Custom Bumper

While the support for aftermarket bumpers is overflowing for Jeep and Suzuki, etc... there is not much for Explorer/Ranger. While there are winch bumper solutions I didn't want to spend 10% of my rig budget on one.

I know it would be foolish to not have a recovery plan which will include a winch but I don't like it sitting out there in the elements and my approach angle. I figured a winch on a winch plate connected to a 2" receiver was the best option, I can move from front to rear and keep in inside the Xploder when not in use. Now to find a cheap bumper that has a 2" receiver hitch. Well, I went down to my local junkyard and found a large collection of rear bumper receiver hitches for large trucks collecting rust. So with my bumper removed I went through that pile and found one I liked.

I think this one came off of a 2002 Explorer, it should suit my needs. Now for the mock-up

Seems to add pretty good coverage and approach angle is not reduced. Nice!