stock d1 front bumper

[yesmar]

hey guys i removed the bottom plastic portion and fog lights and cut the plastic corners of my front bumper. i think it looks great and gives me 100% better approach. i feel i really did a top notch job, looks extremely clean. for a diy free mod.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu307/yesmar21/DSC00300-1.jpg
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu307/yesmar21/DSC00302-1.jpg
sorry for the night shots

but im not done yet.
i know this definitely wont compare to an aftermarket HD bumper but im improving the stock one by far without spending 1k+$

now i have a plan in my head and i was wondering if you guys can give me some guidance on this part i will be buying within the next month or so.
im planning on removing that plastic centre piece and welding on 2 D-ring bases onto the bumper were the frame meets the bumper.
can any one tell by the markings on these d rings what weight they hold. and if i would be fine with these in a pinch, or you suggest different ones? they seem to be exactly what im looking for.

"D-Ring Mounts - Pair

1 Inch thick D-ring shackle universal weld on mounting brackets.
Non-coated, ready to be welded anywhere on the vehicle's frame or bumpers.
Provides easy access point to connect a tow strap or chain for recovering stuck or broken vehicles
Kit includes:
2-Universal weld on mounting brackets
2- 3/4 inch universal d-ring shackles"

thanks.

 

[Justin_Sherfy]

I did the same thing with my Disco because it's going to be a while before I can get an ARB....

 

[yesmar]

lol
were did you get the mounts?

any pics?

 

[mbrummal]

you sure the stock bumper is substantial enough to stand up to d-rings? I guess if you back it with some plate and tie it into the frame it would be OK but still...

 

[yesmar]

well the actual bumper is just a thin piece of metal, but beneath that plastic trim on the front, on either end is where it connects directly to the frame... from what i can tell. so id end up welding them onto that. maybe i will end up cutting out a square bit a attaching them directly to the frame. if the frame isn't already cut through. ... this is why i ask for some guidance

 

[WAAPMAN]

Dont use the bumper as a recovery point... attach directly to the frame.

 

[yesmar]

great, can anyone refer me to a place that i can get a good shackle with a safe mount?

 

[Roving Beetle]

Not sure if this will make sense..... I'm better with pictures and showing something in person not writing it out like this.

Get a section of about 5/8-3/4 inch thick (or more) plate about 4 inches wide and around 10-12 inches long for each side. Use this plate to span along the outside of the frame (you may need to grind/notch it a little) and through bolt it to the frame in a few spots along the length of it with grade 8, 3/8 inch minimum or 7/16 inch bolts. Around where the bumper bolts on you can use those holes as there are braces inside the frame so the frame will not crush there. (may be around 3/8 inch bolts there) Leave it long enough to stick out through the bumper (you'll need to notch the bumper obviously) and then round the end just enough so the shackles will clear. OVERSIZE your shackles and always get ones that have the working load (not max load) cast into them. Get good ones, made in the USA if possible.

Some people claim that having the plates only going aft enough to bolt into the stock bumper location is enough....... I don't agree. If you have a heavy RTE bumper or something going across the front to tie the two frame horns together as well as support the tow points then that is *probably fine. However without that extra support a side pull at all could be very dangerous and destructive. This is why I'd recommend having the plate go further back.

Back further aft you may need to drill out a hole or two, but there are a couple spots if I recall that have a hole already and a brace internally. You may need to notch the front most body mount where the core support is so the plate will go aft in one piece. Just notch this enough so the heavy plate can go aft against the frame then weld the support to the new plate. I would also recommend welding the plate in a couple small spots at least so it can't shift or loosen. Backing plates where ever you thru bolt are always a good idea. If nothing else (and if there is a good brace internally) then use some GOOD heavy grade 8 fender washers.

I hope this made sense?

 

[yesmar]

YES it does! thats what ive been thinking about doing. i just need to do some planning ...

thank you roving beetle

im better with pictures too.

 

[d1driver]

I have heard horror stories of those mounts breaking free of their welds and becoming missiles through truck windows, seats, etc. Put some hooks on the frame, not the cheap factory bumper.