In the next month or so I plan on getting some Ranch Hand front and rear bumpers. My questions are:
1. Seeing that the bumpers are heavier than stock, how much lift would I need to add to either level out or be slightly above stock?
2. What lift method should I go? Spacer or Springs?
3. Depending on the lift, would I need to buy new shocks or can I stick with the shocks that were replaced when I bought the truck? (Rancho 5000s)

 

Shocks are fine up to about 3" of lift.

How much heavier are the bumpers? Might wanna just measure it, install the bumpers, give it a couple days to settle, measure it again. Take it from there.

 

The rear bumper is about 140 lbs and the front is 175.

 

Probably won't drop much... put 'em on, see what happens.

 

Just stand on front your bumper and rear bumper. That should give you a good gauge.

I weigh 200lbs and my bed doesn't even move anymore after upgrading to the 2500 suspenion lol

 

I still have stock 1500 suspension and only weigh 150 so that method of gauging doesn't really work with me. I have seen what it would be with the back bumper by putting two hay bales back there but I don't see how I could get a hay bale on the front without scratching or denting, let alone lifting it that high.

 

You weigh 150? That's pretty close

 

I think you'll notice any change at the start, but after it won't be sore thumb-like.

Start off by parking in a level place and tape measure to the ground for your BEFORE. Measure with your simulated bales for the rear.

You can't really do that for the front as the factory bumper has slight surface to stand on safely, especially if you're not as mobile some 200 lb kid.

Link to your chosen bumpers at all?

Edit: choose the spacer/spring after you see the impact.

 

Front bumper: http://www.builtfortrucks.com/ranch-...cement-bumper/
Rear bumper: http://www.builtfortrucks.com/ranch-...cement-bumper/

As for lifts, which would be the better route? I heard somewhere that using a spacer can decrease bed load capacity and I tend to haul things that are borderline weight limit.

 

There's no such thing as leaf spring spacers.. Coil spacers for the front don't affect load capacity of the bed.

Go anyway you want, leaf springs or AALs for the rear and spacers or new coils (or 2500/3500 coils) for the front.