How to drill holes for new bumper?

[Kevin Q]

Picked up a bumper with integrated receiver. It has the ability to use 12 bolts into the cross member and 2 underneath. The plan is to keep this bumper 1-2 years until I lift it and need a tire carrier. Until then the receiver will be used for occasional cargo carrier with cooler, beach stuff, etc. My goal was to use the 4 existing holes on the rear member and then drill 2 more to make sure it's strong enough. I also ordered a frame tie in from LOD. My question is...what is the best way to line up where to drill the 4 extra bolt holes?

 

[Steel City 06]

I snugly bolted mine up and used a marker to mark where to drill.

Depending on the construction of the bumper, that may or may not be possible. If it wasn't, I would use a straightedge and measuring tools to reference the holes off of the existing ones.

Use a step drill bit instead of a standard drill bit. A standard drill bit could easily puncture the gas tank and lead to disaster. The step drill bit is easier to control.

 

[jjvw]

Get a right angle pick. Mount the bumper using what is available. Trace the new holes with the pick. Mark the centers and drill.

 

[primetime4]

I am using Fishbone tie ins but I think you would be okay skipping the extra crossmember bolts As long as you have the reinforcement. No guarantee but I have had no issues with my receiver/bumper mounted this way using it to carry a bike rack for a few years now. The Fishbone bumper instructions do not specify drilling extra holes with the tie ins even with their tire carrier. I’m using a simple Warn bumper but they all mount the same.

 

[pagrey]

Two lower bolts and two each side to attach to the frame tie-ins. Anything else is just wasting your time. The rear crossmember is tinfoil, who cares how many bolts you have in it?

 

[scottgraham]

These frames seem fairly easy to drill through. Set up w/ a starter hole and use a step bit to get the hole to the size you need, the HF ones work fine.

I just burned through a ton of high quality bits last week trying to drill through a very, very old bed frame angle steel for a bracket I'm building...ended up using a masonry bit, I know right? Who'd a thunk?
It develops SO much friction that is basically punches through hardened steel.

 

[Ken Perkins]

I installed the the same bumper type bumper 3 years ago just as it sits plus tie ins added...pull my m416 around all time with no problems...I inspect my frame a lot to make sure theres no problems