Bumper and Winch Suggestions

[btoscano]

Hey all,



I'm really starting to think about getting a mean diamond plate bumper and a big winch. Any suggestions on brands, experiences, what to look for and stay away from ???



Should I expect to have to drill the frame or can I expect existing holes to line up for the new setup?



How much will one of these weight and does it have any severe implications on an already very heavy front end on these trucks???



Brian

 

[Dieselman359]

Ruenel

MMiller has one of these on his truck and it is SWEET.



I'd love to have one when I build my 'dream' :-laf truck.

 

[bmoeller]

MMiller has one of these on his truck and it is SWEET.

Sure does. Really nice truck to go with it.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Brian, I don't have the 'diamond plate' style bumper finish ..... I started with a basic Warn bumper, then used some 1 1/4" (?) hand rail piping and some 1/4" flat plate to make the brush guard portion.

The Warn bumper had a winch 'pocket' as part of it so the winch just dropped right in nice and clean.

The holes were already in the bumper mounts that mate with the frame rail... I think I had to drill or open up two of them. From there I put on the W12000 winch (which weighed about 100lbs or so).

You can see the bumper/brush guard in in my readers rigs pics..... you could probably have the bumper part cleaned up and chromed for appearances if you wanted... I wanted the entire thing to blend in with the black of the truck so I used a primer and some exterior rust inhibitor flat black paint. .

Turned out great in terms of what I was wanting to accomplish.



pb... .

 

[btoscano]

BushWakr,



So you have to use the existing bumper brackets? Mine are bent... guess I should get new ones first? Should I get them from the dealer, or elsehwere?



Brian

 

[btoscano]

Also, what style bumper did you get?? They have the "Custom" bumper that's listed for up until 1990 model year for Dodge's... but I'm thinking it would work for up to 1993 since the trucks should be the same???



Brian

 

[blacksheep4x4]

Look at www.fabfour.com. They have some pretty cool bumpers. As for a winch I have always liked the Warn, but everybody I talk to says the Ramsey is built better and more stout. I bought a 13,000lb industrial Ramsey winch for my trailer and like it alot.

 

[btoscano]

I think you made a typo in the link...



-brian

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Reunel makes bumpers for all Turbo Diesels. www.reunel.com

 

[boatpuller]

I think you made a typo in the link...



-brian

I agree with Brian :-laf Oo. :--)

 

[91W350]

I think you made a typo in the link...

I agree, I think they made enough money already, I doubt they will be building bumpers!



I have owned several winches, depending upon the application, I liked the Warn model 8274 for the front bumper.



I vastly prefer to have a winch under the bed of the truck, up where the spare tire was originally mounted. I had a couple of winches mounted that way, a Warn M800 and a M12000. I ran the cable through the middle of the back of the frame, through the bumper where the license plate recess was, and then reinforced the frame. A simple tag bracket with a tab on the back and a spring was what I used to hold the tag in place. Just winch the tag bracket up tight to the back bumper. I mounted the roller fairlead on the inside of the frame on the last one. They sure come in handy loading dead vehicles on trailers etc. . Besides, most of the time when I needed a winch, I was in deep enough, I just wanted to get back out! Glen

 

[MMiller]

Boy, did I show up late to this game. I have a Ruenel, and like it much. I don't have a winch in mine, but its set up for a Warn 12,000# winch. It does not use the existing bumper mounts, but it does use the existing holes in the frame. No mods necessary in the frame, just bolt it on and go.



Mine has been on for 9 years, and is needing a repaint, probably going to get it line-x'd or powdercoated this time. Its been hooked up to many trucks, pushed on many trees, and have never complained. I would not fear double lining a warn 12000# winch to the front of the truck and pulling hard. I ain't scared of Iowa White tail deer anymore either. The grill gaurd is quite tough, and the headlight loops are made from solid shaft.



Thanks for the compliments guys. Its one of the best bombs I've made on the truck.



Michael

 

[ESchoon]

Reunel makes bumpers for all Turbo Diesels. www.reunel.com

I've owned one before and just ordered another one for the rear of my D350. They make a quality product and customer service is second to none.