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Mar 24, 2009 | 10:11 PM

rankbull

Thread Starter

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Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 30

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From: Stillwater, MN

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I do a lot of hunting in western states, this causes me to drive late at night. Last year in North Dakota I almost tagged a Mule Deer at 75 mph with my 02 Super Duty. Well with spring hunting just around the corner I have been thinking about getting or building a bumper for the truck. I have been giving Road Armor a real good look. I also have been thinking about building my own, my father owns a welding shop and I know a place that could do the powder coating. Would appreciate any pics of grill guards custom or purchased. Thanks guys.

Mar 24, 2009 | 11:52 PM

ReAX

Post Fiend

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 10,007

Likes: 4

From: Central Florida

The really tough ones I've been around were either 3/8" steel or an old steel tank. Most of what I've seen in the aftermarket were skimpy, aside from ranch hand. I haven't seen a road armor or rough country in person though. As you build or research them, remember that they can be built tough, but the weakest part (mounts most likely) will be where it collapses. If you build one, make the mounts long and strong.

Mar 25, 2009 | 09:02 AM

DAVE67FD

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,433

Likes: 7

From: NH

Also remember if it's on the heavy side it will cause the front end to sag. Consider replacing/installing a helper or leveling system.

Mar 25, 2009 | 09:19 AM

Lubbockguy1979

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 2,769

Likes: 8

From: Lubbock

My step dad made his so it sleved into the frame like 12-15 inches. It is 1/4 or 3/8 around the front and lighter on the top plate. He used 1/2 flat to tie to the frame. It looks stout but is yet untested. Also has a 10k winch in it. The ranch hand generally uses sch40 pipe and the skirts and tops are small gauge. The ranch hand bolts up to the fron bumper brackets or that is the way they made them when I used to install them at a shop. From what I have seen the ranch hand is a good set up and makes the frame the weak point.

Mar 25, 2009 | 09:23 AM

senix

Super Moderator

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 37,375

Likes: 1,860

From: Frederick, MD

this what I have on mine:Frontier Truck Gear - XTREME Front Bumper Replacements Gallery

here is my album: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...hp?albumid=559

Mar 25, 2009 | 10:02 AM

juneau76

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 3,049

Likes: 1

I've always been a big ARB fan. They are quality and sturdy, too. I know a guy who had 3 separate incidents with deer and the bumper still looked brand new.