This is often compounded by the stock bumper and a tow package.   My Taco had the stock rear bumper and even though my truck has a 3 body lift the bumper was still at the stock height.  It hung below my truck a good 5 or 6 inches and often got hung up on obstacles.  In addition to that it didn?t have any place to put recover points such as hooks or shackles.  All that adds up to the need for a new rear bumper.

I wanted a bumper that would provide recovery points, have a 2 receiver for towing and improve the trucks departure angle.  After taking off the stock bumper and looking at what I had to work with I started putting together a few ideas of what exactly I wanted. 

First I decided to use shackle as opposed to hooks for the recovery points.  While hooks do work I, think shackles are better.  Often times when using a recovery strap with a tow hook, it tends to slip off the hook if it loses tension.  If you use a shackle, the strap cannot slip off.    An added benefit of having a shackle handy is that they are great for connecting a wire rope extension to your winch cable.

Second I wanted a 2? receiver for towing.  I had seen several types of receivers that bolted on and hung below the bumper.  I wasn?t fond of this type because they decreased ground clearance and decreased departure angles.  

Some might argue that you could just unbolt it and take it off when you go off-roading, but who wants the added hassle.  I wanted my receiver to be recessed in the blade of the bumper to avoid the problems with ground clearance and departure angles.

Third I wanted the bumper to be as close to the bed as possible and as high as possible while still protecting the body of the truck.   This would increase ground clearance and departure angle. 

After some measuring, I figured out that a 2 x5 piece of steel rectangle tubing would work best for my needs.  It would allow about ½ -3/4? to hang below the lowest part of the truck?s body.  So while off-roading if the rear of the truck does hit the ground the bumper will take the abuse rather than the body of the truck.

I had my front bumper built by Rock Ware in Colorado Springs, Colorado and I was so happy with their service and craftsmanship, I knew that was where I wanted to go for my rear bumper.  I went down to Rock Ware and told them what I wanted. 

We discussed the materials and style then set up an appointment to have it made.   It took only one day for them to fabricate, paint, and install it.  They used 1 ¼ bar stock for the shackle mounts, 2? x 5? rectangle tubing for the blade of the bumper and 3 ¾ ? C channel for the supports that bolt to the frame. 

The recessed 2 receiver is centered vertically and horizontally on the blade of the bumper with the hole for the retaining pin located just behind the blade.  Rock Ware also makes a great license plate mount for 2? receivers.  When it?s installed, the receiver is totally hidden.

The results: ground clearance at the rear bumper increased from 22? to 27?, departure angle improved from 30 degrees to 38 degrees, 2 recovery points with removable shackles and a hidden 2 receiver.  Over all, I am very happy with the way it turned out and I am sure it will endure years of 4 wheelin.

Available from:

RockWare

3109 N. Cascade Suite 203

Colorado Springs, CO 80907

www.rockware.net