Tundramonkey- Thankx for the kind words. I'm a bigger guy (200+ lbs.) and I wanted to make sure the rear foot pads were plenty strong, and they seem to be.
Right now, I have not decided what to do with the cooler. I was thinking about leaving it just the way it is, adding one cross strap behind it, that would support a basic snowflap, until I saw some pics of how others had retained the factory flap, so now im thinking I might try that. If it's not in the way, I don't see a real reason to 'flatten' it out, unless im missing something. I've been really busy lately, so I havent done ANYTHING on it since taking those pics. Im sure I'll mess around a bit more as I finish the project.
Is there a funcitonal reason to flatten the cooler? Am I missing something?
the other idea I had was to use that other cross strap (not installed yet) to support an LED taillight. I just ordered a bunch of LEDs, so that will be my next 'learning experience' - making a LED light. Seems interesting enough. I'll make sure to post more pics as I continue.
One thing i'd like to post up here, is that when you look at the installs of the BD kit, vs. what I did, my bumper does not slope down to the boards, but is parallel to the top of the tunnel, with a decided 'step' down at the new rear foot rests. If I had to do over again, I think I might go with more of that slope that folks are doing with the BD kit. I'll follow up, as I get the bumper fully fastened on, (right now it's just clamped in place) and im wondering how that 'step' will affect the strength of the back part of the tunnel. I may have to add some triangulation back in there.
