2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front suspension & Buck Stop Bumper

[rmrc]

I've had it! Too many damn Deer here in Central VA! My wife just totaled her car this morning on Interstate 64 when a big buck jumped in front of her. She'll be using my truck until another car is found. Can't put a Buck Stop on a car but I can at least protect the truck! I knew it was just a matter of time until we ran into one. They're all over the place!!!!! The RASP system will have to wait!



My truck is stock and has the standard front suspension for a 2500 series. No plow package. Can I bolt on a Buck Stop with out having to beef up the front end????

 

[DCaswell]

Have had one on mine for almost a year, did not change anything on front & no problems yet. Thankfully have not had to test the bumper yet but have come close on many occasions. We have more deer than rabbits up here.

 

[GMaines]

you might want to look at a Ute bumper, polished Al. and as strong as steel and does not weigh as much...

 

[Featherman]

Buckstop

Just recently bought one off a TDR member... ... . looks good, is heavy with the winch... ... ... ... ... and I'm still looking for my first deer. Hit my first car yesterday... ... ... ..... well actually it hit me, slid through a stop sign right into my bumper, of course I had to angle my truck towards him as he was coming through. He didn't like it, but it was either the front or the side of my truck, I chose the front.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have to agree with Gary,The ute would be my first choice,it is relatively light and very strong,with a very nice design. I may be biased I did Gary. s install. The steel bumpers won't hurt the suspension but it was not designed to carry all that additional weight. It will sag some and add more stress to all the front end componets.



Bob

 

[Heetseeker_1]

The buckstop is heavier than the stock bumper but it only dropped my suspension 1/8" after the install. The brackets mounting the bumper are massive and are designed well. The Ute is lighter though.

 

[rmrc]

Thanks for all of the replies!!!! Keep them coming!!!!!



At present, I will investigate the UTE regarding price! My main concern about the UTE is if it will with-stand the same impact force that the Buck Stop does. I've read some posts from other TDR members who have the Buck Stop. They state that they had no damage at all after a deer impact at highway speeds. If the UTE can offer the same protection, I will definitely consider it!!!!!!



Again, keep those opinions coming!

 

[jandtjil]

I would check your springs to see which combo is installed, I recently moved up to 46/39 combo (Very common) from 39/38 combo and still think that it is a bit undersprung (maybe it is the short wheelbase ???).

If you have questions on spring rates for our trucks go here; http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/springs.htm (thanks to Dave Fritz).

Plus I think Skyjacker makes a heavy spring marketed as a leveler, food for thought. Speaking of food, Happy Thanksgiving!



JJ

 

[jrobinson2]

You can also get heavier front springs from KORE performance.

http://www.koreperformance.com/

Jared

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Other aluminum bumpers that are available are Herd Bullbars, Aliarc, and Denver Off Road.

 

[rmrc]

Dor

After doing some investigation,,,, I ordered the DOR ( Denver Off Road ) bumper. I had a long, informative and enjoyable conversation with Layne of DOR. The only down side is that the bumper won't arrive for about 2 months due to the amount of orders he presently has to fill. I only wish he made bumpers for all types of trucks and cars. I'd have one on every vehicle I own!!!!



I tell ya, both my wife and I have become so damn,,, 'gun shy',, for fear of having another encounter with a deer that we're driving like we're in a battle field! There isn't a day that passes that you don't see them wandering around down here! Just yesterday while she was driving to work, a big buck was just standing on the edge of the road as she passed. After that she wouldn't go faster than 25mph until she reached the interstate!

 

[y-knot]

Their are many options for replacement front bumpers, Buckstop is just one of them. These new and heavy duty front bumpers span the gamut, from the simple and more functional look of the Ranch Hand type bumpers to the futuristic look of the Roar Armor's bumpers. Somewhere in between the two extremes theirs a bumper for every ones taste and budget. I went with the Buckstop, it is a very heavy bumper (which is just what i wanted) and together with it's HD mounting brackets, it really beefs up the front end of the truck. Those mounting brackets are 5/16" thick and bolt into the frame rails on each side with 4-1/2" bolts. They are made to also tie into the front cross member another 3-4 1/2" bolts per side, and together they form a very solid structure of which the bumper is mounted to. I like the looks and styling of the Buckstop bumper, but really the first consideration with these guy's is protection. I never gave deer protection a thought when I ordered my Buckstop, what I was after was SPP or Stupid People Protection. I enjoy the extra protection these bumpers offer, while I hope I never need it, it sure feels comforting with it hanging there.

I would look around and find the bumper that fits for YOU. Then order it and install it on your truck and see if you need the extra heavy front springs or some sort of a coil lift. Most likely you will be just fine, I think most forget that these trucks are very HD. I like the ride the heavier bumpers give, that extra weight makes the front ride better. I also installed the Milemarker 12,000lb winch in mine which added another 100-125lbs, to the 300lb bumper. You will be amazed at just how puny the factory front bumper is. After all the plastic is removed, their is hardly enough steel left to make a set of lug nuts with.



This is my '97 with the Buckstop bumper installed



#ad

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

After all the plastic is removed, their is hardly enough steel left to make a set of lug nuts with.

:-laf :-laf



Got that right. Disgusting, but I'm sure they are engineered to perfection, neh? One thing I will say for ford is the SD bumpers are more substantial than DC.

 

[AMink]

Since we're talking bumpers... how do after market bumpers affect air bags? I've heard the newer ones work on a system that "senses" impact, while the older ones have sensors at the bumper. Is this correct? Thanks

 

[Dkuhlman]

:-laf :-laf



Got that right. Disgusting, but I'm sure they are engineered to perfection, neh? One thing I will say for ford is the SD bumpers are more substantial than DC.

Funny thing is I nailed 'ol Bambi in Maryland a couple of weeks ago and there was not so much as a scratch anywhere! It was a good size buck too and busted the antlers clean off one side. I was only going about 35 mph at the time but could feel the impact right through the steering wheel. Sure glad I wasn't driving the wife's Chrysler at the time!

 

[jrobinson2]

Since we're talking bumpers... how do after market bumpers affect air bags? I've heard the newer ones work on a system that "senses" impact, while the older ones have sensors at the bumper. Is this correct? Thanks

I'm no expert but...

I've never heard of any bumper sensors for air bags, all the systems I have read about use an accelerometer in the air bag controler to sense rapid deceleration and deploy the bags.



Jared