Bumper gap Fabrication (4x innovation)

[coltonbaxter31]

Okay to start off, I know you can order the 4x innovation bumper to compensate for the body lift gap but I didn't have one on at the time I got the bumper. I also didn't want to cut and weld the bumper brackets to correct the hideous gap.

My first attempt to close the bumper gap was weather stripping

FAIL. It may look good in that picture but but the more it got wet from the rain the more flimsy it got. Which doesn't make since to me because it's weather stripping.

So I decided to do something more permanent and close the gap for sure. I have a 2 inch body lift so I got (2) 4' x2" metal angle. The overall width of the bumper is 7' (angles included)

I made some measurements and market where I would need to bend the metal angle to follow the path of the bumper and to make it as flush as possible.

What I did was cut triangles in the bottom of the angle where I needed the metal to bend to follow the bumper. Then I put it in the vise and bent it to the proper angle.

I then tack welded my newly fabricated piece onto my bumper and I honestly think it looks great. I just need to touch up my bumper from chips and from working on the bumper gap and paint the new fabbed up piece.

 

[coltonbaxter31]

Here it is after being painted and finished. What do you guys think

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[IsaiahC]

Here it is after being painted and finished. What do you guys think

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Well, to the untrained eye, it definitely looks better. But it's kinda like putting Tacoma wheels on a 4Runner: it doesn't look natural. Personally, I would have taken out the body lift.

 

[coltonbaxter31]

Well, to the untrained eye, it definitely looks better. But it's kinda like putting Tacoma wheels on a 4Runner: it doesn't look natural. Personally, I would have taken out the body lift.

Taking the body lift isn't an option anymore since I have 35s. There is no way I would have enough clearance to run them without serious rubbing. That means I would have to sell the tires and buy new ones. The bumper gap was driving me crazy though, so at least with this piece the bumper is flush with the body. I agree, it doesn't look natural but I'll get used to it.


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[WallyWest]

Better, but is there a reason why it's set out in front of the body? In your last picture it would look a lot more natural if it was moved back so it lined up with the grill and headlights.

IMO a better way to fool the eye into not noticing what's going on there would be to fabricate a grill that fits. I mean extend the bottom of the grill down so that it sits right on the bumper. Then you just have to fill the gaps under the headlights and around the side.

 

[pauldub]

Looks like booty fab.

 

[coltonbaxter31]

Looks like booty fab.

Thanks bud


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[IsaiahC]

Taking the body lift isn't an option anymore since I have 35s. There is no way I would have enough clearance to run them without serious rubbing. That means I would have to sell the tires and buy new ones. The bumper gap was driving me crazy though, so at least with this piece the bumper is flush with the body. I agree, it doesn't look natural but I'll get used to it.


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I'd say upgrade to some 33s and go back to being functionally badass. Thats just my opinion though

 

[coltonbaxter31]

I know that it isn't the prettiest fabrication, but I'm generally happy with it considering there isn't a 2.5 " gap. It's just a cosmetic fix up and has nothing to do with functionality. I could have have pulled the bumper and made new brackets and what not. But, I thought this would be easier and would not effect the strength of the bumper brackets. And possibly the pictures don't do its justice because I think it looks better than the bumper gap.

We all have opinions and I value each opinion I get. But at this point, pulling the body lift out and down grading to 33s just doesn't seem reasonable (I just bought 4.88 gears) considering I just bought 35s not even a month ago and the body lift is already on.


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[daniresch]

Taking the body lift isn't an option anymore since I have 35s. There is no way I would have enough clearance to run them without serious rubbing.
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I run 35's with no body lift. Only rub the frame at full-lock. I would suggest taking the time moving the bumper mounts. :bigok:

 

[TheHoneyBadger]

It wouldn't look bad if you tucked it up closer to the body more. It flows pretty well with the lines of the bumper.

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