Front end frame decision time
 

I took my front bumper off, and I absolutely refuse to put it back on.
So, that means that it is time for a custom front bumper.

I have a few things that I want your opinions on please:

To me, the front crossmember is in the way. I can build a bumper to bolt to it, but I would rather not. I am body lifted, so it might hang down too low for my liking.

My options are: cut the cross member off, and weld some 2x2x 1/4" square tubing in its place. This way I can weld custom mounting points wherever I please and still have the frame reinforcement from the tubing. Or I have some 3" 1/4" thick angle I could use instead of the tubing. Proper welding procedure will be used in order for maximum strength. (Yes, welding is my job)

Also, what about boxing (capping) the end of the frame off? If I weld some tubing in, I will want to cap the end of the frame off.

What are your opinions on this?


EDIT: Note that I am making this bumper removable, and not welding it to the frame......just in case anybody thought differently

dont you dare tube that bumper lol. get a custom bumper like camodown

Have you ever finished your rear bumper? but i agree dont do tube do a plate bumper.

Boxing the frame or tubing it would be fine. If I were you I would just box it since your truck isn't a wheeler. Then build a plate bumper or if its going to be tube the only one that would look good would be one like beard had.(I think)

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1322755996

Nope, its all going to be plated. Only using square tubing for a frame/support.

Still working on it. Doing a little bit of work on it today. I'm gonna spray it black before I drive up to Rhode Island.

I originally wanted a tube bumper like beard or Ty, but I've decided to stick with plating OR do like a hybrid deal LOL.

As for the structure standpoint. The square tubing is your better bet.
there isn't any problem boxing the frame ends off either, your going to build a custom heavy metal bumper, unless you run into a brick wall you'll never need to worry about the front part of the frame collapsing.
I'd say your ideas are pretty solid. the angle iron wouldn't be too bad if you really wanted to go that route, but if it were me i'd stick with the square tubing.

I think that's why I'm gonna do Alex. I have a ton of angle and square tewbeeng, but I think ill just use thetubing.

When i did frames at the Ford Dealer, i saw that Rangers tend to crush right behind in the bumper first before the accordion section of the frame moves. but like i said, you aren't going to be taking much damage with a custom metal one. Make sure everything square before you weld it, (I can tell you how if you can't figure it out) otherwise if you ever get in a frame tweaking accident, the body shop won't ever get it strait again.

Yup. I plan on doing all of the important work on level surface. All of the external plating and stuff wherever, just as long as it is even on both sides.

Easiest way to measure to make it square with existing frame. is to measure in an X.
like, Left Rear to Right Front, Right Rear to Left Front, should match.

I was doing that today while I was welding together some racks for our new Fab shop.

Then your set! lol. I've been spoiled ever since i got to Roush, they're frame rack is 2 years old, everything is electronic, it does alignments and has 50klb pulling force @ 360 degrees. I don't even get dirty anymore.
On another note, all of my shirts have faded horribly from welding. its kind of funny.

Dude, all of my shirts are dead from welding LOL!

T00b it!

Something like this would be cool(black holes is where lighting would go)

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...1&d=1322804244

Dude I was gonna pm you earlier today. Never did though (silly me)
Im gonna weld a piece of this monster square tewbing between the frame and go from there.

Do you have any pictures of your angle you have on there?

At first glance I asked myself "when did Zach ever have a plate bumper?" lol

That actually looks pretty good. Nice and simple, without all of the crazy angles and different plate pieces.

I havnt really decided on lights in the bumper or not. I might just make a spot on top for them to mount on.

Thanks for that picture! I will use that when Im sketching it up.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1322806382

That was it before it got welded on.

I've always thought about doing some plating on mine like sonic's ps. Looks awesome!

Id go with square tubing, I really wish I had done that and probably will do it next spring once I get some free time.

Plaaaaate IT

Dang, that was quick. I'd have talked about it for at least a week before i did anything. lol.

? I havnt done anything yet lol.

That was Matt's truck.

oh, nice.

+1 for tewb bumper!

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1322871847

If i did any style of tube bumper itd be like Ty's bumper.

But im still pushing a plate bumper

I'd be a tube & plate guy. best of both worlds. Tube perimeter with some plate in the middle for fog lights and a winch.