Its my under standing that they wont really take anything over a 5 mph collision undamaged, right? I don't want to end getting a new frame just to save a 200 dollar bumper, so I might just leave that alone. But still interested in the racks you guys have built. I have four really heavy duty ones but none would work with a cross over tool box.

 

It depends on what you hit and how the force is spread across the bumper. I backed into a light pole (idiot moment) in my 96 doing maybe 1-2 MPH and it dented the rear bumper.

I also did some bodywork to a car by ramming it's front end a few times with the rear bumper of my 94... car looked like a crushed beer can and was demolished but my bumper didn't even have a dent in it that I can remember.

For the toolbox, just pull it out and make your rack mounts so that the toolbox sits on top of them and the bolts pass thru it. That's what I plan to do eventually.

 

Rear bumpers seem to be pretty solid, when my sister owned the truck she backed 5 mph in the corner of my dad's 06 and it didn't even scratch it.

 

That and I knock an old chevy around pretty good with our wood hauler and didn't bend it other than what it all ready was.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...racks-etc.html


Check that thread

 

Not sure about the front bumper, but I was rear ended by a Smart ForTwo going about ~25 MPH and didnt leave any damage to me. Totalled her car though.

 

I snapped off a 5" diameter pine tree with my stock bumper (previously hit a big mule deer too). It's not perfectly straight after the tree (it lined up with the driver side bumper mount), but it didn't fold into the tire either. They're not that weak. I do have a somewhat light stainless brush guard to save the radiator from deer, but that extends above the stock bumper through holes in it.

 

I think they made great improvements from th 80s to the 90s, but not sure.

 

I'm digging that bumper. It looks like the Bronco is lite up. Is that correct. If you don't mind I think I'm going to steal that idea. That is badass

 

Thanks man...Oh yes its lit up. 2 14" LEDs. Then the fogs and the KC spotlights.
I drew it out but the cutting I left to my pipefitter buddy. He's got a helluva steady hand.

 

Found a pic or two of the functionality of that bulldozer attachment...this was before the redesign a few weeks ago when I added the lights

 

try a warn trans4mer grille guard. I hit a deer doin 67mph. saved my truck and did no damage to it. a little pricey but well worth big time and still retain factory bumper. Its really reinforced with its mounting system, its not like a regular grille guard mounting. at least look at it.