The deer don't stand a chance. (My Buckstops)

[David Muench]

I just cleaned out my PM box, sorry.



I do have a leveling kit sort of, a Kelderman air-ride front setup. So it's adjustable. I think it sagged maybe 1/2" of an inch. If that. But I can just add a few pounds of air and make it level again.



Thanks everybody.

 

[rbattelle]

Dave,



How stout is that rear bumper compared with the front? Are they of similary gauge metal?

 

[John - K5AWO]

Great looking bumpers!!! I want some, I want some, now momma!!!



<<<As it stands I bet the rear is extremely slippery, but that is because the diamond plate is not installed yet. >>>>



Diamond plate will bust your ass just as fast as flat plate when wet. Better put on some rubber step pads! Read that as "I busted my ass too many times already!"

 

[David Muench]

rbattlle: I'd say the bumper is just as thick and stout, but it does re-use some of the factory mounting brackets. However, part of that is mounting directly to the top of the hitch with 2 big ass bolts so I think it's pretty stout.



John: Thanks. There's a group purchase starting up in the products/accessories forum I believe. I didn't end up coating the diamond plate though. I decided that I rarely stand on the bumper (I usually put the tailgate down and that's line-x'd) and I wanted the diamond plate to match the toolbox. So far I'm happy.



The only thing I'm not happy about so far is a lot of the bolts are rusting, fast. I need to start replacing them with stainless asap. . Finding big stainless carriage bolts for the rear bumper is going to be tricky though, I think.

 

[rbattelle]

Originally posted by David Muench

The only thing I'm not happy about so far is a lot of the bolts are rusting, fast. I need to start replacing them with stainless asap. . Finding big stainless carriage bolts for the rear bumper is going to be tricky though, I think.

Hmmm... that really stinks! All that cash for these bumpers and they can't even include stainless hardware? It seems like they put so much thought into the rest of the design, why not the bolts? Unless they're using grade-8 hardware. Certainly stainless won't be as strong as grade-8.



Is there any such thing as a rust-proof grade-8 bolt?

 

[Bertram65]

David,

If they are metric let me know, next to where I work there is place that sells only metric stuff and mostly stainless and cadium plated. If you know what sizes you need I could get it for you and ship it or perhaps they could ship directly to you but I am not sure if they do that. I have replaced alot of hardware on my WR400 and TRX250, the stuff is top notch and reasonably priced. I have even got keyboard screws for Dell laptops there, everything I have thought they would not have they did.

 

[David Muench]

I think they are grade 5. .



Thanks for the offer Bertram, I'll keep it in mind when I get to replacing them.

 

[rbattelle]

Dave, have you replaced the bolts yet?

 

[David Muench]

I replaced all the license plate bolts and the front bracket bolts. Everything that is visible except the carriage bolts. That's my next task. .



One other problem area is the large bolts that attach the front brush guard to the bumper. You can't see the bolts, but I am getting a rust stain coming out of the joint. Those aren't going to be fun to replace. .