're looking at moving the bumper mounts 3/8" to 1/2". Again, that depends on how the bumper was fabbed. And yes I could as could several others here. And done properly, you should be able to increase the strength of the bumper as a whole.

[Hypoid]

I knew I saw a picture somewhere!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nAmHmZq2l5s/UlG_hL8edsI/AAAAAAAAAGY/lMc42F-78M4/w530-h709-no/IMG_0150.JPG

[dscowell]

So really to modify the mounting it all depends on how it was orginally put togther? I'll get some more pictures once I take it off.

[Hypoid]

Yes, and then some. :)

I have a hunch that it would be easier to add material to the existing mounts. If it were my bumper, how to add the material would depend on the finish. Has it been painted, or powder coated?

[Popsgarage]

If it were my bumper, how to add the material would depend on the finish. Has it been painted, or powder coated?

I'd have to agree with Mike on this one.

[dscowell]

That's what I was just thinking as well! And the bumper has been powder coated

[Popsgarage]

Well that's a bit of a bummer. Cutting off the existing tabs and making a plate to overlap the steering box stiffener/frame horn plates and the bumper tabs would be one way to do it.

[Hypoid]

I was thinking to use the existing tabs, and add material the same thickness to fill out the bracket's profile. Then, cover that with a one piece bracket, matching the profile of the first bracket. The only unanswered question, is how far into the pocket of the bumper, the second plate should go...if that makes sense?

A few years back, someone on NAXJA posted a file that you could print off, and use as a pattern for the tie-in brackets. I don't know if it is still there.

[Popsgarage]

I was thinking to use the existing tabs, and add material the same thickness to fill out the bracket's profile. Then, cover that with a one piece bracket, matching the profile of the first bracket. The only unanswered question, is how far into the pocket of the bumper, the second plate should go...if that makes sense?

Another, and probably easier, way to do it. If I'm getting what your sayin'? Make the steering brace/frame horn brackets follow the bumper brackets and plate over the top of them where they meet.

[Hypoid]

I'd just as soon go the whole length and have a uniform thickness; it makes my OCD happy. ;)

[dscowell]

I guess yesterday would have been the day to take the bumper off and get pictures. So mike what you are saying is extend bracket that is already there to bolt into more of the unibody then go over it again with another piece of metal. Correct?

[Popsgarage]

I'd just as soon go the whole length and have a uniform thickness; it makes my OCD happy.

Agreed.

[Hypoid]

I guess yesterday would have been the day to take the bumper off and get pictures. So mike what you are saying is extend bracket that is already there to bolt into more of the unibody then go over it again with another piece of metal. Correct?
Yup, that is what I mean! :)

The big question is, how far can we go into the bumper area (with weld), and not ruin the powder coat on the exterior?

[Dutch]

Hey man, you're not too far away from me if you're still in Erie. Come on over and I can show/explain different ways to do this. I have a welder an plasma cutter too so if you bring some plate over I can just help you do it.

[dscowell]

Sweet! Thank you! Don't have anything yet wanted to ask here first. I'll let you know when the time comes.

[Hypoid]

Hey man, you're not too far away from me if you're still in Erie. Come on over and I can show/explain different ways to do this. I have a welder an plasma cutter too so if you bring some plate over I can just help you do it.SWEET! Find out how thick your existing brackets are. I have to cart some axles up to Rich anyway, some 1/4" plate just might fall into the back of my truck. :)

For the sake of posterity, I found the image on NAXJA. Some say the three of the holes don't line up, double check the dimensions before you cut: http://www.twisted-halo.com/digicam/xj/Bumper%20mount.pdf

This also turned up in the google search: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/87Warrior/MJ/HiddenWinchSidePlate6-2.jpg

[dscowell]

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-XCBB&Category_Code=PFX

Get something like this cut one set weld it to the end of the already existing tab then take another set and weld over it?

[Popsgarage]

That framework is awesome Mike. I might borrow some of the basic design for the Comanche.

[Dutch]

I already have a template for mounts that go to the stock bumper bolts and the three steering box bolts. There are identical holes on the passenger side for RHD steering box mounting. I have built and sold several custom bumpers for the XJ/MJ.

[Hypoid]

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-XCBB&Category_Code=PFX

Get something like this cut one set weld it to the end of the already existing tab then take another set and weld over it?First, you catch on quick, I like that! Not everyone can visualize the finished product based on a description. Sometimes, the steps to the objective are a little more involved.

Second, I wouldn't buy something that is easy to make.

Third, I would not make (or buy) a part just to cut it up. Easy as these are to make, you can adapt the pattern to make the smaller part.


I have a welder an plasma cutter too so if you bring some plate over I can just help you do it...

I already have a template for mounts that go to the stock bumper bolts and the three steering box bolts.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!! Train him up, Rich! :thumb:

[Hypoid]

That framework is awesome Mike. I might borrow some of the basic design for the Comanche.I thought you were the google ninja! :lmao:

[Popsgarage]

I thought you were the google ninja!

That is by far the best hidden winch mount for a Cherokee/Comanche I think I've ever seen!:bowdown::thumb::bowdown: I've never come across that one before.