I hate ice, it sucks, its cold, and ruined my front end. So since it was my own fault and I didn't want to pay a $500 deductible and have rates go up I have decided to fix it myself. I would love to put a road armor on but thats way too expensive. I also like the looks of ranch hands but they seem like they don't have the best ground clearance. I am going to also need a new fender and am going to buy a cowl induction hood for cheap, I will be doing some painting soon. I could also swap over to a chevy front end since they are cheaper than gmcs. The dealership priced out all the parts I would need and it was close to $900. If I had plans to build a custom bumper I could do it over spring break. One more idea; I could throw on a SS bumper but I would like to keep my tow hooks. Ok guys well thats where I am at right now, what should I do? Remember this is on a college kid's budget who doesn't start working until may. Thanks.

The whole bumper is cocked up:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/84f-150/DSC00189.jpg

The fender is creased but does not hit the door:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/84f-150/DSC00188.jpg

The ugliest part of the incident, but at least my tire doesn't rub on that side any more:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/84f-150/DSC00187.jpg

I knew when I first drove the truck that I was going to break that valence:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/84f-150/DSC00186.jpg

I'd probably do it back to stock primarily for resale value in the future. Now you could move to FL and have some coot rear end you and then both ends would match and you'd be out of snow and ice.

I agree that it would be easiest to do that but I got a feeling that I will end up doing this kinda thing again.

If it was me, I'd stay with the GMC stuff, for the reason noted above, and because it looks like you still have a lot of good parts there, like headlights, trim etc. Do a little at a time if money is an issue. In the do-it-yourself section, you will find instructions on how to raise the bumper; it looks way better. Good luck with your project!

You mean raise it and get rid of the black spacer plastic pieces?

Try a junk yard for replacement parts.

Try a junk yard for replacement parts.

Always a good idea. Try to find a GMC that might be totaled from the cab-back, so the front clip and hood are in good shape. Prices shouldn't be all that bad also going that route.

I had my bumper bashed up pretty good and I replaced it with an ARB for right around $1000 if you can do the work yourself to put it on its worth it and wont cost you as much as a road armor.

That bumper is awesome, I think I might go that route then.

You mean raise it and get rid of the black spacer plastic pieces?

Yes. Sorry it took so long to get back, here is the link:
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153735

You mean raise it and get rid of the black spacer plastic pieces?


Heres another way to go............. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204871

Search the local junkyards and return it to stock. I wouldn't bother with spending money on a bumper for someone to back into it at the local store the following week haha.