mkubacak

My brother and I drove up to Fruita last week and picked up some new treats. He got a DOR front bumper for his '96 Suburban and I got DOR front and rear bumpers for my '00 Dodge.

I must say the quality of Layne's work is incredible. These were well worth the wait. I have been wanting these ever since I first saw the original Earthroamer back in 2000.

If you notice from the pictures, I have changed from the Sport grill to the regular one. I felt I wanted a little chrome on the front. I also picked up a valance that bolts to the bottom of the bumper. It is all aluminum. I could have waited for it to be powdercoated, but I just figured I would just have it done locally and save on the shipping since I was already there. I will be adding lights in the next few weeks.

On the rear, I had to remove the light strip from the tailgate. It would hit the bumper. It is fine, because I am planning on getting one of those louvered tailgates anyway.

Here is one pic, the rest are in my gallery.

phox_mulder

Is that valance made specifically for the DOR's?

That looks much sturdier than the factory airdam I put on the bottom of mine,
and provides more coverage.


phox

phox_mulder

Also, what the silver disc shown in this pic?



The Suburban one has it also.



Is it a logo/badge he's putting on them now?, as mine is naked, no hint as to who made the bumper.

See, no disc.




phox

SuperDave4x4

They look sharp! I really like those bumpers. Truck looks sick with the 19.5's too!

mkubacak

The valance is made for these bumpers by Layne. It is like .375" aluminum. Not really a skid plate, but like you said much sturdier than the factory piece. They bolt up with eight bolts. Give Layne a call and I would bet he can get you one for your bumper. He did not have one that was powdercoated while I was there, so I got one bare. I will either have it coated locally or I will paint it myself.

Did you notice the new powdercoat he is using? It is a wrinkle like finish. It looks really great!

Yes, the little disc is his logo. It has Denver Off-Road and his phone number.

Michael

shoe

What is there seb site and cost for there bumpers?

Dr. Evil

Im jealous.....enjoy it

RowJ

Very nice!
That valance really makes a difference....looks mean! .375" may not qualify as a full skid plate, but it's sure sounds close....depending on the grade AL used!
Really like the flatter finish to the powercoat...and the chrome grill sets it off beautifully!

Shoe - No real web site that I could ever find, when I dealt with Lane...just articles about his work! Can contact here...he's actually in the Grand Jct area now...phone # is correct.
Attention: Layne Wright
4401 Dixon Drive
Westminster, CO 80031
Phone (970) 858-4010
Email: denveroffroad@yahoo.com
RJ

mkubacak

Thanks to all for your compliments.

I can now stop cringing every time I see a deer or antelope on the side of the road or on the road. I am still dreading that first scratch or dent, but at least I have some protection.

The valance is made from good stuff. It has 6061-T6 printed on it. Only downside in terms of use as a real skid plate, is that it only attaches to the base of the bumper. If it was a little longer and attached to the frame, then there would be some more strength. I am sure it will be sufficient to knock the heads of rabbits and coyotes down.
.

JEMGTX

Very nice, any pictures of the rear bumper ?

RowJ

Always wondered about the lack of "air holes" on Layne's bumpers...much less ventilation than the UTE's that he sells (even with a winch). My first thought would be, with the big Dodge grill, it would make no difference.

Phox - Did you ever notice higher trans temps/egt's at hwy speeds...or easier over heating of coolant?

mkubacak - Where are you?...Hot climate area? Wonder if the valance reduces air flow and if it makes any difference?

I know my UTE was made for desert temps...just wondering if all the holes in the UTE make any real contribution? (see my gallery, if unfamiliar). This will be my first summer with it.
We just had this last week of 90* OAT and, come to think of it, my tranny has seen some higher temps than I remember from last yr. Nothing serious, but at hwy cruise, with no traffic in front of me to block flow to the tranny cooler, tranny fluids stabilized at 160*....use to be 140* (empty).
Have seen no difference in EGT's or coolant temps...yet.

Anybody done any testing...or have any thoughts on this subject?

RJ

phox_mulder

He has pics of both in his member gallery.


phox

phox_mulder

I got the bumper before I got the guages, so no before/after tests there.

I was worried about engine temps,
so I kept an eye on them just prior to putting the bumper on, and just after for comparison.
I installed the bumper in mid July, almost the hottest month in Utah,
and didn't notice any engine temp difference at all.

Now that I have the guages, I do notice hotter than usual tranny temps, but don't know if that is due to the bumper, or just a crappy tranny cooler on my truck.
Mainly while offroading, not much forward motion to move the air over, I can get it to 250 in no time,
highway speeds it doesn't seem to be running hot at all, right around 150-160.

EGT's are right where they should be, according to others posts.


phox

mkubacak

I am on the South Plains of Texas, aka the Llano Estacado(Staked Plains - Named during Coronado's expediton in the sixteenth century). It has been in the mid 90's to 100+ since I put the bumpers on. At least it is not as humid as it is in your neck of the woods. I hope this summer won't be as bad as '98.

Everything is copacetic for now, I will let ya'll know if I see any problems once I put five tons or so behind it.

Does anyone know how I can get rid of this huge freaking grin on my face? My wife is getting worried it may be terminal. And she is tired of me asking if she has see these cool bumpers.

RowJ

Knew I had heard of your place before...I'm originally from San Antonio.

Towing should be a good test! With non automatic, any shortage of airflow will probably only show in your coolant temps.

I have noticed slightly higher tranny fluid temps only. My oil temp has not increased from last summer...due to bumper. 190* when OAT is below 90*....up to 200* when over 90* outside... (210* if I cruise over 75 mph). I mention this because aux. oil cooler is mounted next to Tranny cooler...and both are tucked behind the bumper and get less airflow than with a stock bumper.

I suspect Lane did serious testing and there is nothing to be concerned about. Just curious why our designs are so different, ventilation-wise. Worst case... what's a little higher temperature...when you can look that Coooooool!

Enjoy.

RJ