Yes, the guard bolts onto the bumper. You can get it without the guard from them, save some bucks. That is an option on this setup, as are the tow hooks, and the front reciever hitch. I thought it might, but before I put it on, I put all my weight, about 200# on the front and couldn't sag the bumper any. I didn't notice any drop before or after. I think it might ride a little better, but it's not noticable to really tell. The difference is so slight, it might even be my imagination. Seems to be enough interest that you all might be able to get a group together and get a discount on them. I think they will go as low as 3-4 of them, and payment and shipping is through them, so nobody has to handle the money or shipping arrangements. If you ship to a commercial address, you can save $75 on the shipping charge. If two of you are close enough to ship to one address, you can split the charge and save even more. Buckstop is easy to work with on this stuff. Drop them an e-mail for different options and pricing. Good luck, if you go with this, you will be impressed with it. I liked the way they contoured under the lights on this gen. Would have been easier to go just straight, but it looks more like it was designed for this truck with that.