Hej good folk, another project for the hybrid that I've been dreaming up for some time is a new high approach angle front bumper. Been getting a bit tired of doing this all the time:
Even with the tubular bumperettes for added strength the bumper is beginning to curl up on the ends and the underside has seen better days.
The new front bumper is 100mm x 50mm x 5mm steel square stock that I've welded to the sides of the winch mount. The winch mount is 8.5mm steel, so it will provide a strong base to weld the bumper extensions on to. Also by moving the new front bumper to this location I'll gain nearly 11cm of ground clearance.
The square stock, I decided to angle the ends to give it a better look and better approach angles at the sides. Plus to shave a bit of weight from the square stock as the two lengths (46cm) weighed in at a staggering 11kg.
With the added clearance I had to think about protecting my steering components and the front of the frame rails, therefore I modified an old Discovery steering guard. The original mounts were removed and I welded plates so that it bolts to the bottom of the frame rail and also in the center to mounts that I hung from the bottom of the winch plate. A total of 4 mounts so I'm confident that they will provide good strength if I bang or bounce off another boulder.
And the finished product:
Todd.
Author