A New Rear Bumper for the D2!!!!!

[Croakus]

I recently bought a rear bumper from a company called 4x4 Armor. This is one serious piece of equipment.

I am so pumped about this bumper that I wrote up a web page about it. I build web pages for a living, but still; I don't do this for just any old thing I buy. I'm really happy about this upgrade and feel like it made a BIG difference in the way my truck performs on the trail.

http://www.shortbusmusic.com/4x4armor/

Seriously, this thing goes with my Rovertym hardware like pigs in a blanket (yes, I am southern thank you).

 

[rmuller]

How much did it cost?

 

[Croakus]

I hesitate to answer because I had them install it (I've installed everything else and just felt like letting someone else do the work) and made a few custom requests.

I'll ask them what they would normally charge, but you can send them an email at fal@knology.net .

I HIGHLY recommend these guys. I spent a lot of time looking around and deciding what to put on my Rover. The Rovertym bumper and sliders were a natural choice. Southdown skid plates we're next. EE lift of course. And this was the best rear bumper I could find. I could have bought anything I wanted and selected this one.

 

[Andrew Homan]

Is it one of those "if you have to ask you probably can't afford it deals"

 

[Iron Boots]

could they have integrated a hitch so you didn't have to deal with the loss of departure angle that the stock hitch provides? I like the tight look, but the Stock hitch reall negates the advantages of the trim design.

RJ

 

[Croakus]

The price was much lower than the $G bumper. Even with installation. But the price was based on building the bumper to my specs. I can't speak on their behalf when it comes to money.

One of the questions they asked was whether or not I wanted a receiver hitch in the bumper. It was completely my choice not to put a receiver in it. I've been pulled out of some deep s**t with the stock receiver and wanted to keep it. Of course, the departure angle would be MUCH better without it.

Now that I see how they attached the bumper I kind of wish I had gone with the bumper mounted receiver. It's a lot more sturdy than I thought it would be.

 

[Andrew Homan]

Looks Good

 

[MUSKYMAN]

looks like a D1 unit on a DII

unless the molded body panels on the rear panels are covered on a DII my eye is just pulled there and it looks unfinished.

I'm glad you love your new bumper

 

[curtis]

Yeah Musky, I tend to agree. I will carry it one step further though and say that nothing looks right.

This is not to say your bumper is bad. Hell, I feel terrible even saying what I am saying after you dropped all that cash on it. Fact is: There is not one visible angle on that bumper that conforms to functionality.

Either way, as long as you are happy that is all that really matters. Seriously...

 

[QCNR]

I know this is for a DI but if you still need a towbar why not
try THIS

 

[Croakus]

Really, the clean minimalist look was at my request. I've been on some really abusive trails and didn't want to find myself hung up on some piece of metal that's just there to make it look pretty. I did cut a bit off the quarter panels, but they're mostly still there.

If you want a bumper like mine, they said it's $700 unfinished.

If you want one that looks more finished or has different angles, just ask. I have no idea what they would charge for various customizations but it can't hurt to call and ask.

I just really enjoyed doing business with these guys and want to see a good company get the recognition.

 

[Andrew Homan]

Form follows function right Croakus? I like it!

 

[discochris]

Looks great in person.

Chris

 

[nickb857]

That looks pretty good. Nice web page you made for it too. I dont know if it is my faovrite DII bumper out there but i do like it.

 

[Croakus]

I got a more clear price list from them this morning.

$700 unfinished and not installed.
Add $200 for a build in tank skidplate.
Add $125 for install if interior is already removed
Add $75 more if I have to remove and reinstall interior.

Because it bolts up to the body pan you have to remove the interior panels in the back to install. So if you have them install it, but do the interior panels yourself you can save $75. Or they'll do the whole install for $200.

Or you can get the full-blown setup with skid plate installed and ready to take to the trail for $1,100.

 

[F18Guy]

Dave,

Thanks for sharing. That is indeed an interesting looking bumper. I agree that removing the LR hitch assembly and incorporating a fuel tank skid plate would improve the overall functionality. But I bet you would still be banging the sides while coming off anything steep or off-camber.

 

[DiscoDino]

700 is a lot of money!

I like it despite the fact that they did not address the hitch (as previously mentioned), the bumper lights (LED would have been sweet) and the quarter-panel "holes"...

I'm the last into aesthetics probably, but that hole needs patching up

 

[ducati]

How does this bumper make a big difference in performance on the trail? Stock departure angle isn't changed

Why is it so damn difficult to produce a good-looking and well-priced rear bumper for a D2 that improves stock departure angle?? The best I've seen is Greg Davis' bumper. Good god, if a one-man shop can do it, why can't larger shops? That bumper just looks unfinished with the holes and the oddly large angled sides.

Why the heck RTE doesn't make a rear bumper I don't know. Seems like the market is there, doesn't it? I've offered my Disco as a donor a few times and although they wanted it in 2003 they said they found a local donor and a bumper would be out in 2004... But still no bumper, and they're not interested in the donor anymore

 

[Croakus]

Here's the side picture. As you can see, it improves the departure angle dramatically. It sticks out no farther than the Greg Davis bumper and only comes down behind the tires (at my request) a few inches more. I think it looks a lot better with the angle.

Here's a shot with the "holes" covered up. The holes are under the finishers on every D2 ever made. I usually remove them when I off-road because it's easier than ripping them off on the trail.

If you just want to slam people, go bother someone else.

 

[syoung]

When you post something for comments, you're going to get negative ones too.
Personally, I wouldn't pay half as much for that bumper. It's unfinished underneath and provides no protection for that big DII booty except at the corners. The hitch hanging down looks more like an anchor waiting to snag the trail than anything else.