chip-saves gas, more HP. Easy to install programmed and driving with in a 1/2hr. if u can operate a trail cam u can program your truck. and it only cost $380 for my 2004 F-150
If you live in a area like I do and deer like jumping in fromt of your truck, I'd go with a good brush guard. 500-1000 bucks once is a lot better then doin it every time you hit one. I hit three before I realized that and now havent had to wrry bout it. I went with ranch hand and and takes pretty good bump, but I'm also pretty hard on it at job sites so might not need something that heavy.
Ranch hands are kind of gaudy IMHO and I could build one for cheaper. Not hatin an nothin against em cuz I've never had one but I built one for my old mud buggy an the body started comin off the frame before the bumper/guard even moved an inch. That's with pullin people out, hittin trees an hittin deer. They are a definite vehicle saver no matter what
This is the best picture i can find, this was prior to a 5.5" Superlift suspension lift an 35" boggers =] That thing slung some mud
I was thinking about using the stock brackets, because they bolt on, but instead of bolting them on the bumper, I was going to weld them on! I'm also going to un bolt the factory tow hooks and weld them on the front I think too. I made a template that was scaled to size, tonight of the bumper I plan on making out of cardboard. The metal itself is gonna cost around $250, that's without the welding gas, and wire. think im gonna use 1/4" by 3" steel for the main part. Then im using 1x1 square tubing or sold steel and 3x3 square tubing or solid steel for the brush guard type part on top of the blocky part. But anyways you think the factory mounts will work?
Yea they're pretty handy, at work we don't realy park stuff on the road jus because its muddy and hooking a track hoe to a regular bumper jus doesn't work. They are pretty gawdy but we use the hell out of them and they aren't just for show like some people have them for. Originally we had a local machime shop build one that was pretty similar but between that bill and the bill to get one powder coated the cost ended up being about the same. But if you were doin it yourself it'd definitely be worth the savings.
Alrighty! Thanks for the help! As far as painting goes, how would you go about that? I'll probably start building it this fall, and I'll make a thread as I go.
Rustoleum man an lots of it, unless you wanna get it powder coated. thatd be your call though. Anytime if ya got any questions pm me bro! Ill be keepin my eye out for your thread when you start the build!
Save it, and use for gas. or if its just money lying around donate to Wounded Warrior. Or give the money to a widow of a veteran. Donations are tax deductibles and can save you money come January. Not trying to make you feel bad about spending your money on your truck by all means you earned it spend it however. just giving some ideas.
