66-77 Broncos

[Broncoholics]

Has anyone used 3/16" (.188) metal for a winch bumper? Its slightly thinner than 1/4" (.250) and want to know if anyone has used it with good luck. I run a Warn 9000i winch and have never had a problem with 1/4". 3/16" will reduce the weight in the bumper big time. I use 3/16" for rock skies and they seem to be very tough.

Below is the bumper idea I might be making soon. Its just a quick sketch but my question to all out there... Will the 9000# winch twist the 3/16" metal?

I plan on using 8x2 3/16" box tube on top of the frame rails with a 45 deg slope down/inwardswards covering the frame rails (skid plate). Then cut the 8x2 box tube at an inward angle so the end of the bumper is only 2". See sketch and give me your thoughts. I hate the weight of 1/4" box tube...

Bumper_idea.bmp

 

[highboy73]

nice design,I wouldn't think with good welds and enuff reinforcement that you would have a prob.

either way it's a damn good lookin bumper

 

[Broncoholics]

I figured it would be OK since I'm using 8x2 box tube and mounting the winch inside of it. I'll have the sides of the open box area reinforced/closed in so it should be twice as strong as just 3/16" plate alone. Plus its much cheaper to buy 3/16" than 1/4" and it lighter. Seems like the way to go. I just don't want to build another bumper if it fails doubling up the winch line with a ****** block. When I get stuck or need to winch down a cliff side and up a verticle wash out I always seem to need the ****** block. The 9000# isn't enough by itself. The bumper side mounts that connect to either side of the frame rails will be 3/8" plate.

 

[highboy73]

sounds like you got it figgured already man

 

[spiel_mit_feuer]

i have an idea for a bumper, how about something like those ARB or TJM bull bars or the plate steel winch bumper for the early bronco, or some kind of an adapter to use newer bronco or even jeep bumpers on the classic bronco, id love to get one of the ARB or TJM bull bars on a classic bronco... the one you shown is pretty nice.. but would be nicer if it had headlight protection and something to mount more lights on it.. something like this http://www.tjmproducts.com.au/images/t1_bar.gif

 

[Broncoholics]

Thats a huge bumper and pricy for that thin .120 steel. You would think a $700 bumper would be made out of Stainless Steel. If you make it yourself use at least .188 on bumper and .250 on frame supports. Round or square tube is OK to protect the grill at .120 with slight denting problems. Thicker is better but you don't want tons of weight eigher.