What's This Part Under the Front Bumper?

Hey guys,

What's this part under the front bumper? see photo.

I am wondering if I can replace one side with something longer and mount a ham radio antenna.

 

No one really knows for sure . Many of us just remove it for a better line with IFS skid plates. I see no reason why you couldn't mode something up for a radio antenna.

 

Thanks! So you can just take bottom screw/bolt out then it will just slide out?

 

Yep!

 

Removed mine when I replaced the front bumper. Seemed pointless but I’m sure Toyota had a reason. They may have been an afterthought or an already produced part from some other vehicle.

 

Yes. Mine are sitting in my garage but I figure they will see the trash soon.

 

Thanks ALL! It's going to make it relatively easy to put an antenna bracket there!

 

This seems like a terrible location for an antenna, unless you want to hide it. Ideally, antennas should be mounted high on a vehicle, away from metal structures for maximum range.

 

It won't be hidden, I plan to extend off the bracket/frame to get it outside to the side of the truck and then mount from there with the antenna vertical. My garage door is only about 7ft high so it limits my options on positions and antenna lengths. I haven't ironed out exactly what antenna and if I will offset it (make it higher) or not. I've read that there can be problems with disruption to the radation pattern as you mentioned, but several real-world experienced people told me it won't make that big of a difference, especially around town. Then I will just have to consider the way I park out camping if it becomes a problem.

 

Seems like a great place to mount an antenna if you want to fuck up the body since the whip is going to be bouncing off the fender or bumper/grille.

Why not mount the antenna in a more traditional fashion? A 7ft garage ceiling shouldn't be an issue with a 3ft firestick.

 

Solution: Mount it high up with a motorized antenna mount like the diamond k9000

 

Certainly there would be a possibility of damage if I didn't choose a rigid base and antenna. I took a quick look at the firestik antennas. I couldn't see a dual-band ham antenna. They did have a 2m 5/8ths wave but it is just over 4ft long.

Thanks for your advise!

 

Removed mine without any issues. Seemed like they were there for nothing lol.

 

it's for this test. it's just a frame extension
https://www.youtube.com/embed/eouRDQ417mU

 

I've see that as speculation, but no real proof. I have a hard time believing that, since it's thin as a tin can. I don't think it'd do anything in that instance.