killer. put me in line for #2 after he get's it fitted and the design "tweaked".

so, 430 miles from knoxville to richmond... roundtrip would take about $100-$120 in gas. think he'd mind shipping greyhound???

 

i will personally put it on the bus. Monday it gets "tweaked"

 

Very sharp bumper man!
It is very tough to shape thick metal like that and keep it from twisting.
Even the gap between the rear quarter and the bumper look close to perfect.

 

I wonder how the mounting being inside the frame will work? This may be pretty strong.

 

Actually that is a very good price. So basically 1350 powder coated. Built on a rig.

While people may not agree, my bumper design is really the econo version. It's easier to make so the cost is less.

What did the guy make it out of 3/16"?

The other thing that is different is that my main priorites were towing and taking a hell of a beating and pushing the truck over.

A bumper like this is good for guys that want something that is stonger than stock but still looks like stock.

Mine is really for the extreme beatings. I really like what he made for you.

Very nice.

 

You nailed it Steve. We do have slightly different needs for a rear bumper. I appreciate all your work, pics, r &d, etc.

I am very pleased with his work. There are a few things that need some adjustment as we are both still getting it right.
The bumper was pricey, but not taxed.
I think it was a great price for a custom piece. We did a lot of talking and planning and I couldn't be happier how well it flows with the Limited flares.

The main tube is 3/16" box steel and the sides are 1/8". The entire peice is MIG welded and the corners have gussets.

 

FWIW I think the price is dead on. If he jig builds them to ship to trucks sight unseen, it is low.

Keep in mind Rockware will not even entertain your business unless you drive to Colorado Springs with your vehicle. Rockware does GREAT work, but they don’t ship.

The guy knows how to weld 2 plates together and grind them smooth. Very good, I have seen some plate joined that was grinded so badly, I actually dragged my grinder out and re-did it. Now this guy has one Schaefer grinded and one side XXXXXXX grinded.

Dare to compare. Your guy has it down, now the big question; can he build to ship off of a jig? I'm only willing to build 1 bumper design, so you have no worried for me with this one. It will not wheel as well as mine but it sure looks great.

 

My biggest concern for this bumper is the tolerances on the side flares. I think if you wheel it hard you might notice some contact with the body, but I could be wrong. I can't get a good look from these pictures.

Chris

P.S. It looks great though!

 

I agree. i picked the truck up 430 Friday afternoon. Now that I have had the weekend w/ it there are some changes that will be needed. The side flares need more rigidity. they are fairly solid, but the closer towards the wheels, it gets a bit loose. i believe a corner brace would stiffen it right up.

Talking w/ Gadget today, and I think the side flares sit too close to the bottom of the body.(Possible body contact)

SS3's design is built for an extreme rocky envirnment. While I want my $$ to be put to a good place, my needs are a bit different. The bumper will handle every bit of 5000#

Now the only thing to address are the side flares--clearance and strength
The exhaust gets re-routed over the frame and to the side hole

 

You definitely want a piece connecting to the frame on the front most part of the side wing. In addition, unless you've beefed up the frame rails, your frame along with the rest of ours will flex an easy 1/2" up, so if your clearance is less than that, it's going to hit.

Chris

 

THAT THING IS BADA$$$$$$$$$$

Chris

 

I gave my bumper 1"+ of clearance, with some weatherstripping to compensate for the gap. Even with that amount, the body can flex enough to hit, fortunately the rubber softens the blow. The reason I chose to make the frame mounts wrap on the outside of the frame, was to allow a location for bracing.

From the photo's of your bumper, there is obviously very little gap and will give you problems if you wheel it hard or during towing it will flex into the body.

 

I agree with Bruce totally. I've done the same thing he has, and it's the minimum I would run, thanks to him and Steve's recommendations.

Chris

 

The bumper goes back to the shop thursday for a few things.
1. the side flares are going to be supported to the frame
2. the flares will be trimed better around the body
3. Lower the height of the flare to reduce body contact

 

sweet. looking forward to the "after" pics. i should be ready for mine in a couple months so you have plenty of time to work out the bugs...

 

I guess you weren't joking when you said you wanted #2. I'll post pics as soon as this thing is better. Trial and error. With the continued help/ advice I have been getting (much appreciated) this will get "dialed in" in no time.

 

that is one tough bumper. the design of it is incredible. i looks like it was meant for the 4runner....i want one!!!!

Matt

 

nope. not kidding at all... probally be sometime in late march or early april timeframe. i need to sell the house in b'ham and buy one here so i have somewhere to paint it and the new sahara bar. i'll probally wait until then to get the new sahara too and just paint them at the same time. i'll also order a rockware tire carrier and have it put on here locally before painting.

 

Andy, color matched that thing would look bad a$$ on your truck.

What are you planning on doing to yours FR ? Paint? powder coat like steve said ? It would prob look pretty good color matched to your flares.

 

NEW PICS
---exhaust has been re-routed over the frame and through the side flare
---Support brackets were bolted and welded from the inner side flare to the frame
---body gap was adjusted. still a little close. I am not wheeling it crazy, but we'll have to see how close is too close