Front End Problems With Ranchhand Bumpers?

[BeauP]

I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU GUYS THAT HAVE RAN RANCHHAND REPLACEMENT BUMPERS FOR EXTENTED PERIOD OF TIME, AND WHAT IF ANY PROBLEMS AROSE ON STOCK SUSPENSION. I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE THE BULLNOSE MODEL FOR MYSELF, BUT I AM REALLY NOT INTERESTED IN MODIFING MY FRONT END TO HANDLE THE WEIGHT. I READ SOME PAST DISCUSSION, BUT NO ONE AT TIME SEEMED TO KNOW FOR SURE IF THE FRONT END WOULD HOLD UP IN THE LONG RUN. THANKS IN ADVANCE

 

[JOblenes]

I can not speak to the Ranchhand, but as someone who has quite a bit of weight out front as well I would expect problems. It seems there have been quite a few folks on here with no additional weight up front that have had ball joints/bearings go bad. This is my third truck with a winch mount/winch combo up front and I have had shortened front end service life with each the previous two and expect the same with this truck, just comes with the territory I guess.



Jonathan

 

[tractorseller]

I see an aluminum "bull bar" advertised in the local Big Truck & Equipment Trader here all the time. I would think if you are concerned about the weight, it may be a better option. I can't remember the price, but it looks real nice.

 

[Pawpaw]

I've had the Ranch Hand "Legend" bumper on mine for 35-40,000 miles with no problem.



The bumper probably weighs less than you think. Mine is only 255 lbs. Not the 350 you hear some people quote. After you remove the factory bumper and hardware (about 80 lbs), that's an increase of approximately 170 lbs. I'm betting the guys with snow plows are adding a lot more weight.



If you call one of the Ranch Hand stores, they will tell you how much the bullnoze bumper weighs.



Bob

 

[BeauP]

THANKS, FOR THE INFO. I CALLED RANCH HAND (YOU WERE RIGHT) THE BULLNOSE MODEL WEIGHTS 195#. MY NEW PROBLEM IS THEY SAID IT IS ONLY RATED FOR A 9500i. ANYBODY PUSHED THAT LIMIT. THANKS AGAIN

 

[nick05]

i know it's not long term but i've had my bullnose bumper on for 15k. no problems. didn't really care about the weight, but now that i know it's lighter than i thought that's a little relief. also having the "extra" weight as some say, it just makes you feel more secure for hitting things. as for what, that's your call. all in all very satisfied.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My stainless steel Reunel weighs about 180 lb, and can take any of the common Warn winches. I have the 16,500 ti on mine. That makes the total about 315 lb minus the weight of the stock bumper and fairings that came off. The stainless steel they use is 3x as strong as mild steel, so its 3/16" thickness is like over 1/2" of mild steel.

 

[rrausch]

I got a UTE BullBar a year ago on my 1995 2500 2-WD. I am not sure how much the UTE weighs, but when I picked it up I could lift and move it by myself--it was hefty, but not impossible to move. I specifically got the UTE because I was a little worried about the extra weight of a steel bumper. Supposedly the UTE is deer-proof up to 70mph or so.

 

[rjohnson916]

I know you are looking for a full front-end replacement. I've got a Ranchhand Grille Guard on my Truck. I can't tell you what it weighs, but I can tell you I could not lift it onto the front of my truck withougt the aid of a floor jack. Also I notice I bottom out more on speed bumps with the Ranchhand on the truck, but I also believe it settled my truck down considerably in the front.



This is my Truck.



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If I had to do it again, I wouldn't think twice about the Reunel product, top quality, service and made for work. A lot of the Forest services, Cops, and Fire Dept swear by Reunel bumpers.



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-Ryan

 

[rjohnson916]

I personally like the way the Ranchhand look on this CTD!!!!



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-Ryan

 

[BeauP]

thanks again for all the info and the pics a buddy fo mine recomended tdr & i am glad i signed up! i have to agree with ryan on looks alone, i love the looks of the ranch hand price is also better. i guess i'll throw it on look good and not worry maint.

 

[rhino_50]

Does reunul have web site? thanks Rhino50

 

[BColburn]

Does reunul have web site? thanks Rhino50

http://www.reunel.com/ I haven't called in a while but was told in Dec. that ARB will be coming out with a bumper for the 3rd gen's in spring.