Hello from New Mexico

[rockfish7]

My name is John and I started some small and simple welding projects around the house about a year or two ago. For those small projects, I purchased a small Lincoln wire feed welder and now I am hooked! I'm thinking about some bigger welding projects in the future: building new HD bumpers for my 4X4 truck, rebuilding the rear bed of a '74 Ford 1/2 ton truck project, ect. I have access to various scap metal/piping at my workplace and would like to get some welding experience under my belt. I don't plan to get certified, but I want to learn enough to fend for myself and my projects. I look forward to reading your info on your projects, equipment, and techniques used. Thanks, JP.

[Cracker]

Welcome , rockfish. What model 4x4 are you planning to build bumpers for? I have an 86 fullsize Bronco and an 87 Ranger 4x4 Ive done a few mods to. Its good to see another 4x4 enthusiast aboard.

[rockfish7]

My 4X4 is a 1986 Toyota FJ60 Landcruiser wagon. Originally bought it for my wife as her daily driver becuase she thought it looked "really cool." As soon as I drove it offroad on a hard-to-get-to fishing lake, I was converted to the Landcruiser series of 4X4's (because I towed a 1/2 ton truck out of the monutains as a good deed of the day.). I even went as far as letting my wife trade in my 1989 F250 4X4 for another used Landcruiser. This little 4X4 has gotten me out of trouble many times on our camping trips over the years. I have made it home 40 miles in first gear and at least 75 miles with a busted radiator. I have seen the ARB bumpers and various HD add-ons for the landcruiser, but I would rather make my own stuff than to buy from a store. For now, this is the only 4X4 I drive. My aunt gave me her old 2 wheel drive '74 Ford 1/2 ton about two years ago and I plan to get that truck running again.

[TxRedneck]

Welcome Rockfish hope you enjoy...I dont do 4X4's cause I aint no mechanic lol I do weld though and I love to have fourwheel drive...just not 4X4...hope you understand the differnce :D