ARB Bumper: End Cap Mod vs. Welding Brackets

[Technoplasm]

I'll be installing an ARB bumper soon and I will likely be winching off of it. I know that it's necessary to reinforce the mounting solutions of the bumper if it's gonna see hard use, so I've been wondering how to go about this.

If the end-cap mod is the best solution, I am willing to give it a shot. The only problem is, there aren't many fab shops around here who can make the steel plates for me. I wouldn't really know who to call about it, and I'm not sure if I can find something in a hardware store which would work.

My other option is to just weld the ARB mounting brackets to the frame and use the two tow hook bolt holes, so that it's bolted and welded on both sides. Is this as good or better than doing the end cap mod?

Is it a bad idea to weld on the brackets and still leave the frame without caps? (Could a lack of end caps compromise structural integrity and cause the frame to warp while under use?) Ideally I would just forego the end cap mod entirely and just weld the brackets to the frame in multiple spots, but if the end cap mod is more effective or would still be necessary, I guess I'll do it.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[pauldub]

I think it's more important to put a piece of tube inside of the frame so that the bolt that passes vertically through the bumper bracket and the frame does not tend to crush the frame when it's tightened.

 

[hounddogman]

All you need is 1/4" thick 2"×3" L metal cut about 4 inches long . Stick the 3 " leg inside the frame . http:// http://www.risingsun4x4club.org/forum2/showthread.php?t=23566 Not mine but the same idea .

 

[frodiesel]

All you need is 1/4" thick 2"×3" L metal cut about 4 inches long . Stick the 3 " leg inside the frame . http:// http://www.risingsun4x4club.org/forum2/showthread.php?t=23566 Not mine but the same idea .

Link not working for me


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[the walrus]

Link not working for me


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Try this one:

1996 4runner end cap mod and arb bumper - Rising Sun Member Forums

 

[Technoplasm]

Try this one:

1996 4runner end cap mod and arb bumper - Rising Sun Member Forums

looks easy enough. Should I order the angle iron online or should i bother checking some hardware stores first?

 

[AZTOY]

3g4m!

 

[ltsr]

I don't winch from my ARB bumper now but did prepare the installation with the end cap mod. The bumper from ARB ships with a bunch of hardware. It came with steel plates that my friend and I needed to cut and weld into my frame.

Cut to fit, welded and painted:

 

[Yoter]

I don't winch from my ARB bumper now but did prepare the installation with the end cap mod. The bumper from ARB ships with a bunch of hardware. It came with steel plates that my friend and I needed to cut and weld into my frame.

I did the same^^^
The "Plates" are used on the Taco install they are little rectangular boxes all you need to do is cut off the front of them and weld that into your frame.
I took it to a local muffler guy that does some high end sports car work and he welded them up for me super cheap, I think all he wanted was 50 dollars if I remember correctly. I didn't add a sleeve for the bolt that goes through the frame like [MENTION=135134]pauldub[/MENTION] recommended but that seems like a simple and very intelligent idea, I wish I had thought of that before welding my frame up!

 

[slomatt]

I sleeved mine when I installed the Prado bumper.

- Matt