2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Beware after market plastic!

[krtcummins]

If any of you folks read my post a couple of months ago, you know I'm reconditioning my truck. I spent a load of money on window glass and door weather stripping. Along with all the front bumper plastic and a new grill. New rear lamps, Etc, Etc, Etc. Well after a lot of years in the car dealership service industry, I should have know better and "Practiced what I preach!"



Folks always ***** about the cost of factory dealership parts. Well like the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for. " How true when it comes to vehicle parts.



All of my front bumper platic does not fit right. Neither does the grill. Expensive lesson for me, but a certain after market supplier will NEVER, EVER get my business again.



I took the truck to a friend who is a current body man. He laughed and said "I told ya so!" After market plastic never fits like factory. Expensive leason huh.



Anyone know of a manufacturer or retailer who sells the big "Deer guard" type front bumpers? I'm going to replace the factory front end with one. I'll not get burn't so bad that I rebuy all new factory front bumper plastic again. Oh yes, and I will buy a new grill from the dealer. #@$%!

 

[Regcabguy]

State Farm was sued over their claim that in the event of an accident they would repair your vehicle to factory standards. The deal was they were using aftermarket parts. My sister worked for them for 25 yrs and remembers well the decision in favor of factory parts to back up the claim.

 

[krtcummins]

Yep. That's why most, I say most, body shops won't use them. Unless that is what the customer want's. The left front headlamp they supplied was cheap looking in comparison with the factory one I replaced also. Live and learn, but for me it's a bitter pill. I should have know better!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BarryG]

In answer to your bumper question I used Denver Off Road. Been on about 10 years now still looks good. Made of 3/8" and 1/2" aluminum, no rust. I hit a deer at 70mph no damage at all.



Denver Off Road



others that come to mind

ruenel Reunel Extreme Heavy Duty Bumpers

buckstop BUCKSTOP Truckware - Heavy-Duty Winch Bumpers for Dodge Trucks, Vans and SUVs

Ranchhand Ranch Hand - Front Bumper Replacements, Truck Bumpers, Bullnose, Legend, Summit, Winch Ready

ARB Bull Bar/Bumper Product Images - Dodge

 

[krtcummins]

I spoke with the owner of Denver Off Road today. One thing he pointed out about after market bumpers on the 2nd Gen trucks. The front frame horns are short and not that strong. Also the front axle is about at max as it comes from the factory. A steel bumper like the Ranch Hand can over load the front end. Any thoughts?

 

[Wiredawg]

krtcummins,



I just replaced my slightly damaged stock bumper and Browns Welding brush/grill guard w/ a Browns welding full steel bumper brush/grill guard It looks super cool, but the extra weight impacts handling dramatically with all that weight forward of the front axle. I'm going to look at front suspension upgrades, but might consider going back to my original configuration.



Wiredawg

 

[krtcummins]

That's just what I figured! I think for me Aluminium would be best. I'm not a rancher, nor do I have to deal with Deer and such. I live in the So Cal high desert. An occasional Coyote is my biggest threat. And of course stupid people. Any one know of a custom bumper guy who builds with Aluminium in So Cal?

 

[Mishkaya]

That's just what I figured! I think for me Aluminium would be best. I'm not a rancher, nor do I have to deal with Deer and such. I live in the So Cal high desert. An occasional Coyote is my biggest threat. And of course stupid people. Any one know of a custom bumper guy who builds with Aluminium in So Cal?

If you are going to go with a custom aluminum bumper, then I would also highly suggest going with DOR. He is not cheap, but his work is second to none. I do have to say that I am biased though: I like his work so much I have four of his bumpers on my trucks now... Wouldn't even consider looking anywhere else. They hold up great too!

 

[krtcummins]

I spoke with him in great length today. Lane seems like a great guy.

 

[BarryG]

Have to agree about Layne. His crafstmanship is just great. I have been to his shop a couple times at least his old and have seen how he makes these things.



As far as weight that is one reason I went with his. I really liked the ruenel but it is at least 2 times the weight of his. IIRC his bumper weighed in at 135lbs now that was without the lower valance as he didnt have those when I bought mine but I did add it on later so it added little more weight but still well under 200lbs. I had to take mine off to do my sport headlight conversion a few months ago and while heavy I was still able to take it completely off and reinstall by myself.

 

[krtcummins]

I think I'm going to have him build it in October and drive to his shop. I need a get away and it's about a 14 hour drive from here. I'm still undecided about the roll bar type grill guard. He said he can leave it off to give the front end a more clean less cluttered look.

 

[snappy]

For a strong, good looking Al bumper try HERD | Animal Collision Protection | Moose Bumpers, Bull Bars, Replacement Bumpers, and Semi-Truck Grill Guards

 

[krtcummins]

I went ahead and placed an order with Lane. but I made a few changes. There will be no tubing guards on top of the bumper and the winch slot on the front of the bumper will be eliminated. Lane will make the top plate completly covered with no opening for access to the winch. I also told him to put the lower valance on it. Should look good. Powder coat color will be the Grey/silver Dodge uses on the bottoms of some of the Gen 2 trucks. I will then have my body shop guy continue the color down the lower sides of the truck to match. Any opinions?

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

Sorry to hear you got stuck with junk. I have enough experience to know better too, but I really want the chrome front bumper top cap from LMC. I hope someone can share a good experience with that part... .

 

[Tinman]

I bought a paintable grille assay for my 01 from LMC. It looks the same as the stocker and it fit fine. As far a bumpers, I have a ARB. It's steel but weights 135-150#. I like it a lot. Not as bulky or as thick of gauge construction as some of the other bumpers, but plenty stout and reasonably priced.