I'm going to start building my front bumper soon my buddy in the iron workers union is going to pick up as much of the stuff he can for me. Free 99 lol. This is what I'm shooting for. http://www.pavementsucks.com/board/t...61-page-1.html He will be doing the welding from me since he is a welder and knows how to lay down good strong beads. I really want to be able to work the front bumper to the MAX. Pulling and knocking over stuff all the fun. lol. I have one question for you guys. I want to do the diamond plate but how thick should I go? I'm also a bit worried about it raping my air flow to the radiator. Looking at it now there is a lot of room for air flow on the stock on. On the new bumper is pretty well cuts it off. I was thinking of cutting some slices out of it for air flow/weight savings. As for lighting plans I want to throw 4 PIAA or 4 hella 500's up front. Than take my ff 50 driving lights and putting them up on top of my headache rack than hide the fogs on the grille. Any thoughts and comments are welcome!

 

i wouldnt wory too much about air flow to the radiator...you still have a grill.

and the diamond plate...at least 1/4 inch

 

a quarter inch diamond plate is way to heavy i believe...i would say around an 1/8 of an inch thickness....theres enough reinforcement with that angle iron behind it.

 

wow thats a good write up on that....hmmm...plans for near future

 

true 1/4 inch would be too heavy with that kind of framework...but you could go easy on the frame if 1/4 was available.

but youre right...1/8 would be more than enough with a bumper of that caliber.

 

I think most strongly built aftermarket bumpers are doing 1/4 for the mounting plates and winch tray and 3/16 for the rest. It does add a lot of weight though. I moved up to Diesel springs in the front to compensate for the weight of mine.

 

I have 3" suspension lift already. Or I thought of doing this one but better. http://www.pavementsucks.com/board/thread-113812.html

 

That doesn't change the spring rate to compensate for the couple hundred more pounds you're going to hang off the front of your truck.

That last one is fugly. Fuuuuuuuuuugly

 

if you plan on using the bumper, make sure you plate the frame and drill direct fit holes, and put as many bolts as you can, i found that out the hard way... had to replace both fenders an headlights, when the wings of the bumper wiped them out, but here are some pics of my bumpers, i built them except the one on the 98 which is a ruenell.

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...nt-bumper.html

i like this,,,, pm him and see if if will put up more pic