Bodyguard front bumper/Recon winch install

[teglho]

I have a '99 4wd F350 that I've been keeping clean while I decide how to upgrade it. I decided to start with the front. I like the bull bar/baja look, but I didn't have the money for a road armor or fabtech replacement bumper. Being in Texas, I'd seen alot of ranchhand bumpers but didn't like their legend series bull bar or cattle chaser type models. I got real excited when they came out with their new sport bullnose. Exactly what I wanted! Except....yeah, that's right....not for my truck; never would be, cuz I called and asked. I looked around some more and came across Bodyguard Truck Accesories. Still made in Texas; never heard of 'em or seen one of their bumpers, but I decided to take a shot on their Sport model because the price was right. Called in my order and sent the money, still a little uneasy because it's tough sending more than a $1k to a person you've never seen at a business that is just a page on the web. Well, the bumper showed up right when they said it would and in good shape. What follows is my experience installing it along with a Recon 17,500 Brute Force winch that I got. I figured it would help some of you who were like me, a little unsure of doing the whole ordeal myself but willing to try! Terry

[teglho]

The bumper arrived well packed and not damaged.

The corners were wrapped with cardboard for extra protection.

The whole bumper seemed to be double-wrapped with plastic. Very well packed!

Finally get to see the goods. From the back

Serial number welded on inside

[teglho]

Mounting bracket. Steel tube is notched above where winch will sit for clearance.


Front view


Mounting hardware was powdercoated as well. The mounting bolts were galvanized and welded in pairs to help with installing.

[Lowdown89]

Looks good!

[teglho]

Recon Brute Force winch


Tow hook, joystick, snatch block and mounting hardware


17,500 lb winch with 92' of 7/16" steel cable

[teglho]

During my inspection of the bumper, I noticed the rear of the diamond top plate above where the winch goes seemed to be bent.



Yep, down a half inch in the middle.


I was concerned only because I noticed the bottom of the grill is strait, and with the bumper right below it, it would create an ugly reveal.


I decided to do what I could to fix it. As I was carefully jacking the steel I kept thinking 'how is this going to affect my warranty?' lol. I jacked it a half inch past straight but it would never stay straight. I figure the heat of welding deformed the metal. I think a stiffener bar under that plate (similar to the one seen below the jack wheel) would be a good idea.

[CloverLeafFarm]

Dam! that looks like great. should be alot of fun playing with them new toys

[teglho]

I decided to go ahead with the install and see how the gap would turn out. Taking the old bumper off turned out to be fairly easy.


(Bumper is removed already for easy viewing.) First you need to remove the clips that hold the mud guard to the bottom of the bumper. There are two clips fastening the heater cord to the top and bottom edges of the bumper as well.


Remove two forward facing bolts on side of each tow hook.


Remove both tow hooks.

[mudrunninpig]

looks good so far

[teglho]

One concern with many people who are thinking about putting a replacement bumper and/or winch on front of their truck is added weight. I made sure to weigh each item as I went along.


OEM bumper - 68 lbs


Bodyguard Sport bumper - 190 lbs.


Recon winch - 122 lbs. Total weight added is 244 lbs. more than OEM. I'm not too worried with an F350 4x4 front end.