Ok, I got my 2" 4Crawler BL installed over the weekend and started cleaning up the looks a little. I got around to modifying my brackets to accomidate for the 2" lift. The only problem now is that with the added height of the brackets I don't think that they would sustain a lot of winching, especially from hard angles. I dont think that the original brackets were enough in the first place for hard winching, but now I know that it needs to be braced. For those of you who have added extra bracing to your bumpers, where did you do it, and do you have any pictures?

 

get i notuch with Steve S. he has modified the brackets and winching is not a problem.
It is all about reinforcing the bracket similar to how it came or stronger

 

how did you modify the brackets? I've seen people add to the tops of them, then redrill the mounting holes - is that what you did? If you did something different, could you post some pics?

I too am interested to hear about strength issues with the modified brackets.

 

This is what Schaefer did with mine. If you just slot them up without the extra bracing, you will have issues if you winch at all.

 

I cut bumper mounting plate on the brackets and made some new ones out of some 3/16" steel. I noticed on Steve's website that he built his out of 3/8", but I did not want to have to rebuilt the entire bracket (I believe the brackets for the 96 are different than the newer ones). I looked at the ones on my brother's taco and they were alot different, they looked a lot more sturdy. I then welded the new piece to the existing bracket. It fits good, but I don't think it is strong enough for heavy winching due to the new added height.
I will take some pics when I go home this weekend. I am at school right now and don't have a camera.
Harrison

 

I forgot the older 3rd gen bumpers mounted different. :pat:

 

I have not seen the new 3rd Gen brackets, but I know that the ones on my brother's 99 taco look a lot stronger than mine. Do yours bolt straight up, or do you have to modify the frame rails like on the ARB?