Sinking Creek 4WD Association

I have a stout bumper on the rear of my fullsize bronco with a hole for a tow ball. Could I just put a 5/8" of 3/4" d-ring/shackle through this and attach a strap for a recovery point and pass the vehicle inspection?

Please discuss some inexpensive acceptable recovery points and a cheap place to get d-rings and d-rings attachment points.


Brett

Fastenal in c-burg has some 3/4 inch d-shackles for about $15, make sure you get the over-head lifting rated ones (orange, not blue), tractor supply has some also, about the same price, little different style.

What is the tow rating of the bumper? What is the weight of the vehicle? Without seeing the bumper, I would say no, a true recovery point should be attached to the frame, but obviously someone currently doing inspections would have the final say.

Mike

I wouldn't use a bumper for a recovery point. They like to bend, then break.

hklvette wrote:I wouldn't use a bumper for a recovery point. They like to bend, then break.

uhhhh....

hklvette wrote:I wouldn't use a bumper for a recovery point. They like to bend, then break.

And a 3/16" piece of flat metal that a winch is bolted to won't?

Brett, if its a stock drop bumper, which judging on the pics it looks like it is, its rated for 5,000lbs and 500lb tongue weight. This will work fine in a pinch, but if your on a heavy strap and really yanking on it, you'll probably rip it off.

I would get some pieces of 3/4"x1.5" bar stock, and run it through the bumpers front and back, similar to what I have on the front and back of my '79. Drill two 5/8" holes on the end that mounts to the frame(use grade 8 bolts with washers on the backside), and a 7/8" hole for the shackle on the other end. You can take a small cut-off wheel in your grinder and cut little rectangular slots through the stock bumpers to pass the bar stock through. Should look clean and provide a good stout tow point.

I would have to agree that the bumper is not up to the task of recovery. It was designed for a slow steady pull like when pulling out with a trailer. Not a sudden snatch like what your experience when you are stuck in a hole.

As far as d-rings, you can get them at Tractor Supply, but I have found the same d-rings at Northern for about 5-8 bucks cheaper.

your truck doesn't have a hitch? Thats kinda surprising. I thought all ford half tons and above had hitches from the factory starting in the early 90's.

Where can I get some flat stock as you describe Grubb?


Brett

Try Hedge metal in Salem (if you want to go that far). Its a scrap yard and I can usually find anything I need.

XXXLT wrote:Where can I get some flat stock as you describe Grubb?


Brett

There are several machine shops in the Pulaski area. Appalachin Machine is out by the NRV Airport on Rt. 100 in Dublin. Coltrain's is in downtown Pulaski. Cycle Systems is also in Pulaski near Coltrains and is a scrap metal yard. Not sure what their policy is on rummaging through the scrap, but the previous owners would seperate out the good stuff and lay it to the side. Just a couple places to check/call that are closer than Salem.