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Aluminum Bumper And Winch Mount

Discussion in 'Winches' started by Jomani, Apr 19, 2016.

  1. Apr 19, 2016
    Jomani

    Jomani New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Not too long ago I picked up a 56 CJ5 in really nice condition. It had a lot of modifications done to it over the years including a Chev 283. I found a very nice Warn Belleview 6000# winch that I will be adding the front of her. With the V8 I am concerned about adding more weight to the front end. I am considering making a winch mounting plate and front bumper out of aluminum to help keep the weight to a minimum.

    I have access to a CNC machine and plenty of billet aluminum for the plate. I am thinking aluminum channel for the bumper with the plate welded on. My concern is strength. I don't have a lot of experience fabricating with aluminum, but I know that it doesn't like to flex.

    Anyone tried this? Am I completely crazy?
     
  2. Apr 19, 2016
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    What type of aluminum do you have access to? There are myriad types with different flex and strength qualities. I'd do a little more research in these areas before going any further.
     
  3. Apr 19, 2016
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Sep 17, 2009
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    4,460
    Yep, doesn't like flex. I think 1/4 6063 would be fine for the winch mount. My concern would be the bumper connection to the frame rails where you undoubtedly will get some flex. And not a place you want failure.

    I'm not sure the 283 is that much of a weight problem. An all iron sbc is only about 65 lbs more than the F head. Aluminum intake, heads, and water pump and there isn't any difference. That said, I ran an iron headed 327 for several years with the Belleview 6000 on the front of my 3B without any problems even with the stock springs.
     
  4. Apr 19, 2016
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    Oct 29, 2012
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    3,784
    Aluminum in it's various properties has no issue with flex as long as the parameters are within it's working range........almost every airplane has an aluminum super structure and depends on flex to survive.

    Most structural aluminum extruded shapes are 6061-t6 . that would include channel........6061 vs 6063 is almost twice as strong........both are weldable..........6061 plate is also available and fairly easy to attache to any extruded 6061 shape as long as the TIG welder / torch is of ample size to weld it...........The common method of attaching an aluminum fixture to steel is to bolt it together....that would also include a barrier between the two unlike metals to prevent corrosion.

    7075-T6 is the much stronger aluminum alternative that machines and wears like steel but is not weldable. Perhaps with the CNC equipment you have , you may be able to carve something out that does not require welding.
     
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2016
  5. Apr 21, 2016
    Jomani

    Jomani New Member

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    Jan 1, 2016
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    Thanks everyone for the responses. I guess I didn't realize that there were different types and strengths of aluminum. I decided to stick with steel and focus on lightening the load in other areas. The previous owner put heavy plate steel on everything. The oil pan alone probably weight close to 50 pounds.
     
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