Getting a rear bumper on the FUNrunner has long been overdue and has become a huge need for my surf safari and prerunning/race-chasing activities down in Baja. There are two major/serious reasons why the need for a real bumper; 1)I need to be able to carry a full size spare and 2)I need to make room for a fuel cell where the OEM spare is. Too many times the FUNrunner has all but made me walk from running out of fuel. For those of you that haven't ventured south of the boarder; gas stations are few and far between, when you do find one there is a good chance it will be closed or out of fuel. Not fun being stranded without gas in Baja at night.
To accomplish this build I turned to Steve Eagan of C.B.I. Fabrication out of Idaho Falls Idaho http://cbioffroadfab.com/. I have seen Steve's work up close on the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series Bully-Dog pace truck that I ride in. He fabricated the bumpers and rear cage for that truck and it has served well bombing through the short-course jumps so I figured his work would be more then sufficent for the FUNrunners duties as a race-chasing prerunner.
We started by tearing off the old tow hitch and bumper. (hitch for sale)
Then fabrication started on the bracing for the future bumper and swinger.
Progress seemed slow, but I'm sure tomorrow will look more promising.
Our priorities in this build are to fabricate a performance/duty oriented bumper that is lean, high-clearance but still stout enough to carry needed items (spare tire, fuel jug, jack and breaker bar). I told Steve I didn't want some land-anchor that was all for show and not for go.
Stay tuned to see what we come up with as we are currently slaving away in the C.B.I. Shop. Any constructive input is always welcome.