I'm modifying my tire carrier latch system. With the new latch, it holds the tire carrier to far out from the tailgate. The carrier was already "extended" from the PO. I'd like to put a "bend" in the carrier to get it closer to the tailgate. See pics.

The top diagram shows the tubes that need to be bent at the same time due to the vertical supports.
The bottom right diagram shows the bubba tech plan. The plan is to use a strap around the tubes on the right and left side of the carrier (on the far side of a cement base for a light pole). Hook the straps to my tow hooks, heat the $hit out of the bend sites, put the Dog in reverse, bend it, throw the carrier on and get the hell out of there before the fuzz shows up.

I'm looking for a better idea, OR get some and come watch the show.

Wouldn't it be easier to just back into the light pole?

Use your 2 ton press. Jack up one of your wheels. Set the carrier on the ground and block it up so it can only bend as much as you need it to. Then lower the tire down on it.

I think you could heat the carrier up and bend it without all the theatrics. You'll be surprised how easily you can bend red hot metal. With the right leverage you can do it without the Bronco's help. Maybe just put a 2x4 or 4x4 between the bumper and the tailgate and push.

How big is the tubing? Could it be done with a conduit bender? If not, proper tubing benders are available.

What is the name of your dispensery ?

I vote

Thanks for the replies. I like the jack idea. I think I'll block up both ends of the carrier, heat up the tubes and lower the wheel onto the middle of the carrier. Seems rather uneventful but I wont have a light pole landing on the top of my truck. As far as dispensaries, I shop at " 4 High ". I'll post pics Sunday pm.

If you are heating the steel put something less flammable than the tire directly on the steel.

I have some old oily rags I'll protect my tire with.





I'm kidding.

If they are oily enough, like dripping, I think you'll get a little quench action.

Make sure the camera is running.

Hold my beer, watch this!

Oh $hit, you guys are funny.

Sorry to disappoint, but there wasn't any loss of life, limb, or property damage. We bent the carrier with some ingenuity, a couple of torches and a beer or two, three, five....

We put both ends of the carrier on blocks, put the 3 ton jack on that, and a 7ft 4x4 post between the jack and an I beam in my garage. We built a giant press. Next we jacked it up to the bend I wanted, heated it, let it cool, and released it to a near perfect red neck bend. It was a good day.

Your wife wasn't home when you did this, was she?

That's awesome.

Looks like you were well protected by the "don't worry be happy" singing fish mounted on the wall

Glad it worked out so nicely

Nice work sir! There are many ways to skin a cat right?

Why was it bent to start with? I'm worried about the weight on that arm and it made end up bent again.

Perfect! Does the house lean a little now?

To answer your questions:
1.) Yes, she was home. I said it wouldn't be a good idea to come in the garage...so she took the kids and vacated the premises
2.) The fish is a nice charm. Its no pic of Gregg, but it helps.
3.) The carrier had a bend in it from the PO carrier "extension" mod. The extension tubes were welded slightly out. However, I have the carrier supported by the hinges on one side and a bump stop on the driver side that rests on the bumper.
4.) No the house doesn't lean...but the jack and post are now a permanent fixture.

That is pretty sweet.

It reminds me why I'm stoked to go back to work in the bodyshop.

Specifically applied brute force.