Front frame rail width

[El Jefe]

Can anyone tell me if the front frame rail spacing changes over the years on the 40's? I just measured the rails on mine and they are 29 inches apart. Problem is, that I just bought a front bumper from Hawkdriver on Mud, and the bottom mounting points on his bumper is 28 7/8 inches. I can grind a bit to make it fit, but I'm curious if later models changed the dimensions. I think he test fits his bumpers on a '74...

This is the vertical part of the front frame rails, below the tow hooks, measured on the outside of the rails...

Thx!
Chris

 

[Rzeppa]

When I went to build my bumper for my 71 I took measurements on my 71, 76 and 78. Of all of them the 78 was the most pristine, but I figured out that it isn't a precise measurement. One of the things I discovered, to my delight, is that the triangular parts that the 40 series bumper mounts to, are adjustable. Just loosen up the bolts and you can wiggle them around to a variety of mounting hole locations.

 

[El Jefe]

Thanks for the info, Jeff. The problem I'm having is that there's a plate that mounts to the bottom of the frame horn, but the edge of the plate hits the vertical part. Nothing that can't be cured with Mr. Anglegrinder...

Chris

 

[wesintl]

Chris,
Did you see these
http://www.ih8mud.com/tech/framedims/cruiser_frame.pdf

http://www.ih8mud.com/tech/framedims/framechart.jpg

 

[El Jefe]

Nope, but I'll compare the measurements on mine to the chart tomorrow...thanks, Wes!

 

[PabloCruise]

Hmmm...

Is anyone able to comment on the diff btwn 40 and 55 frame rails?

Specifically my '78 40 and the Pig formerly known as FJBen's '76 55?

I think I have a line on his bumper, needed to figure out if it'll mount...