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Old 05-21-2007, 09:49 PM   #1
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Aluminess rear bumpers

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 2:56 pm Post subject: Aluminess bumpers

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This seems like the place to put this so I pasted this from another section plus added some wording. Although this is a minimal problem for me so far it might be more of a issue down the road. The more info that is gathered, the better it is for the manufactures to make upgrades which will help everyone in the end.


I have met 2 people that have had the sagging hindge problems on their Aluminess rear swing out gates (boxes and spare tire holder). While talking with one of these persons, he went over the problem and showed me that the bolts are all stainless steel thread. They eat at the aluminum when you swing the gate open and close. I noticed that I have to lift my baja box to get it closed. I thought it was due to the weight and it probably is, but even with the box unloaded I still have to lift it up to get it to close. The next day I returned to SMB and saw 2 guys looking at my tailgate discussing the same problem. One of the persons was Dave from Aluminess. I showed him what the gentleman from Santa Rosa had shown me and he plans to make a change. The solution is straight forward, dont use all thread bolts. I plan to change mine, and Fastenal has the parts. This can be done by anyone and is a simple fix. But Dave explaned to me that many people are overloading their bumpers. He said he saw one guy standing on the spare tire something its not designed for. Even though the thing is made heavy duty, standing on your 4 cans of fuel or having a box that holds several cans of liquids and a generator for example might not cut it. Their solution is more hinges to compensate for the weight. I want a custom box that can hold wood and 4 jerry cans. He said thats too much for this bumper but they can build a custom bumper. Too late for me and adding extra hinges destroys the powder coat. If you plan to add extra weight (more than 4 jerry cans of fuel/water) you should talk with Aluminess. Dave also thought that because I keep my tailgate pinned while driving, it helps with stress on the hinges. It might be interesting to see if others have had this problem. For now I will change out the bolts (just in case) which should be no more than a 20 dollar fix using a stainless steel pins and is cheap insurance IMO. Hope this helps...Dave B

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Old 08-30-2007, 09:24 AM   #2
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Thanks for the info. Would it be possible for you to take pics of what you do when you change them out and post those and a parts/price list as well?

Thanks,

Ken
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Old 12-07-2007, 07:07 AM   #3
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Aluminess rear bumpers

I have right rear door sag also, and the cause is not apparent, although your thoughts on the allthread bolts warrant discussion. I wonder what the diameter difference is between the original Ford hinge pin and the bolt. Has anyone yet found the Fastenall bolt which works?
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Old 12-07-2007, 08:38 AM   #4
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Aluminess has an "upgrade" kit that I have purchased. It comes with the new bolts, washers and nuts, rubber bumper stops that go near the latch, and a couple pieces that allow the swingarm to "rest" on the bumper when closed.

I am one of those that overload my swingarm that has the bike rack on it.



Dave custom built the swingarm somewhat against his will. I am more cautious when I have it fully loaded with three bikes and other stuff. A long washboard road in a loaded configurations would most likely tear it apart. When they installed it for me, they installed the parts that allow it to rest on the bumper. Without that it would probably already be broken.

Phil
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Old 12-07-2007, 08:29 PM   #5
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But Phil, I thank you for blazing the trail.... Aluminess is now offering as standard product a box that can have a rail or bike rack on the top and have the rack clear a 37in tire on the other side. The box can carry 3 jerry cans internally along with a Honda 2000 generator. That sounds like a lot of weight, so I suspect that the swing are is now upgraded.
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2008 Ford 6.0PSD EB/E-PH SMB 4X4 Aluminess f/r bumpers (13.5mpg avg, 15mpg hwy) 52k miles [Texas McBeast]
2006 Toyota Prius (48 to 68 mpg) 120k miles [Penelope]
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Old 12-08-2007, 09:02 AM   #6
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Greg,

I do not deserve any credit here. I got the idea from others that had bolted the bike tray to the top of the box prior to me sketching this design and sending to Dave. There are some changes I would make to this design now that I've used it for a while. ..... live and learn .....

I agree, the configuration you mention does sound like a lot of weight.

Phil
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Old 12-08-2007, 09:04 AM   #7
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We will let you know how it works... that is what is being delivered for us.
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2008 Ford 6.0PSD EB/E-PH SMB 4X4 Aluminess f/r bumpers (13.5mpg avg, 15mpg hwy) 52k miles [Texas McBeast]
2006 Toyota Prius (48 to 68 mpg) 120k miles [Penelope]
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (15 to 18 mpg) [Johnnie]
2012 Mitsubishi MiEV (no gas required) ($.50/day in electricity) [Evie]
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