Custom Bumper

[dsnook]

Greetings folks, I'm new to the group and have a couple of questions.



1) I typically build new custom bumpers for my trucks, since this is my first new truck, is there anything I need to be aware of as far as the airbags are concerned? I have noticed in a couple of adds for new bumpers that read "airbag compatible"



2) How do you get by drilling holes in the bed for the 5th wheel hitch? I've never had a truck with a bed that was like perfect! I need support-just kidding!



This is my first Cummins, and I absolutely love it! I've had two phord diesels that were great trucks, but this one is THE ONE!

 

[RBrunson]

Welcome

Welcome aboard dsnook. I am just down the road from you. I would be interested in seeing some of your bumper work. I need to do something with my stock bumper.

 

[eGarwood]

Air Bags

First let me welcome you to TDR... I am a longtime subsriber to the mag, but like you, am relatively new to the website. HALLOOOO!

Next I wanted to respond to your question about the airbags and the front bumper, as this was a concern of mine recently b/c I had my KDP kill my gear housing. To do the fix you need to remove among many other things... the front bumper. Upon inspection before removal I found what I percieve to be the air bag sensors. The sensors on my truck... 95'... are located on the upper part of the frame which provides support for the radiator/intercooler assembly, about in the center of the radiator vertically... and on the support frame itself, directly in front of the driver/ passenger.

I am by no-means an expert, but from what I've seen the bumper really doesn't come into play as far as alterations to it go. As long as you disconnect the battery before doing any work you should be fine. Once you go about removing the stock bumper you should be able to find/see the sensors and avoid them.

 

[Scooby]

I agree - bunmper removal should not be a problem at all. In fact, the instructions for the installation of the Mopar front tow hooks actually tell you to remove the front bumper anyway. (unneccessary).