Let’s talk departure angles

Okay, so as I see it, to improve departure angle you have:

1) New bumper - seems to be easier to pull off if you don’t have/don’t want BSM/cross traffic detection

2) Lift kit - and for mild ones you need to keep the existing rake.


Am I missing anything? Is there any sort of a rear viper cut or perhaps something that is a skid plate that covers the corners, which seems to be the weak point?

 

What about the spare? (Especially for those running 285/70/17).

 

Good point.

For me, I seem to focus on the corners because it feels like those are the places at risk whenever you put your tire on a nasty rock.

I’m still not sure how I feel about the location of the spare, but I do appreciate the cargo room.

 

The exhaust might need to be trimmed a little. I have one on the side but still hit it from time to time. I think a rear bumper is in order if you want to improve departure angle.

 

I wish there was more in the way of options that kept the BSM working.

The Ironman Raid bumper looks promising, but they say it doesn’t work with the BSM while the reviews say it does.

 

Yeah, the corners are the weak link. Mine were scratched up pretty bad. I went with Nguyens' Lo-Pro bumper. It looks a lot better with the hitch delete option, but you have to cut the rear x-member on the frame. (The piece with the lights) and I need the hitch, which was removed as I was going wheelin'.

I put it on the roof for trail riding. It goes in the factory location when I get home.


You could also unbolt the receiver. It's 6 bolts and will give a bit more departure angle, but the plastic bumper cover will be vulnerable.

 

I wonder how COG changes when you combine the weight of the bumper and the tire on top.

Might be worth bringing a friend and waiting until after lunch to hit the off camber bits!