A couple projects (D30 Truss, Rear bumper rework)

jeepinmatt

jeepinmatt

#1 WEBWHEELER
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Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Location
Stanley, NC
Had a customer who wanted a truss put on his HP Dana 30 front, and some skidplates added to the lower control arm mounts. I looked around at the options, and we decided to make our own. Im particularly pleased with how the truss worked out. Here's a few pics:






Here's a shot of the LCA mount skid. Not quite finished, I've still got to drill them for grease zerk access. Most of the pieces you can buy space off of the bracket by about an inch, but I was able to mount these flush because of the bushing size on the aftermarket control arms. They will definitely help strengthen the bracket and hold up to some abuse.
 
TJ Rear Bumper Rework

This bumper came to me in two pieces, with a sheared off pivot, and rattling design, and just generally not as well thought out as others. Sometimes things like this are not cost effective to fix, however, this bumper had some good material in it, so I decided to make a go of it.

I cut off the majority of the old hinge, and beat out the old pivot. That was the worst part, but I didn't take any pictures.

I spent some time thinking through everything before getting the parts together. I decided to go with a greasable ball bearing pivot, stainless steel latch, and spring retractable stop. First I focused on the hinge. It was imperative to get everything good and square:




Once it was squared, tacked, and checked, I burned it in.


Then I laid out the stop and welded it on. It will allow free motion from the closed to open position. Also, if the jeep is on a left leaning hill, the T-handle can be pull and the bumper swung slightly farther to engage the pin in a positive stop so you won't have to fight the bumper to get in the tailgate.


Range of free motion:
 
Looking good Matt... I really like that truss..


do you think that pin will get bent if the carrier swings closed quickly with the tire mounted?

Im guessing you used a standard style latch to hold it closed?
 
paradisePWoffrd said:
Looking good Matt... I really like that truss..


do you think that pin will get bent if the carrier swings closed quickly with the tire mounted?

Im guessing you used a standard style latch to hold it closed?
Click to expand...
The latch is fairly standard, but will be a little different. I'll put up a few pics when I get it finished.

As far as the pin, when the tire swings closed, the pin does not contact anything. When it is swung open, it serves as a stop. Yes, it could potentially get bent, but I didn't want to throw too much money into it since I wasn't sure if I'd like it. It will be very easy to cut off and put a larger piece on if necessary. The housing on the pin is 1" diameter with a 3/8" pin.
 
TJ Rear Bumper latch

Finish up the latch today. First cut some old material out of the way, then bent a plate, drilled and tapped the holes, and welded it on.





Then I mounted the latch and confirmed all my measurements. Next I made the catch tab and milled a slot in it for the hook. Tacked everything on, and burned it in. It came out exactly like I hoped it would. The latch pulls the bumper down really hard, and snaps tightly shut.













 
paradisePWoffrd said:
i really like that latch... whats up with the vdubb?
Click to expand...
The vdubb has too many electronics to have a crack in the turbo piping, so it freaks out. Got the parts for it today, and its kickin again.
 
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