.

 

Guys I get the look of the chpopped fenders when you have removed your flares, but I'm not sure I like the chopped look with the flares, which I intend to keep for at least a little bit.

s

 

I kept my flares and it came out pretty good. Its your jeep though so do what you want to do.

 

Yeah, I can't stand the thought of taking my fender flares off. I think it just looks silly without them...

That and I'm afraid of what I'll find underneath.

 

the rating for hitch mount winch recievers that I've found is 9000lb line pull

 

Alright y'all. I spend a couple hours this evening working on the bumper. I didn't finish, but I'm getting pretty close now. I'm thinking as I go so it takes me a while! I'll save the photos until I'm completely finished, but this should tell you what direction I went.

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Need some quick advice on this build.
I'm working on the wrap around section of the bumper but want to avoid any clearance issues when at flex. I have a RE superride 3.5" lift and 31's, but will likely add the 1.75" spacers to level things out a bit. How far back can I go with the bumper wrap? I'd like to take it back to the back edge of the fender flare. Will that get in the way? Again, please consider my setup. I realize this idea will not work for everyone.

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this is how i did mine...


i probably could have gone all the way to the edge of the flare but i didnt want to risk hitting it and having to mod the bumper. also make some supports from the wrap around to the mounts so if you land on the wrap around part it doesnt smash up into the fender. mine...

 

Alright. Progress to date.

I spent some time above he grinder and torch and made some progress. This is what I ended up with:









As you can see, the side protection wraps back a ways and I was concerned that I might rub when articulating. So...I disconnected my swaybars and did some experimenting. Since it was to check the build project, does that mean these are research and not poser pics?











And as you can see, my bald 31s clear just fine. I may have troubles when I grow bigger feet and need my 33s. That is a little ways out so I'll deal with that when the time comes.

I still have a bit more plate to add, then gusset the hell out of it. After that, I'll clean up the welds, give it the once over, and then I'm off to priming and painting. I'll probably go for a non-glossy black rattle can. I might consider the hammered finish or maybe the herculiner like my rockers...we'll see. Suggestions? I like the ease for touch-ups with the rattle can.

s

 

Great job man! It looks great! I would go with the Herculiner, but thats just me. You can always touch it up with a rattle can?

 

Thanks Iceman and thanks for your first post. Welcome to the forum. Introduce yourself. What part of Wyo. are you from?

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I'm from Uinta County, and I just bought my first Jeep and it happens to be an XJ. Needless to say, I'm hooked. Can't wait to build me some sweet bumpers and get a winch on her.

 

x2 on the herkuliner...no rust and no worry, it wont chip,peel,crack..and it will look great...dont go with the rattle can man....looks great, nice fab work

 

Good job on your fab! I'm really liking the idea of a front receiver... you could do a LOT with that. It gives me ideas for my own build.