ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Samurai (All SJ Platform) 1981-1998 => Topic started by: fyrewil on July 22, 2012, 01:56:15 PM

Title: Rear Bumper thickness for build?
Post by: fyrewil on July 22, 2012, 01:56:15 PM

What is the common thickness for rear bumper build (swing out tire carrier and top basket)?
I have 3.5" X 3.5" Sq tubing that is 1/8" thick, running stock wheels and tires (may go a little bigger, 29" maybe)
Thinking of using 1" spindle and build off it for pivit point.

Thoughts? ???

Title: Re: Rear Bumper thickness for build?
Post by: fixed blade on July 22, 2012, 05:24:20 PM

I'll be watching this as well, I'm going to attempt my first bumper in a couple of weeks.

Title: Re: Rear Bumper thickness for build?
Post by: fyrewil on July 22, 2012, 08:53:17 PM

1/8 inch is what I have found for normal (tire carrier, hi lift jack or rack) if running 31 and up you will need to increase thickness.
I just built 1/8" front
Did search and found 1/8" is adequate

Title: Re: Rear Bumper thickness for build?
Post by: fyrewil on July 23, 2012, 05:30:01 AM

Talked to a local fabricator that is building bumpers/ racks/ tire carriers and he is using 1/2"...
But this is for Jeeps and trucks that are going over the Rubicon running 33" tires and up, 100+ quart ice chest fully loaded and Hi-Lift jacks.

He is also using 1" spindles for the pivit points, utilizing the race and bearings ???

Title: Re: Rear Bumper thickness for build?
Post by: ecoast on July 23, 2012, 05:49:44 AM

3/16's for bumper; 1/8 for carrier, etc...

if you back into anything with 1/8, it will deform rather easily...and then you will make it from 3/16ths !

Title: Re: Rear Bumper thickness for build?
Post by: fyrewil on July 23, 2012, 06:11:23 AM

Thanks for the input, I couldnt refuse the price of the 1/8" (3.5" X 3.5") Sq tubing: FREE!
So That is what I built it out of, So if it work's for I am doing I will be happy (If not... It gives me more time in my man cave to rebuild!)  8)

Title: Re: Rear Bumper thickness for build?
Post by: tuxblacray on July 28, 2012, 03:42:31 AM

1/8 works fine. Folks try to keep the weight down on their Zuks... It's part of what makes them go places that others have trouble.

Here are a couple of photos of the bumper I built for mine. Tire off of the tailgate.. (no more rattles) Swingaway from the door and it supports a much larger tire with ease. (currently a 33" until I can locate a 34" spare)

(http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/47395/2757357600081905758S600x600Q85.jpg)

(http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/13135/2323916540081905758S600x600Q85.jpg)