[mrshoer]

The other day, I found a rear cage w/ seat for $3700. Wow! Talk about stickin it to ya.

I also see a lot of straight tube fr/rr bumpers for $400+ clams.

This is rediculous. And from what I see, they're built from seam tubing. If it was constructed out of DOM tube, I could see paying a little more but I think SOME of these folks are trying to retire early.

With these cost I know there are other factors that go with it. Overhead, Cost of material (steel is through the roof), labor, profit etc......

I'm just a dumb horseshoer that learned how to fab steel a long time ago. I got tired of paying for someone to weld or cut steel for me so I learned to do it myself. And before I knew (several years later) I had aquired my own welder. torch, bender etc... I want to encourage those who don't know how to learn. We all have a neighbor who has a neighbor that has an uncle who has a welder or whatever you may need. Practice and teach yourself. Putting together an EXO cage for your ranger is much simpler than doing your taxes and at least you can say that you did it yourself!

Just my .02

Jason,
Three Rivers, Ca.

 

[RedRocker]

I build most all of my own stuff, will definately do my rear cage when the time comes.

 

[phoenixbob]

Wow $3700 must have been gold plated. I do look forward to getting into some metal work for myself.

 

[Fire Guy]

Not only do you save money but it's a lot of fun and you get it the way you want. You can design and build what ever your mind dreams up - that's the cool part - you built it

 

[rayinjulian]

Welcome to the PRC Jason
You must remember that some people are better off letting
someone with skills do the metal work. []

 

[okie]

Very true, some people just aren't cut out to be a welder. I was a code welder and welded on pressure vessels for 10 years. I can still remember how hard it was to learn how to weld. Sure it's easy now but I would not like to trust my body of a family members body to something I welded in the beginning. Some things are better off left to professionals.
My 2 cents worth.

 

[Ranger Dave]

Welcome to PRC,, Three Rivers is a pretty area!

 

[jw5wags]

Welcome to PRC. Seems like any thing you get for these rangers is high. But still want my ranger.

 

[Ran]

Welcome to PRC, Jason. I'd like to find a resonably priced tubing bender myself.

 

[commanderjjones]

$3700?!!! And I was thinking that the one with seats on Ebay for $1500 was high! I agree that some things are better left to those with experience, but it really only matters when safety is involved. I've taught many people how to weld (some that didn't speak a lick of English) in about an hour or so (yeah, it was the crash course)....like so many other things, it was just a matter of practice after that. The fabricating part takes a little more time and knowledge. Being and experienced welder and fabricator, I love to do my own stuff. I'm nearly finished with my new rear cage, cooler rack, roof, and nerf bars. I'll post some pic's in the next few days.

 

[ElecTech]

Jerry, what is the HCR front skid plate on yours? I don't remember hearing that one.

 

[mrshoer]

Ran- There's a fellar on E-Bay that sells plans for a bender that he designed on CAD. The schematics are converted for people like me for easy reading. The steel to make a frame is cheap; Just the dies are $$$$$. I love it! I also have another cheapo bender from Harbor Frieght that works well but it's not real accurate, though. Happy Trails!