Drilling through rear airlift bumper to mount license plate?

[M1165A1]

Does this seem like a bad idea? Putting two 1/4” holes 6” apart in the airflift bumper top surface to mount a license plate holder on the left side of the vehicle (clear of the Rhino spare tire mount).

The no-drill plate holder by Federal Military Parts doesn’t look like it fits the side of the bumper. I have a plate mount and a light with Packard connector to splice into the brake light, so left side seems easy. And I don’t want to mount below the bumper and cut off my angle of attack for those urban hill climbs.

Will these holes weaken the bumper excessively? I can see it will be a difficult drilling job due to the thickness of the steel on the bumper.

 

[Mullaney]

Does this seem like a bad idea? Putting two 1/4” holes 6” apart in the airflift bumper top surface to mount a license plate holder on the left side of the vehicle (clear of the Rhino spare tire mount).

The no-drill plate holder by Federal Military Parts doesn’t look like it fits the side of the bumper. I have a plate mount and a light with Packard connector to splice into the brake light, so left side seems easy. And I don’t want to mount below the bumper and cut off my angle of attack for those urban hill climbs.

Will these holes weaken the bumper excessively? I can see it will be a difficult drilling job due to the thickness of the steel on the bumper.

.
I can't say for sure, but I wouldn't imagine that you will be dropping your truck out of a plane or on a sling under a chopper.
Chances are that drilling two holes won't cause structural integrity problems in that bumper.

Just guessing though.

 

[TOBASH]

Just get sheet steel, bend to shap to fit a plate and a light, and mount to a bumper hole. Will cost under $30

 

[papakb]

I drilled and tapped 2 holes in the airlift bumper so I wouldn't have to try to attach nuts somewhere up inside. Been on there 20 years now without a problem. If you want you can drill a third small hole for the license plate light and have the wire securely inside where it can't get hit.

 

[rcamacho]

Plenty of suppliers make no drill brackets. I use Black Dog customs on my airlift…
(Not affiliated)


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[Awol]

Two self tappers is all you need. No reason to overthink it.

 

[osteo16]

Or just do what I did.... Bought 2 airlift bumpers for $200.. That way I can Drill one and leave one a Virgin.. Just my and lucky situation.. But drilling 1/4" holes isn't gonna degrade the integrity of that piece of massive steel..


Ocho out

 

[DREDnot]

Agreed. A couple 1/4-20 holes aren't gonna hurt that bumper. Thats how i install all my plate brackets.

 

[Gamble]

Plenty of suppliers make no drill brackets. I use Black Dog customs on my airlift…
(Not affiliated)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Same

 

[glcaines]

I use a magnetic tag holder.

 

[Crapgame]

I just drilled an extra hole in my license plate, attached the plate to the two inner bolts of the mud flap bracket.

Drill the cheapest part first.

 

[Milcommoguy]

Confused here. What's the big deal about drilling a hole or two in the bumper for a license plate. What am I missing here?

It's not a boat and going to leak, CAMO

 

[Crapgame]

For me, considering the price and shipping expenses for the A2 Airlift Bumpers these days, when possible, I prefer not to alter the original part, or alter the cheapest part first. Those A2 seem to be galvanized then painted or less likely, powder coated. Sometimes welding galvanization can be a pain, and in the very least, it releases toxic fumes. Sure just a dab of MIG wire over the added license plate holes and a few minutes angle grinder later is an easy fix.