Rear bumper opinions

[texjake]

I need to change out my rear bumper but not sure which one to go with or which one will fit it. The one that's on there now came from a late model & does not fit properly, I can see where they took a torch & cut the ends to make it fit & some of the brackets are not even bolted to the frame. I like the original ones that look like the chrome front bumper but they are not safe at times to be stepping on, especially if it's wet outside. I like the step bumpers ones that came on the 73-76 models & I recently saw a truck on the interweb somewhere that had one from a 80-86 chrome model. It looked great but I had one of those on my 82' Chevy and the slightest bump into something and it was distorted beyond repair. So I am guessing it all depends on form, function or esthetics is the way to go? Any good suggestions & pics for ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[texjake]

Originally Posted by texjake

I need to change out my rear bumper but not sure which one to go with or which one will fit it. The one that's on there now came from a late model & does not fit properly, I can see where they took a torch & cut the ends to make it fit & some of the brackets are not even bolted to the frame. I like the original ones that look like the chrome front bumper but they are not safe at times to be stepping on, especially if it's wet outside. I like the step bumpers ones that came on the 73-76 models & I recently saw a truck on the interweb somewhere that had one from a 80-86 chrome model. It looked great but I had one of those on my 82' Chevy and the slightest bump into something and it was distorted beyond repair. So I am guessing it all depends on form, function or esthetics is the way to go? Any good suggestions & pics for ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

ok, I found that pic of the truck with the rear chrome bumper. It looks as if it was made for that truck.

[Andy4639]

If U use your truck for a truck I would say go for the step bumper hands down. I use mine all the time even though I don't haul a lot of stuff in the bed because of the cover. When I do though it's nice to have it.

[texjake]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

If U use your truck for a truck I would say go for the step bumper hands down. I use mine all the time even though I don't haul a lot of stuff in the bed because of the cover. When I do though it's nice to have it.

Agreed. You have the same style bumper that I am looking to get for mine. With mine having that big block engine, its going to be more for go than show.

[Andy4639]

The bumper is mounted to the frame with all the brackets. I have pulled my 18' trailer with it with a golf cart on it. It's on there. I used grade 8 bolts as well.

[hugger6933]

the bumper that is on the white truck in the post above is called a drop bumper. Most drop bumpers were 8's 10's were common to but on the 3/4 ton trucks it was not strange to see a 12. Of course the more drop the heavier the bumper and the more expensive. I would not want to go over a 8 on a regular truck, they are plenty strong to pull a car hauling trailer, I have many times with lots of different trucks.