L300 Rockcrawler Rear Bumper/tire carrier...version II

[bionic]

Hey guys, I have had numerous enquiries lately about my rear bumper/tire carrier on my Deli, so I thought I would put the info here for others to use at their will, just as I did with this mod. This is a good way to go as you simply can't buy the steel/hinge,latch and paint etc for the cost of these units. I paid 319.00 total shipped to Blaine Wa, no duty was charged bringing it back. This particular bumper is 62" wide, (1.5" narrower than the Deli body) and only 9" out from the body (only a few inches more than stock) and follows the lines of the Delica very well (IMO) and had one of the nicest latches I have seen. These unit are no free ride as far as welding and fabricating though, as Jeep's have a much smaller rear door so the swing pivot/latch need to be removed and relocated further apart to clear the door. (DJ notched his door, I didn't want to do that though)
As many of you know, this is simply a modified version of a jeep Wrangler "rock crawler" aftermarket bumper that was first posted by the DJ in an older thread. I bought some cruiser wheels off him, and when I saw what he had done, I knew I would eventually follow his lead. I hope he doesn't mind me taking his original idea, but he strikes me as a guy who wont mind the tribute!
I wont waste time explaining the same process as he did this in his thread. I will simply state the changes I made to the design and show some pics along with it. I wanted the bumper/carrier to sit close to the door and not reduce departure angles, I also wanted a true receiver that anchored to the frame not rear apron. I also wanted a usefull "step" to access the roof/load stuff into the van.
I used the existing frame holes behind the rear shackle..drilled out to 1/2" instead of drilling and bolting through the side. I chose to use one vertical 1/2" grade 8 bolt per side (along with the two 3/8" rear fasteners per side...6 bolts total) as I do not intend to tow anything of significant size, but to drill and install 2 additional bolts would be little additional effort for those concerned.(shear is still above 12000lbs)
I prefer this design as it will draw the 2" x 2" tube up into the rail and not have to worry about clearances to the shackles. I also skipped the adapter plate and simply welded the 2x2 1/4" wall to the bumper itself. I liked how close it would sit and always prefer to use less bolts when possible. I do actually certify welders as part of my job. (materials engineering) The welds were mag'd and should prove waaay stronger than necessary!
I'll post pics with the swingout installed after I finish welding/painting the extension. I did have to relocate and weld the pivot/ latch perch to allow clearance for that damn 53" wide rear door as can be seen below!!

[TardisDeli]

Oye need more pictures of the tire carrier completed. I like how the bumper looks so far Cheers Jay TardisDeli

[bionic]

there you go Jay, I tried to post more pics (side profile/clearance etc..) but mod said no dice:(

[alti2d]

Very interesting mod. It looks great.

Could you list the part number, or jeep model that the bumper originally fit? This might go on the great long List Of Things To Do...

[bionic]

87-06 jeep wrangler, this particular one is an e-auto grille "tubular rock crawler with swing out tire carrier" on eBay. Generally available for @320 with shipping (to the USA)

[FalcoColumbarius]

If you wish to post your pictures as attachments then you are limited to seven per post. If you load your pictures into a Delica Canada picture gallery and copy the link location to your thread post then you can get many more images into each post. The reason for the attachment limitation is due to how long it takes for a post to open with attachments in it, hence a thread can keep bouncing up and down until all the attachments have been opened.

You of course have the option of posting more posts.

Falco.

[jimandkes]

hey it looks great, totally gonna rip it off, could you send me a pm with more details on the mod you did??

[almac]

I have thought of rebuilding my rear bumper/tire carrier several times over the last 5 years.
my current bumper has a swing down pivot for the spare that I don't like very much(awkward for opening). it pivot was designed to prevent the tire from smashing the right tail lights when the bumper is opened.
I really want to redesign it to avoid the tire pivot, and add a jerry can holder somehow. one problem is that I think my rear ladder will be in the way for a jerrycan holder.
having it made of lightweight aluminum would also be a bonus, IMO.

since weight is an issue with only a 2.5l engine, I have thought of rebuilding my roof rack in tubular aluminum as well.