**NEW 3rd Gen 4R "OEM+" Front Bumper Prototype**

[MountainBiker]

Thanks for the link and the image! Nice to get a refresh on what it looks like behind there. I wonder if you could bolt the 99-02' metal bumper sans crush cans to a 96-98'? I need one in my hands!

Here is a view behind the fat lip bumper. I think if you remove the plastic fat lip, you will end up with a line of holes visible in the steel portion. Ebay shows this line of holes.

I have seen posts here about putting the Fat Lip bumper onto a 96-98 and vice-versa.

 

[fourfive]

Here is a view behind the fat lip bumper. I think if you remove the plastic fat lip, you will end up with a line of holes visible in the steel portion. Ebay shows this line of holes.

I can confirm that there will definitely be fastener holes in the in the front face of the metal portion of the bumper if the lower plastic valence is removed for 99-02 front bumpers.

 

[rickashay]

Here is a view behind the fat lip bumper. I think if you remove the plastic fat lip, you will end up with a line of holes visible in the steel portion. Ebay shows this line of holes.

I have seen posts here about putting the Fat Lip bumper onto a 96-98 and vice-versa.

I can confirm that there will definitely be fastener holes in the in the front face of the metal portion of the bumper if the lower plastic valence is removed for 99-02 front bumpers.

Thanks for this. Dang, that makes them not very attractive for retrofitting into this design. I'll just have to decide if it makes sense for the 99-02. Plus side is that if someone with a 99-02 wanted, they could just buy a 96-98 bumper from a wrecker or from rock auto (less than $100) and you could still proceed to use this bumper. Or you purchase the OEM replacement that I'm working on instead....

 

[rickashay]

**UPDATE**

Been working on the OEM valance replacement component. Here is where the design is currently at:


Untitled by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


Untitled by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


Untitled by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Will edit with some comments when I get home... need to get to the grocery store before they close!

 

[rickashay]

Ok, some notes on the above:

The upper valence will obviously be drastically stronger than the OEM 96-98’ bumper replacement. Due to the modular design, we have the option to build it in aluminum or steel. We will be keeping the winch mount steel for strength purposes and aluminum will not be an option. (It’s pretty light already) But for the top I am thinking Aluminum may fit the bill. Open to thoughts here as it would obviously carry a price premium over the steel variant AND it makes WIY (weld-it-yourself) a little tougher as most people who aren’t pro welders, don’t have TIG setups at home. Still can get a local pro to do it but…. Open to thoughts on material options here?

Design Notes:
Trying to keep the lines from the factory grille and provide a more modern update to the stock 96-98’ bumper. For the keen eye, you can see that the center section also protrudes slightly from the wings in a subtle effort to mimick the 99-02’ “Fat lip” bumper. I played around with a few different profiles for this but this simple approach makes the most sense as it will not be too difficult to bend. In current form, the “upper bumper” is made of 7 pre-bent components. Top and bottom edges will be bent to produce the nice “round” edge and all the vertical (or close to vertical) seams are where the end user will weld the bumper together. I’m hoping this makes a more consistently “pro” looking finished product as we’re really trying to reduce the amount of welding required while still making it flat-pack-able for cheaper shipping.

Fog light holes on the wings are meant to mimick the factory turn signal placement, but again will be mounting points for 2x pairs of LED pods. I’d like to work on some kind of 3D printed bezel to encircle the fog lights that can corporate a LED turn signal strip of some kind. Still working on the details of that.

Would probably offer an option for the center airflow/light around cutout or not.

Still working on the weird corner piece (if you notice it doesn’t have a lower rounded edge yet)

Let’s hear some feedback! Thanks guys/gals

 

[Bad Luck]

Looks pretty cool so far, but I'd really like to see a physical prototype over a rendering of course. I'm really digging the design and minimalist aspect of it. A few questions though,

1) When you say "But for the top I am thinking Aluminum may fit the bill." Are you talking about an aluminum top piece with the rest of the bumper being constructed out of steel? If yes, how do you plan to attach the two pieces together? I'm no welder but I didn't think you could weld steel to aluminum.

2) Any plans for people with a body lift?

3) The openings on the side where the factory turn signals would be located, are they only for fog lights or can you offer different cutouts for turn signals? Maybe several of the amber led running lights that flush mount into trailer sides? Something like this: Amazon.com: 10pc 3/4" Round Amber Trailer LED Marker Light [DOT FMVSS 108] [SAE P2PC] [Semi-Spherical Output] [IP67 Waterproof] [Bullet Style] Round Clearance Marker Lights for Trailer Truck : Automotive

4) Have you considered offering the bumper without the side cutouts for people that want a blank canvas in that area to modify?

5) What size winch do you think will fit without modification? What winch rating do you expect this to handle?

 

[JZiggy]

I tried to press the like button 10 times but I could only do it once

What's the weight differential for steel vs. aluminum on that component?

 

[rickashay]

Looks pretty cool so far, but I'd really like to see a physical prototype over a rendering of course. I'm really digging the design and minimalist aspect of it. A few questions though,

1) When you say "But for the top I am thinking Aluminum may fit the bill." Are you talking about an aluminum top piece with the rest of the bumper being constructed out of steel? If yes, how do you plan to attach the two pieces together? I'm no welder but I didn't think you could weld steel to aluminum.

Agreed on render vs. prototype > happening soon! The "upper bumper" is a completely different component. It bolts to the same mounts that your factory 96-98' bumper will bolt to, allowing multiple configurations without changing out the winch mount portion (or the "lower bumper") below.

2) Any plans for people with a body lift?

The current design works with no bodylift and a 1" bodylift by adjusting the height of the upper bumper. Additional bodylift sizes will be determined if the demand is necessary.

3) The openings on the side where the factory turn signals would be located, are they only for fog lights or can you offer different cutouts for turn signals? Maybe several of the amber led running lights that flush mount into trailer sides? Something like this: Amazon.com: 10pc 3/4" Round Amber Trailer LED Marker Light [DOT FMVSS 108] [SAE P2PC] [Semi-Spherical Output] [IP67 Waterproof] [Bullet Style] Round Clearance Marker Lights for Trailer Truck : Automotive

We are trying to limit the amount of "variants" to make production cheaper/easier (and thus have a better price point) but we are definitely sorting out the details on some integrated turn signals. See below.

4) Have you considered offering the bumper without the side cutouts for people that want a blank canvas in that area to modify?

Not a bad call, but my sentiments from above are echoed. This hasn't crossed my mind in regards to removing the cutouts. It would certainly be an easy change to adjust on the design. Maybe we do no cutouts and our standard cutouts to limit the variation to 2x.

I am trying to incorporate something like this into the above design for turn signals. I have been running them on my current Coastal bumper for about 2 years and they have been awesome! SO bright.

EXTERIOR ALUMINUM LED STRIPLIGHT BARS HV AMBER

5) What size winch do you think will fit without modification? What winch rating do you expect this to handle?

It will be testing with my 9500lb ComeUp winch. (LINK) With that being said we are shooting for winches up to the 10K rating. Obviously size/form factor of various winches makes it hard for us to guarantee fitment but I can circle back to this once my prototype is in place.

I tried to press the like button 10 times but I could only do it once

What's the weight differential for steel vs. aluminum on that component?

Haha thanks! Not sure on the final number but I can figure it out pretty easily. I'll get back to you on the difference here in the next day or two.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Looking forward of a photo of a physical specimen! Since it's a WIY kit, I'm probably out since I live a dysfunctional urban existence.....

 

[Bad Luck]

We are trying to limit the amount of "variants" to make production cheaper/easier (and thus have a better price point) but we are definitely sorting out the details on some integrated turn signals. See below.

Not a bad call, but my sentiments from above are echoed. This hasn't crossed my mind in regards to removing the cutouts. It would certainly be an easy change to adjust on the design. Maybe we do no cutouts and our standard cutouts to limit the variation to 2x.

I am trying to incorporate something like this into the above design for turn signals. I have been running them on my current Coastal bumper for about 2 years and they have been awesome! SO bright.

EXTERIOR ALUMINUM LED STRIPLIGHT BARS HV AMBER

Completely understandable to limit variants. I would be more interested in a no cut out version. Since it is a WIY kit I would think that only that one section/piece would need to be changed to accommodate a no cut out version. The LED strip would be another good option for turn signal as long as it is visible to traffic from a 90 degree angle. Keep up the good work and looking forward to seeing a physical prototype soon.

EDIT: I'm probably blind but what is the bolt pattern for the winch you are testing with? Is the bumper pre drilled with the winch pattern?

EDIT 2: What modifications will need to be done to bolt this up to a 99-02?

 

[rickashay]

Looking forward of a photo of a physical specimen! Since it's a WIY kit, I'm probably out since I live a dysfunctional urban existence.....

Can always hire a local pro!

Completely understandable to limit variants. I would be more interested in a no cut out version. Since it is a WIY kit I would think that only that one section/piece would need to be changed to accommodate a no cut out version. The LED strip would be another good option for turn signal as long as it is visible to traffic from a 90 degree angle. Keep up the good work and looking forward to seeing a physical prototype soon.

EDIT: I'm probably blind but what is the bolt pattern for the winch you are testing with? Is the bumper pre drilled with the winch pattern?

EDIT 2: What modifications will need to be done to bolt this up to a 99-02?

Totally! Visibility for the turn signals will be great because of the rearward taper on the bumper wings.

Bolt pattern for the winch will be pre-cut. I am pretty sure most manufacturers are on the same template. This will definitely get confirmed in the prototype phase.

99-02' trucks will have to remove the factory bumper and crush cans. Then trim the frame end flanges off like most of the other aftermarket bumpers out there. Exactly like this - Check 1:48 in the linked video.

Coastal Offroad Bumper install.

 

[MountainBiker]

This is all great! I can see how this will fill a niche that is not currently addressed with bumpers on the market.

As a WIY kit, keep both parts steel.

Without seeing any hidden bracing, some people such as myself may want to joint the top and bottom sections for additional strength. Something to consider as part of the kit, people could choose to not weld those braces on if they don't want to do that.

I like that there is no 2" receiver, but others will have a different opinion!

 

[fourfive]

The current design works with no bodylift and a 1" bodylift by adjusting the height of the upper bumper. Additional bodylift sizes will be determined if the demand is necessary.

Glad you haven't ruled out additional body lift sizes.

 

[WeakSauz]

Oh man.. finally.. a bumper I want. This is going to look SO good.

For those of us who are OEM+ nuts, one thing we could do is use an Avery Dennison chrome vinyl wrap on the upper part to mimick where the OEM bumper would be chrome. Thinking it would flow with an otherwise stock looking truck very well

 

[rickashay]

This is all great! I can see how this will fill a niche that is not currently addressed with bumpers on the market.

As a WIY kit, keep both parts steel.

Without seeing any hidden bracing, some people such as myself may want to joint the top and bottom sections for additional strength. Something to consider as part of the kit, people could choose to not weld those braces on if they don't want to do that.

I like that there is no 2" receiver, but others will have a different opinion!

I am leaning this way as well with only offering steel. Regarding the bracing I think it will be pretty strong as the upper bumper itself will be very robust and it’s basically triangulated by 4 points with how it connects to the lower bumper. But for heavy wheeling we could find a use for some additional bracing? Time will tell after some good R&D on that front.

Nice thing about this, the 2” receiver will be completely concealed behind the aluminum plate. So if you don’t want to use it, you will never know that it’s there.

Glad you haven't ruled out additional body lift sizes.

Time will tell! The design will require new side wings with more body lift sizes but other than that, it’s fairly straight forward.

I tried to press the like button 10 times but I could only do it once

What's the weight differential for steel vs. aluminum on that component?

Steel- Upper bumper ~40lbs
Aluminum- Upper bumper ~15lbs

Oh man.. finally.. a bumper I want. This is going to look SO good.

For those of us who are OEM+ nuts, one thing we could do is use an Avery Dennison chrome vinyl wrap on the upper part to mimick where the OEM bumper would be chrome. Thinking it would flow with an otherwise stock looking truck very well

This ^^ I would 100p support that direction. I’m looking forward to testing with the factory chrome 96-98 bumper. The chrome wrap will be a great way to get the added strength while keeping the OEM+ aesthetic. Thanks for the idea!!

 

[RomanSchnobrich]

What an awesome thread! But it's also showing me how much time, effort, discussion and consideration goes into this kind of project. Regardless of wanting one or not, I must say we all appreciate what you're doing, Addison! This is not an easy feat and we're all excited to see what you guys at Tamarack+ come up with. Rock on!

 

[rickashay]

What an awesome thread! But it's also showing me how much time, effort, discussion and consideration goes into this kind of project. Regardless of wanting one or not, I must say we all appreciate what you're doing, Addison! This is not an easy feat and we're all excited to see what you guys at Tamarack+ come up with. Rock on!

Appreciate that! Honestly it’s great to be back on the forums and talking to people about this. Thanks for the support.

 

[chasrrr]

Can't wait to see these for 4th gens

 

[Endlessblockades]

:bump2:

 

[rickashay]

Can't wait to see these for 4th gens

You know it's coming! Stoked to start sketching this.

:bump2:

Thanks for this.

Bumper is 90% cut. We had an issue with one of the plates and the bend requirements. Making some adjustments now to get #1 out the door.

Cheers