I'm thinking of making a rear utility bumper for my 2002 Ranger. Mine is a twisted mess and I'd rather have something more substantial but simple.

My thought is a 6" wide channel iron across the back with a 3" x 3" angle iron across the lower lip of the channel iron for a step. I'll add a Reese hitch for towing.

The real question is can I cut away my bumper and use the original bumper mounts?

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2002 Ford Ranger
1975 Ford Ranchero

I wouldnt, it be better if not easier to make your own mounts. Otherwise what you would end up with his a heavier bumper or at the least of things stronger with brackets meant for thinner material and use.

If you're talented enough to make the surface of the bumper, modeling it somewhat off of the original design should be a snap.

On Another note, Id skip using a full channel or box piece of metal because despite the illusion that your bumper is that way you'll end up with a very flat-faced bumper. It would look a bit redneck like as a split railroad tie lashed to the back as a bumper. Although feesibly functional, aesthetically it may not be what you really had in mind... well unless thats not an objective goal, skip what I said. lol

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Good idea to make my own mounts. They are, in fact, fairly simple.

Otherwise, i do want something pretty utilitarian, hence a channel iron base. That way I can attach a vise or most anything else.

I see the original and replacement bumpers as pretty wimpy. Cosmetics are the least of my concerns at this time.

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2002 Ford Ranger
1975 Ford Ranchero

Like Undrstm8ed said, I would just make new mounts. The factory mounts aren’t the beefiest things in the world anyway.


I’m also in the process of making a rear bumper/tire carrier. I’m using 2”x6”x3/16 time for the main structure, 3/16 plate for the top, and 1/4” plate for the mounting brackets. My plan for the mounting brackets is to mimic the way the hitch receiver mounts, as its a lot more secure than the factory bumper.
Here’s a few pics (progress is minimal; winter snuck up on me)







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Its coming out nice Jimmy... Remind me to share some ideas with you later.

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My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
+ 12° North Industries ~ I Support

I would not build it tight like that. put a filler plate in that floats/slides maybe. but your asking to tear the bed up unless your going to cut the bed away at the meeting areas.


I try to mount the bumper on box that will collapse on a hit. bolted through/chained so you can recover/towstrap or winch from it, but will collapse with a substantial hit with minimal damage.

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88 ranger ext cab....propelled via a 6.5 diesel tickling 4l80 cog box, with a f208 hanging on for dear life trying to spin 1 tons turning from 33 to 44 inch tires depending on the days agenda.


sooo....how a like me now

Thanks!

Sounds good, always open to suggestions.


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Yea, I kept it kinda of tight to the box. In fact, it’s a little tighter than the factory bumper was. When I can get back to working on it, I think I’m going to open open the sides up a little more like the factory one.

I’m not too worried about making it collapse in an accident.


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