Tire Carrier Bumper Mounting?

[Ddog346]

Okay everyone, so I've decided to make a custom built rear tire carrier, because I've figured out that I can get it done much cheaper for same quality. But before I start, I was wondering if anyone can tell me how a rear tire carrier bumper (such as Shrockworks) mounts to the Xterra? Are there mounting brackets, or are they welded? And do they get attached to the frame rails, or somewhere else in the rear? Pictures would be helpful too! Really curious, just haven't been able to find a pic of the backside of one of these bumpers

 

[Roadwarrior]

The tire carrier mounts to an upgraded steel bumper, which mounts to your frame in the rear, just as your stock bumper does.

 

[Ddog346]

So the mounting for the bumper itself is the same as stock? Thats the part I'm more curious about

 

[Davcos]

The mounting for my rear bumper is the same as stock, but it also has another bracket with an additional 2 bolts going through the frame

 

[Ddog346]

The mounting for my rear bumper is the same as stock, but it also has another bracket with an additional 2 bolts going through the frame

Are those 2 bolts through pre-existing holes in the frame or did you have to drill them?

 

[Davcos]

Everything was pre-existing, the 2 additional bolts go vertically through the frame, you can see the mounts a few pictures down on this thread.. same bumper as mine. 3rd picture down shows roughly how it mounts, square piece goes inside the frame, bolts go through it than you need a large washer for the top since im pretty sure its two big holes already cut into the frame
http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?1382-HOW-TO-Rear-tire-carrier

 

[Ddog346]

Thanks man! That made it much easier

 

[TKDx00]

Just an additional hint...

Depending on how heavy your new bumper and carrier will be you may need frame stiffeners for added support.
I made a set out of 2x3 angle iron. When you remove the bumper you'll see the 3 mounting holes on the side and 2 on the bottom. I used 12" pieces on each side but then it is extended a bit further than stock. However it's just a shorten version...the full length ones are a bit longer and have a 5 degree upward angle bend further back.

 

[Prime]

Which is what Davcos was talking about. He just didn't use the term "Frame Stiffener" Heh.

I do like the idea of going above and beyond what Shrock gave me for mine though. Something that actually completes the boxing rather than just go to a couple bolt holes.

 

[Ddog346]

I'll probably see if I can do a "sleeve" like stiffener that'll be welded to the bumper and slide over the frame now, then get bolts through it. Not sure yet.

 

[TKDx00]

While welding solve the problem understand it's permanent. Bolting allows for upgrading and modifications. I still plan to make a full size set just gotta figure out how to bend the angle iron correctly to close the 5 degree notch.

 

[granitex]

If you are considering making a rear bumper with tire carrier yourself, give a lot of consideration on how you are going to attach the actual bumper to the mounts that bolt to the frame. a simple butt weld on the back of a piece of angle iron is not sufficient. A much more substantial attachment is needed. Mine is welded on both sides of the mounting tabs, as well as the inside of the tube, and the bottom. I would not weld the bumper to the frame, without proper gussets it will never be strong enough to deal with the frame flexing and the forces inflicted during a recovery. Let alone dropping off of a rock ledge on it.