front bumper/crossmember, build

[Goose]

after linking the front end Ive wanted to cut off my bumper & my cross member, to get a better aproach angle.
By getting rid of the bumper & changing the crossmember a bit, will give the truck a much better aproach, with 4" less hanging out the front.

So on sat. I started chopping!!
took off my bumper & started cutting off the 2 front body mnts, they will be moved inward, toward the frame.
then I cut off the old x-member & trimmed the frame another 3/4".

After all the cutting I got started on a new x-member.
I wanted to keep a simillar look to the front-end, but more simplified & clean.
my plan: a SMALL stinger, to protect the motor & rad. 2) a reciever mnt for my winch, 3) tie it back into my fender rail armor.
4)kepp it slim, but strong & fuctional

heres where Im at so far

 

[Goose]

you can see in the pic above how much aproach I will gain.
the x-member looks to be close to dead even with the tires

here are some pics of the new x-member.
I got quite a bit done over the weekend, I just have a few things left.

 

[iamsparticus]

looks really good and a cheap and very effective up grade, how much time did it take you

 

[Goose]

looks really good and a cheap and very effective up grade, how much time did it take you

thanks! I spent most of the day on sat. so mabey 12 hrs.
It shouldnt take to long to finish everything else up.
hopefully i can go test it on turkey-day. I should have alot better clearance, at the aproach.

 

[iamsparticus]

Not bad considering all that goes into it, a better approach angle sure will help you be able to take different lines and steeper angles

 

[airmanwilliams]

you can see in the pic above how much aproach I will gain.
the x-member looks to be close to dead even with the tires

here are some pics of the new x-member.
I got quite a bit done over the weekend, I just have a few things left.

that sure would look good on my samurai!

 

[ricsrx]

Nice, where are you going on "T"day?

The stinger is a little small for me

 

[UNSTUCK]

The stinger is a little small for me

Hey, it's not the size of your stinger that counts.......

 

[airmanwilliams]

[QUOTE The stinger is a little small for me[/QUOTE]

like them big do ya ricsrx?

 

[Bart]

Nice work as always Goose.

 

[Goose]

that sure would look good on my samurai!

It probably would!




Nice, where are you going on "T"day? Im not sure yet? It sounds like well be playing in some snow though. Ill let ya know where, when I get a heads up.

The stinger is a little small for me
we know, your one of those BIG stinger guys!

 

[sixstringsteve]

Looks good. I love minimal bumpers. Keep us posted how you like that reciever-mounted winch. I'll bet with your rig you don't end up using the winch too much anyway.

 

[Goose]

Looks good. I love minimal bumpers. Keep us posted how you like that reciever-mounted winch. I'll bet with your rig you don't end up using the winch too much anyway.

Ive had my winch on a reciever for 7 or 8 yrs now. I love it!
Youve probably noticed that it is mounted in my bed.
it is in a reciever that is in my truck box & is plugged in right there which is nice because I dont lose any aproach & I use it from the bed as much as I do in the front.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I love that design. I've seen it in the rear of your truck, but I thought it was permanently mounted, that's sweet.

 

[zukijames]

looks good! .. will you be able to get your head light out if you need to.. i cant haha

 

[lewis]

I was just thinking the other day about how good the front of your truck looked. Gonna need a full frontal shot.

 

[ChestonScout]

I'll bet with your rig you don't end up using the winch too much anyway.

Just to pull big stupid rigs back on their wheels :greg:

 

[Goose]

I was just thinking the other day about how good the front of your truck looked. Gonna need a full frontal shot.

haha, thanks! I just wanted it a little cleaner & to be able to get rid of some of the overhang up front was a huge pluss!

last night, I pretty much finished it up! Except for the mounting piece for the lights & the lights themselves. I finished welding everything else up & got a little primer on it. I couldnt quite get a straight on frontal shot (in the garage). But I think you can get a good Idea from the pics that I got.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I love it!

 

[Goose]

Just to pull big stupid rigs back on their wheels :greg:

hahaha, thats what winches & friends with winches are for!
I know Ive had to be flipped back over a couple times.
that can happen, when your having fun!
PS. Im really liking the pit bulls! I think there almost broke in. I have really noticed a difference! & they are super tuff!