I was considering one of the aftermarket front bumpers for my F-250. I know that Proto-Fab makes the RockSolid line sold through BroncoGraveyard, and that Road Armor also makes a nice winch bumper. I know that the diesel trucks all came with the bumper from the factory with the additional air circulation holes that were supposed to help with cooling.

None of the aftermarket bumpers that I have found so far have these additional circulation holes in them. I'm looking for input from 7.3L owners that have installed these bumpers as to whether or not the lack of additional circulation had an effect on the trucks operating temperature, either coolant or EGR. Also, if anyone has installed an intercooler did it cause fitment issues with the bumper. Neither of the bumpers look like they would be easy to cut additional holes into for circulation but both do appear smaller, top to bottom, than the stock bumpers, which may negate the lack of circulation.

Also, are there any other companies that make a good, solid front bumper for the OBS? I'm still conducting my research...

Thanks!

 

I have not installed either of those products, but am in the process of fabbing up one to go on mine. Before I went the route of making my own, I was looking pretty extensively into some of these bumpers. From most of what I understand, its not a serious issue to worry about.

If you were looking, I believe Ranch hand makes one that has the additional ports.

 

I looked around some more and found eastside custom truck that made a decent one, but it was too expensive for my taste. I also found Iron Bull Bumpers, which makes a really nice looking bumper for the 92-96, but they don't have prices listed on their webpage. I may have to contact them. If its not something that will impede the temperature then I don't think it'd be a huge problem. I'll look into ranch hand as well.

 

I have a 6L IC in front of my radiator, and a custom bumper with a 12K lb Warn winch in front of that. I have a Scanguage and monitor EOT, it runs in the 190's. Highest I've ever seen it so far was 202F and that was working it pretty hard. Long hill pulling trailer at 1200 EGT and 20PSI boost. These rigs have good cooling systems, within reason I don't think a bumper is going to impact it much at all.

For a production bumper I like BroncoAir. I built my own but based the look on this one. BroncoAir Extreme Duty Winch Bumper : Extreme Duty Bronco Parts : Bumpers, Air Kits