Is this normal? I just got this truck recently, and I'm still trying to learn about it. It's my first full-size, first Super Duty, first diesel, so there's a lot to learn all the way around.

There seems to be a gap of about maybe an inch between the front bumper and the grill/body. As far as I can tell there's no body lift or suspension lift of any sort, but maybe I just don't know where to look for that info. I'm considering going with a Ranch Hand full-replacement bumper front and rear, which I actually also have a few questions about (mostly regarding the integrated hitch in the rear versus the factory hitch that's on there now), but I'm trying to figure out if it will always be this way with any bumper, if it's normal, or what...

Any insight would be appreciated.

Here are a couple pics from the dealer where I bought the truck and then one I took myself (primarily of the tire, but it shows the gap, too)...

 

That gap is a bit excessive, and considering the hood isn't too well lined up makes me wonder about the front end. It's probably adjustable.

 

How else should the hood be lined up?

 

I can see misalignment at the driver side front corner. There is also a black filler piece that should go along the edge of the fender between the fender and the bumper at the drivers side. Not sure if it's there on the passenger side. it is held to the bottom edge of the fender with push clips.

 

It also looks like there is a bolt missing below the passenger side front tow hook. Did you run a VIN/OASIS check on it before you purchased? There MIGHT have been some frontend damage or repairs done with whats showing in the pictures. I would make a trip back to the dealer and ask some questions.

 

some trucks to compare yours too. taken from a ebay auction.





here are some pics out of some guys in madisonville, tx with a top gun bumper on the truck (ranchhand measurements/lines will be very similar). if nothing is bent/wrong with your truck then these should be identical.

oh i might be able to answer questions about the rear bumper if you want answers for it too on the hitch setups.

edit: i been staring at the truck in the pics and something just dont look right, while you are missing a bolt near the pass tow hook, the drivers side fender where is comes into contact with the headlight doesnt look right either (2nd pic). then where the hood lines up with the headlights is off on the pass vs the drivers side (1st pic). it would be interesting to get a pic of the pass like the second pic you have up of the drivers side to compare. The body lines just dont line up right and it doesnt look like it is just the minor variations between trucks. Like asked above was there ever a oasis or carfax run on the truck to see if it was in a wreck or anything?

 

CarFax was clean. Here's the link to it.

I didn't even notice that bolt missing! I'll look into it. I'll try to take some more pictures, too, from different sides and angles...

 

the missing bolt is one of four that mounts the bumper. Ya need all four. Look to me like the bumper has been removed and wasn't aligned when reinstalled. There's quite a bit of up-and-down adjustment with the slotted frame mount points. Loosen the bolts, lift and tighten. With the other slight tweeks that others have seen, maybe the engine was pulled at one time.

 

Don't freak out. The bumpers on these things get pulled off and put back on more than most people will ever realize. I have put four different front grill guards on mine in the last two years. Heck, you can buy slighty use guards on Craigslist for $200, so if I am in the mood and think I need one, I slap one on. If I get tired of the look, I pull the guard off and sell it. I have also done one complete bumper/guard installation, I pulled it off after one week and sold it for more than I paid for it. At the time I pulled it off, I installed a front receiver hitch behind the bumper. Some times I align the bumper and gap a little closer to the grill, sometimes a little wider.
Chances are who ever owned the truck before you simply removed either a grill guard, a total front bumper/grill guard or a front receiver hitch befoe trading the truck in on a new truck. He probally sold them on Craigslist...who knows maybe I ended up buying it.
As for the black piece of plastic missing on the driverside behind the fender, mine has been missing since I purchased my truck brand spanking new. If the looks bother you, go to your local dealer and purchase a new one...or just take the one on the passenger side off and the two sides will now match.
As for the hood not being perfectly alligned, again don't jump to negative thought of a wrecked truck. Go to a dealers lot, look at how unperfect these trucks get body parts installed. The hoods are the easiest to notice, because they are up front at eye level. Take a look down the side of the truck, doors don't always fit flush, the bed almost never lines up with both side of the rear of the cab.
These trucks are built by the hands of man, who as we know ain't perfect.
Now go Enjoy your truck.......don't forget to replace that missing bolt! Of course this may be a good time to install a front grill guard or front receiver hitch....after all you would have one less bolt to remove. Thats 25% less labor on the bumper removal...LOL!

 

Another reason I figure the past owner or dealer may have pulled off a grill guard is the bumper bolts on your truck look like the hardware that come with some grill guards and or front receiver hitches. The OEM front bumper bolts are black.

 

That's some really good information right there. Thanks!

It doesn't really bother me that much, to be honest, but I may get a friend to help me sort it out and try to re-adjust it. Or I'll say screw it and go Ranch Hand anyway, and it'll become a moot point

 

Nice post! You have a good attitude.