Brute Bumpers

[imajeepnut]

Can I mount any TJ aftermarket bumper to the rear of the finished Brute frame assembly? I like the idea of a bumper on the rear as a step in some situations. The rear winch option could still be utilized by passing thru the frame and the bumper. I'm sure you would need to leave a hawse fairlead on the rear frame crossmember, and then again in the rear bumper.

My idea would be to try a spare tire mount just like you would see on the TJ. It would kind of remind me of the olive-drab Scrambler project in one of the 4Wheel magazines...except they bobbed the bed. I just thought I'd try it on mine if the rear would accept it.

[podunc]

Although I have never done this, try measuring out the front frame rails and then the rear and see what you come up with. If the measurements are relatively the same then I don't see why a front bumper wouldn't work.

Just a suggestion! I don't know how feasible this would be, but it's a good starting point.

[imajeepnut]

I'm sure the rear frame rails would be the same width as the factory TJ. I have the rear bumper, and was just wondering if the rear plate that connects the two rail ends is similar in positioning and strength as the factory TJ. I'm sure I could drill any holes needed to mount the bumper as it mounts as most rear TJ bumpers do. I just need a Brute here in my garage first! lol

[podunc]

Don't we all need one in our garage! I would imagine that the rear is equal in comparison to the strength as the front. Although not scientific by any means, a good friend of mine has a bumper with a 2" reciever and pulls around his boat, and he trailers his other jeep from time to time (short distances).

He does have frame stiffners, that are installed outboard and on top of the frame rails as an added precautionary note, but he stated he has had no issues and no metal fatique.

[AEV Matt]

You could pretty much mount any TJ bumper to the Brute. The rear Brute crossmember is extremely strong. Keep in mind the tailgate is 48.5" wide, so some TJ bumpers with tire carriers might be a problem (where the hinge point is)

Matt