Aftermarket Bumper Question

[ROADWARRIOR]

I've been considering an after market bumper for years. One thing I have always wondered was how much of a pain is it to work under the hood with the grill guard being in your way? I am leaning towards a DOR and Layne said he hasn't heard any complaints about it.



Thanks,

Dan

 

[dresslered]

Have you looked at the Buckstop?

I switched over from the stock bumper to a Buckstop years ago and it in no way has interfered with working under the hood. In fact, I find that I can now kneel on the bumper in many instances rather than grab an orange crate. Also, if the grill gaurd bothers you, it is removable.

 

[BarryG]

I have had a DOR on my 01 truck for many years now. I have not found it to be a problem. As mentioned earlier you now have a place to put a knee. I have found that I rarely work on it directly from the front. I am usually on one side or the other. Depending on what I am doing even on the side I seem to usually need a stand of some sort (important safety message follows-- please don't use a milk crate as a stand. While I have used them more times than I can count with no mishap one time I was working on the heater hose by the firewall. Stretched out just as far as possible on my milk crate and it slipped from underneath me. Result was two cracked ribs:{)



I guess I cant say it has never been in the the way but it is very rare.

 

[dresslered]

Barry, you caught me on the generic use of the word 'orange crate'. I too use a stand.

 

[Shadrach]

Our mechanics at work hate them. My buddies is far enough away ( He has an 18k winch ) that I can sit on the top bar with my feet beside the winch and reach in. i would love to have a Herd or Bandit Bar but I've spent too much this year already Shadrach

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

No problem with the Reunel.

 

[dresslered]

Joe,

Your RV275's are still working great with my bumper.

David

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

How about the extra weight causing front end issues, especially the steel ones? Do they wear the front end parts faster or change the driving manners? I have D25 coils already installed, so I am not worried about sag.



Dan

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Many years ago I ordered DD's Pro Zapp w/o Brush bars figuring with a bumper that large and high why would I need them?? (I'm not haltering cattle to her - that WOULD be one reason). So far no regrets and the deck of that bumper is actually a great work platform. In fact my avatar is my old deceased beagle Sam standing on said bumper!!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Also, the stainless steel Reunel is only 3/16” thick so isn't real heavy; I guess about 180 lb. vs. stock around 80 lb. The mild steel bumper would be about 240 lb since it is ¼ inch thick. Reunel uses smart engineering instead of loads of steel to impart strength. Some aftermarket bumpers are quite heavy and I would avoid adding so much weight to the front end, especially if you add a winch also. My Warn 16. 5ti winch adds another 135 lb. I don't think it hurt any wear items, with the possible exception of shorter front hub life. I replaced them around 122,000 miles. I covered the rear bumper in Issue 47, p. 14; the front bumper and winch in Issue 51, p. 28; and the front hub replacement in Issue 67, p. 82.

 

[Barry]

Talk about the back end. Since moving to Florida, I have wanted one of those big steel Oil Field bumpers and have a decal made that says "Solid Steel-Will Hurt".



I have never in all my life seen such tail gaters.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I ended up ordering a DOR bumper and found out it is shipping tomorrow. Oo.



Dan

 

[Regcabguy]

Dor

I ended up ordering a DOR bumper and found out it is shipping tomorrow. Oo.



Dan

Layne makes a light but strong unit. A picture of a 3rd. gen application is on XP Camper.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I got my bumper unpacked and ready to put on. Layne's craftsmanship is excellent. I am extremely anal about stuff and I was relieved that I didn't find any issues for me to groan about.



Dan

 

[Riverboy]

Where did you get this bumper. . website? Or?

 

[Shadrach]

Denver Off Road Shadrach

 

[Harlacher]

I have the Road Armor front bumper, 350 lbs. It does make my front end squat. Went to oversize tires, 4 inch lift (which included new heavy duty springs), leveling kit, and I still rub with 35/1250 on it. As far as working on the truck, it gives me a seat or a place to put my knee when working on it.

 

[seafish]

I have the Road Armor front bumper, 350 lbs. It does make my front end squat. Went to oversize tires, 4 inch lift (which included new heavy duty springs), leveling kit, and I still rub with 35/1250 on it. As far as working on the truck, it gives me a seat or a place to put my knee when working on it.

Wow. . is that with or without a winch ??

 

[Harlacher]

With a winch.

 

[seafish]

With a winch.

Ok... I feel a little better now !!:-laf