Wanted Bull bar mounting

[ThisMeanMachine]

Hello everyone! Yes i am new here but i really need some help.. My father gave me his old 2002 Ford Truck Bull bar saying "if you can fit it on the explorer, its yours" and i cant find anything anywhere on where to mount it, how, or even what the mounting brackets look like for a 1995 Ford Explorer XL. Please help! If you have further questions or answers, please do not hesitate!

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Assuming you mean its from an f150 or larger, the frame mounts will not line up or even come very close. If it was a bumper mount, not very useful.

If you have 4x4 offroad shops around they will be your best option. Ask around the local jeep dudes or check craigslist may turn up a fabricator. Otherwise pretty much any machine/welding shop can make you a set of serviceable mounts for under $50 IF you can talk them into a small job.

 

[ThisMeanMachine]

its off a f-250 but yes i know that its not supposed to fit. i have a guy who said he will make custom brackets for me if he can get an idea on where to mount them to the frame of my explorer. and i cannot find anything anywhere for mounts for a 95 ford explorer XL.

and hes a welder by the way

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Usually frame mounts go under the bumper and curve back up to bolt onto the outside of each frame rail along with a forward tab that is secured by one of the bumper mounting bolts. There are mounting holes already in the frame that go though side to side (oblong, 1/2" tall by 1" long). You remove the nut from one of the bumper brackets to connect the tab.

I'm not at home right now to get a pic, but this link shows pretty much the basic concept except the front tab would be at 90 degree angle rather than flush.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/me...oys-picture171076-2011-10-04-12-08-06-847.jpg

Others I've seen eliminate the bumber tab and simple have 2 bolts through the frame, though that requires drilling the frame. Just try to put the bolts as far apart from each other as you can to reduce possibility of shearing and increase stability. Either way the bracket is basically a J shape that attaches to the frame and swings under the bumper. From there a bull bar should be low enough to directly attach to the bracket. Many brush guards/grill guards mount higher and will need some type of extension to reach done to the mounts. I have 1 factory and 1 homemade guard on my two trucks. Used 1/4" X 3" cold rolled high carbon steel bar stock with 1/2" hardened fastners to build a mount - came out plenty solid. Be sure to prime and paint before assembly.

 

[ThisMeanMachine]

Ok thank you so much! i got underneath my explorer and i found the holes in the frame you were talking about and found the bumper mounts. Also since with the school im at, they have welding and a bunch of 1/4 steel that they sell by the foot. I think im pretty well set! Thanks!