So at what point is to think then. I was just going to go to a metal shop and pick up some 3/16 metal for my bumper with 1 1/2in tube for the grill guard.

 

Build something that isn't going to trash your frame. IE: dont build a big stupid L shaped grille "guard" that's going to act like a lever on the end of ur frame.

 

well plan is to not have something that will crush my frame. and although i am limited with the materials at hand i would like something functional and that looks good.

i really just want to know how much is to much. i guess i should expect a bunch of half-*** off topic responses with few to none real responses to my actual question.

thanks BigRedRam

 

the one i built for my dak, comes in around 160# or so, the one on my ram has to be atleast 250# but have never weighed it tho,it is heavy!!!, and has saved my *** a few times, where if i had a stock bumper i would be replacing the entire front clip and have no frame damage the front frame is actually pretty tough...


this is the best pic i have at the moment

 

If your worried about the frame...add some support to it, you are also going to want to make some brackets that are a little stronger than the factory, if not the bumper will fold into the body and render itself useless.

I would try and stay around #200 at the most, if you go over a little it shouldnt be too bad, if you want to see how much the front will sag get a friend to measure the wheel wells as you stand on the bumper and, it wont drop that far either

 

thats a good idea. i weigh in about 275 and it shouldnt be anywhere near that. hadnt thought about doing it that way.

i will also be fabbing up some additional brackets to help secure the new bumper, as you suggested

 

here is what i did with my brackets, and i also plated the frame and drilled direct fit holes, no adjustment, but it doesnt need it, and wont get into the body