DWBRubi

Pretty simple designs, but here are some shots of the semi-completed projects.

The steps are finished, but will be scrapped in favor of something that mounts to the frame, sometime this winter. They are made of 1/8" wall 2x2 and 1x2 sq. tubing, and I used 1/4" 2x2 to attach them to the stock rails. Even though I did weld some 2x1/4" flat stock going from the bottom of the rail to the body mount flat washers, there's still quite a bit of flex when you step on them, and I can only imagine what some heavy wheeling will do to them.

The carrier is pretty solid and I used 3/16" 2x3 for the main bar, and 1/4" 2x2 for the rest. The 1/2" tubing is 1/8" wall, and the angle and flat stock is 1/8", as well. I used A-Z's HD spindle, along with their wheel mounting plate, and some 3/8 rod ends from Northridge. The basket is a very nice addition, allowing me to carry a cooler and tent, along with the family and dog. Future plans include Hi-lift and Rotopax mounts, along with a license plate relocation. I already welded some 1/2" all-thread for the license plate mount, and will use the factory bracket/light, after some trimming. I will also move my auxillary back-up lights, from under the bumper, to the tire cut-out, since they are my third set. The carrier is capable of fitting a 37" tire, and that is the biggest that I forsee my Jeep ever wearing. In hindsight, I would have just bought a bumper/carrier combo, but got a hell of a deal on the ARB, and they don't make a carrier for their JK bumper.

Total cost for the steps was $35, and somewhere around $200 for the carrier. I borrowed heavily from alancamby's design, and it can be seen HERE. I had already made the basket, and mounted it to the stock carrier, but it shook worse than Jello going down the road, so this was a much needed build. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration.

AlgoDan

Got top like the home build jeep add-ons, nice work....

DWBRubi

A few more pics.

dp7197

Nice job. I want to add the AEV tire carrier to a ARB bumper.

DWBRubi

I too thought about doing that, but I couldn't justify the cost. The add-ons are pretty cool, though, and the gas container is my favorite. The Rugged Ridge looked like it could just bolt on, along with a few others, but this was the best choice for me. I'm just happy that the basket doesn't shake anymore and I am closer to being 35" friendly. Now I just need to get a lift installed and wear out the stockers!

DWBRubi

I got the license plate relocation done, so here are a few pics of that. I first tried mounting it like everyone else seems to be doing, but the plate wouldn't mount flush with a flat washer and jam nut. I decided a nut tacked to a piece of 1/4" x 2" flat stock, and then riveted onto the bracket would be a better solution. I did use flats on the bracket side, so it is not going anywhere. All I have to do is loosen the jam nuts, unplug the plate light, and screw the whole bracket/plate assembly off. Sure beats taking the plate off, un-plugging the light, and loosening the nut that holds the bracket on. Now I need to get started on the Rotopax and Hi-Lift mounts. I think I'm going with a 48" extreme and a 3 gallon fuel can.

DWBRubi

Ordered a Hi-Lift and a 3 gallon Rotopax a few days ago. The Hi-Lift is a 60" Xtreme and it came with a neoprene cover. Ordered it from Q-Tec for $99! Not bad, considering everyone else wanted $120+ for a 48", and another $25 for the cover. It should be here tomorrow. The 3 gallon Rotopax and locking mount was ordered from Northridge. I still haven't received a tracking number, but my card has been charged, so hopefully soon. Both of those pieces were $120, and of course, they shipped for free. I hope to have both mounted this weekend, but will definitely get the Hi-Lift mounted up.

jscherb

Sorry, posted in the wrong thread due the goofy new scrolling interface that puts an unrelated thread at the bottom of another thread. Deleted the content of the post.