Front Bumper options for an 05 ram 4x4

[seafish]

Here is a pic of a 3rd gen Ute front bumper on a 2004 truck--

The Ute is made from T6 aluminum and weighs under 130#, including the 10K Tork Lift front hitch receiver mount that is an option with it. The hitch receiver also ties the the frame rails together, stiffening the front of the truck and ties in integrally with the bumper.
Of course, the hitch allows one to use a reciver mounted winch on the front of the truck when needed, but WITHOUT having to carry around all of the extra winch weight on the front suspension ALL of the time... . though of course, you DO need to be carrying the winch in the truck bed if you are planning on using or maybe needing it, but that doesn't do anything to stress the slightly underengineered front suspension on these trucks!!

 

[seafish]

I always liked the Ute bumper posted above, but on my truck, I simply ended up putting on a custom Carli triple tube light bar as more added protection only in case of hitting a deer, which are extremely prevalent out here or maybe in a fender bender. IIRC, the light bar wweighs all of 50#.
I really like the way the Carli light bar matches the lines AND the curves of the truck and also offers some front end protection. While the light bar and the lights may well get damaged, replacing them will be MUCH cheaper then any damage to the oem front end and radiator/IC, etc. I have read about deer/elk accidents causing thousands of dollars in damage, while the light bar and/or lights cost less the $500.

Just for kicks, here is a pic of my set-up:

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[Regcabguy]

I keep toying with the Defiant triple tube myself. The other option is a NTG chromalloy single available locally here. They're priced about the same after powdercoating. I do wish the NTG unit at least had a lower tube on it though.

 

[Prairie Dog]

That Ute is the best looking aftermarket bumper I have EVER seen!

 

[seafish]

I keep toying with the Defiant triple tube myself. The other option is a NTG chromalloy single available locally here. They're priced about the same after powdercoating. I do wish the NTG unit at least had a lower tube on it though.

I had also REALLY wanted a Defiant Dual tube with a top hoop, but I had to have Paul make mine custom, as his regular top hoop is flat and leans out to protect the lights, so it does NOT match the curves of the two lower tubes, and in fact IMO looks pretty strange.
While I was talking with him, I asked him to redesign mine so that the top tube is also curved and is held up directly over the lower tubes. You can see that the one in the pic I posted is quite different from the one on his website, though he charged me the same price since it was about the same amount of work and he such a GREAT guy.

Paul is definitely a top-notch designer and fabricator with excellent customer service to boot. As you know, I HIGHLY recommend his products.

 

[seafish]

That Ute is the best looking aftermarket bumper I have EVER seen!

PraireDog, I think so too, but I decided I liked the look of the Carli light bar better on my truck.



I actually have the Ute bumper/bull bar like the one in the picture, for sale, with the TorkLift front reciever hitch like I described.

I never even installed it before I changed my mind.



I just need to get around to listing it in the classifieds.

 

[sid325]

Seafish,



That's my truck, forgot you had a picture of it. I'll buy the Torklift receiver hitch from you. I have the winch instill kit from Ute, but want to go the receiver route instead. PM me your number and maybe we can meet up like last time?



Thanks,



jacob

 

[NavyDood]

Backwood Bumpers Homepage

 

[seafish]

NavyDood, those are some intricately fabricated bumpers that would likely even make Mel Gibson proud :-laf:-laf



Not sure that I'd want to mount one on my truck though...

I wonder how much those puppies weigh with the winch and all?

 

[NavyDood]

Yeah he does some nice stuff. If I were to get one I would get the Standard Base front without the bull bar and winch mount. I'd only opt for 4" light buckets and the shackle mounts. For the rear I would get the Original. He runs discounts over on DTR.

 

[timelessconstructionllc]

The herd bumpers look awesome but the price is way too high for me.

 

[ArmandoCantu]

Check out Defiant Light Bars - search for "Defiant Light Bars". Way lighter than the Road Armor and other look-a-likes, but still offers protection. I really like mine. Very inexpensive too, except for the shipping - already powder coated black and you tell him what lights you'll run and they'll set the light mounts perfectly. I don't usually endorse, but mine is spot on and makes my '00 2500 look just right!