Aftermarket front bumpers, do they help?

[GotDiesel]

I have been following this board for some time now and I have a question that I have found no answer for. When you replace your front bumper with one of those aftermarket ones (Ranchhand ect... ) With the added weight on the front end(350-400lbs. ) Has anyone of you noticed a difference in handling good or bad? and has the braking been less efficient? Just asking my truck is in the shop for body work after some sorry *&$ hit me in the parking lot and didn't bother to leave their name. I had one of those really cool(read this as flimsy)brush guards. The repairs will cost over $2000. My body man told me that the brush guards usually do more damage than protection, he has seen the same type of damage over and over, manufactures should put a warning label "Use of this product can result in exteme unnecessary damage" Ha Ha. I never realized how unprotected the front end really was. I thought I was safe, so much for that. Any way any thoughts on the subject would be appreciated, thanks in advance
Joe

 

[QRTRHRS]

Cabntblder,

Don't have any real experiance here but I can direct you to an aluminum bumper that weighs 150lbs. The cost has been holding me back.

The bumper is made by Denver Off Road. If you have TDR issue 30, page 30 has a picture of it. Last time I checked, I was not able to get on their website. Check out http://dodgeram.com/bill_s/front_bumper.htm for a report on this bumper and others.

You might also check out the links for TDR member John West who makes bumpers. His look good but I don't think he has a brush guard which I want to minimize the deer tearing up my hood area. Hope this helps.

 

[DOWG]

I replaced my OEM front bumper with the new "Bullnose" bumper from ranchhand. It is a front end replacement without all the brush guard stuff. By the way, my 12 year old son had no trouble lifting the OEM bumper and putting it in the back of the truck, if that tells you anything about the quality of the bumper. I replaced the OEM bumper for three reasons:

1. The OEM bumper was a little beat up from a disagreement with a mesquite tree.

2. One of my fellow members of the Dallas TDR had been in a minor front end accident and the thin metal of the OEM bumper was pushed into the coolers and caused quite a bit of damage.

3. My neighbor had a disagreement with a really large tree and gave me $150 for my damaged OEM.

On a very rainy day when I rearended a Jeep going less than five MPH. All four wheels locked up, the Jeep needs a new rear bumper, rear door and the spare tire didn't look so good. I ended up with a nickel sized "bend" on a flanged part of the bumper.

The cost of the bumper (less trade) more than made up NOT having to pay my insurance deductible because I sustained no damage.

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1998 Driftwood Extended Cab,Short Box,12 Valve,4X4,Auto,Dunrite TC,3. 54,Banks Plate,AFC Spring Kit,Isspro EGT,Rickson 19. 5's,Abbott EPRA, Rancho Shocks,Heim Trackbar,Mag-Hytec transmission Pan & Pumpkin Cover,Amzoil Synthetic's,Ranchhand Bull Nose Front Bumper, Headache Rack,Tool Chest,Side Steps,Rear Bumper and 100% Stock Airconditioning.

[This message has been edited by DOWG (edited 12-12-2000). ]

 

[Randy J]

One thing to think about Cabntbldr is air bag deployment. The sensors for the air bags are designed to deploy the bag at a set rate of deceleration. Putting on a stronger bumper that doesn't give as much may cause the air bag to go off too late - meaning your face comes forward towards the steering wheel, then you get a 200 mph punch in the face. For minor impacts the replacement bumpers do hold up better, but if I need the air bag, I want it working as intended. Just food for thought.


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Randy Jones, San Antonio, TX, rdj@gvtc.com, 98 1/2 QC, 4X4, American Racing BAJA's, 285/75/16, Amsoil throughout, Superstar 3000 export radio, Firestik antenna with fender mount, Fire-ring cable

 

[BCFAST]

Randy, I beg to differ... As a racing and high-performance driving instructor, I can assure you that the bags WILL deploy, probably earlier than later, when using a stiff aftermarket front bumper. An airbag sensor has a ramped tube inside, and a decelleration of X-amount will force a bubble past the elbo of the tube at a specific rate. A signal is sent to the processor at the base of the dashboard and IT makes the decision whether to deploy or not. With a stock front end, energy is absorbed by the folding-in of the metal, thur delaying the deployment. A stiff, un-deforming bumper will transfer ALL the impact energy into the sensors and, sadly, the occupants! Remember you guys, those bumpers are cool looking, and save our trucks from brush and deer damage, but the truck is still just an expendible machine. Your body isnt. I oughta know, I had a bad racing accident last July that should have killed me, but the structure of the car, and my safety equipment saved me.

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, #12 plate, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, PrimeLoc, Red Tops

 

[Murle]

Have the full repacement bumpers on all the trucks I have owned. Ranchand style. No difference on breaking or handling. Have made a big difference in saving the fenders on cows, deer, trees and posts. Not that I'm a bad driver. Crap happens you know.

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1998 4x4 2500. White. Regular cab. Not bombed. Gear Vendor(9 forwards)
2001 4x4 3500 White Flat bed. Has BD Plug in Power. I represent Murle's Gunsmith Shop and Sporting Goods.

 

[Jim Guidry]

Hey Joe! We're neighbors! I'm out on Humble Camp.

My best friend, over in Alvin, has a Ranchhand on his 3500. Put in on after a 50 mph close encounter with a bull. $2500 worth of damage on truck, bull d-e-a-d! He loves his Ranchhand, but has reported a reduction in mileage. Truck brakes and handles like stock.

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'96 Regular Cab, 113. 5K, SLT 2WD auto 3. 54, Vista topper, Pillar-mounted Autometer Boost/Pyro, transmission temp and oil pressure guages under dash, starwheel spun

 

[Jeff Clark]

I've had a RanchHand on mine for three years now. No problems. 90,000 miles and still on second set of brake pads. Even with 245/70-19. 5 tires and 19. 5" wheels. Extra weight may acount for premature shock wearing although the Ranchos wore out fast on my other truck with stock bumper.

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98. 5 3500 QC 4x4, Driftwood/Mist Grey, 5 spd, 3. 54, 19. 5 Alcoa's, Ranchhand bumpers, DeeZee toolbox, "Scotty Air", TST PowerMax2, VA, 275's, Autometer Gauges, Centerforce clutch, Upgraded fuel lines (JRE and Aeroquip), MagHytec Diff Cover, PacBrake, Cowl Induction Hood

 

[Randy J]

Originally posted by BCFAST:
Randy, I beg to differ... As a racing and high-performance driving instructor, I can assure you that the bags WILL deploy, probably earlier than later, when using a stiff aftermarket front bumper. An airbag sensor has a ramped tube inside, and a decelleration of X-amount will force a bubble past the elbo of the tube at a specific rate. A signal is sent to the processor at the base of the dashboard and IT makes the decision whether to deploy or not. With a stock front end, energy is absorbed by the folding-in of the metal, thur delaying the deployment. A stiff, un-deforming bumper will transfer ALL the impact energy into the sensors and, sadly, the occupants! Remember you guys, those bumpers are cool looking, and save our trucks from brush and deer damage, but the truck is still just an expendible machine. Your body isnt. I oughta know, I had a bad racing accident last July that should have killed me, but the structure of the car, and my safety equipment saved me.

BCFast, no doubt the bags will deploy, just a question of when. And too early is just as bad as too late. The air bag sensors are simply a ball held by a magnet that will contact 2 gold plated prongs when it breaks from from the magnet, allowing a circut to be made. When the control module senses current from one, or more, sensors, it will deploy the bag. These trucks, as any other vehicle, are engineered for the ball to break free from the magnet at a certain rate of deceleration. Changing anything that affects the rate of deceleration, such as a stronger (or weaker) bumper will affect the amount of time it will take air bag to deploy. Remember this things are timed to a millionth of a second.
I certainly am not saying don't get an aftermarket bumper, but simply saying consider the ramifactions on safety! My concern from this, as well as my knowledge on the subject, comes from teaching autobody repair and appraising.

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Randy Jones, San Antonio, TX, rdj@gvtc.com, 98 1/2 QC, 4X4, American Racing BAJA's, 285/75/16, Amsoil throughout, Superstar 3000 export radio, Firestik antenna with fender mount, Fire-ring cable

 

[BCFAST]

... . and I certainly am not say to not get one... heck, I'd love a big cow catcher up front!! In a racing environment in a showroom stock class, the airbags are always dissabled. Of course, we are using a 6 point harness, helmets, cages, window nets, etc... and in thinking about a 7000#+ truck with marginal brakes (at best!) would you even want an air bag blowing up in your face at 320mph?? If the bumper stays rigid, the mass of the little ball would depart the magnet easier than with a collapsing front bumper in a road accident. Im not an off-roader, so I dont know about what you guys do out there... .

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, #12 plate, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, PrimeLoc, Red Tops

 

[vc]

Does anyone know if there is a website for the Ranchhand Bullnose?

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'97 Ram,automatic,3. 54 limited-slip, 4x4,smoothie,BD fuel plate,Prime-Loc.

 

[Randy J]

I think it's www.ranchhand.com. Then just look around on their website. +

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Randy Jones, San Antonio, TX, rdj@gvtc.com, 98 1/2 QC, 4X4, American Racing BAJA's, 285/75/16, Amsoil throughout, Superstar 3000 export radio, Firestik antenna with fender mount, Fire-ring cable

 

[GotDiesel]

Hey guys thanks for your response. I really appreciate it. Hi Jim,great to know that there are some members close by. I have weighed the pros and cons and my wife's 2 cents, #ad
Ha Ha. I'm gonna go for it and replace that wimpy stock bumper with one that is more deserving to sit on the front of Big Red (My little girl named it,she's 6)and hopefully protect it a little better the next time a fool decides to hit me. Its about time for new tires, maybe some 295's or 315's a few inches of lift to clear it... . my wifes gonna kill me! BOOM!! there goes another stocker on its way to becoming a great truck. (At least I hope thats what booming is all about, if not sombody Please! correct me. ) Thanks again for the help,


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Joe Pazdera 1999 4x4(last of the best)2500 SLE loaded everthing but leather. Just stock for now, but soon... BOOM!

[This message has been edited by Cabntblder (edited 12-12-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by Cabntblder (edited 12-12-2000). ]

 

[DOWG]

VC, there is a website for Ranchhand, but the bullnose is not shown. I called to ask about a front end replacement without the brush guard (not many deer in Dallas, just lots of soccer mom's) and they told me about the Bullnose. What they have done is build the front end replacement without the brush guard. It has a level surface that juts out about 8" (great for kneeling and leaning over the engine) and sort of wraps around to the wheel wells. It also has a vertical piece about 4" high that rises up to the OEM grill that is cut on the sides to match the curve of the wheel well. In the center of the vertical piece they hace cut the Dodge "eggcrate" to match the grill.

The bumper ia absolutely massive and there was just too much black paint so I painted and clear coated the vertical section to match the OEM paint. That really made the bumper blend in with the lines of the truck.

The distributor is Hill Country Truck Accessories in Boerne, Texas. (Pronounced "bernie") The telephone number is 830. 249. 5600. They took a number of pictures of the bumper mounted on my truck maybe they can now help you with pictures.



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1998 Driftwood Extended Cab,Short Box,12 Valve,4X4,Auto,Dunrite TC,3. 54,Banks Plate,AFC Spring Kit,Isspro EGT,Rickson 19. 5's,Abbott EPRA, Rancho Shocks,Heim Trackbar,Mag-Hytec transmission Pan & Pumpkin Cover,Amzoil Synthetic's,Ranchhand Bull Nose Front Bumper, Headache Rack,Tool Chest,Side Steps,Rear Bumper and 100% Stock Airconditioning.

 

[vc]

DOWG, thanks for info. By any chance do you have any pics of your set-up with the repaint that you can post?

 

[Wiredawg]

Hay all you Texuns out there!

I'm from San Antonio and boy do I miss it. Maryland is nice, but they have real winter out here #ad


Anyway, I came all the way back home in May to buy my Ram and decided to put on a Brown Welding grill/brush guard. It's pretty beefy, but the next tim I bring it to SA, I'm gonna have my brother in law weld some reiforcements on it. I wonder if there's an after market bumper I can use with the grill/brush guard. Might be worth checking out

Well, catch y'all later!

Wiredawg #ad


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2000 4X4 SLT QC 8' bed; 6 spd, 3. 54 ; BD exhaust brake and 4" exhaust syst; TST PM2; Airlift Super Duty rear air bags; RS 9000 shocks; pyro/boost gauges in 2 gauge a-pillar mount; back preasure gauge mounted under dash; KN air filter; Brown's Welding brush/grill guard, rear bumper & headache rack; nerf bars and aluminum roll top rear cover, Warn front receiver and Hadley air horns, 20K Reese hitch.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If you dig through the old posts, there were a couple threads on this topic that might help. The stock bumper is only 0. 080" thick (the rear one is only 0. 062"). The struturl limitations come from the Ram' frame--it gets its strength in the front from shape (box section), and not much from material thickness like the first gen trucks did. Our frame is only 1/8" thick and only the very ends of the horns stick out to attach the bumper. Thus your 400 lb bumper is mounted to a piece of cheese #ad
Furthermore, there are "chop" marks in the frame to help it collapse on impact and most aftermarket bumpers are _higher_ than the frame horns so they exert a lot of leverage to buckle the frame.

Ideally the aftermarket bumper would be thick enough to be ffective but not so heavy it overloads the front suspension and resists all deflection, transferring everything to the frame. Also the bumper should come down as low as stock and as the frame horns, so the impact would be more or less in line with the frame, and also to keep airflow from going under the truck. This flow costs around 1. 5 mpg with many of the aftermarket bumpers.

Having said all this, I don't know of an aftermarket bumper that follows these suggestions. Most are too heavy and the bottom of them is too high (partly to improve the approach angle when 4 wheeling because they also stick out very far). The Denver off road bumper (aluminum) isn't real heavy (I prefer not to go over 150 lb, and it is about that much) but it is high. Some of the Ranchhand stuff has promise if not too heavy. Reunel and Prozap are shaped similar to the Denver, but being steel they are very heavy. Check price too, the Denver being high end, and Ranchhand on the lower end of price.

I made my own from 14. 5" wide 3/16" plate and other remnant pieces. It weighs about 125 lb with brackets. If you do something similar, figure in what your time is worth, and hopefully you can do your own welding and bending.

 

[GotDiesel]

I just got my full replacement bumper installed. I went with Tietjen's Wild West series. It looks real sharp. They powdercoat thier products and have a no rust warranty to boot. All american steel as opposed to cheaper mexican and even have a place to reach in and open the hood. Check out their website http;//www.lonestartruckequipment.com

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Joe Pazdera 1999 4x4(last of the best)2500 SLE loaded evething but leather. Just stock for now, but soon... BOOM!