finally gonna do it -how many inches

[slugish]

Finally figured out what bumper I wanted after getting an aftermarket one for a 81-87 & another off of a 80 something burb. Had one I liked I got from bone yard years ago but wasn't in show condition > good driver condition< . After all this bumper madness , realized what Iwanted & i found today was from a 73-80 fleetside. The casting is totally different from a 81-87 & the ends dont flare around the rear quarter panel like the 81- 87's. & they fit the 81-87's. Queastion is how many inches should Igo in to make it look better,.
1. 1 in & it would be flush with the tail gat6e lookibng down
2. can only go back 1.3/4 in before it hits the rear quarter panel
3. Ive heard some of you going in 3 in's

4. to me 1 in would make it flush with the tailgate
5 what have the rest of you done?