MC bumper on truck with 2" body lift (with pics)

[toyNG]

I got a good deal on a used marlin crawler bumper :D It bolted up pretty easily, without much banging or prying. My truck has a 2" body lift, so the bumper is actually hanging two inches lower than it potentially could. It doesn't look all that bad in my opinion. Now onto the pics.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/xlcabeza/truck003.jpg

side shot
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/xlcabeza/truck004-3.jpg

shot of the mount brackets under the roll pan
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e257/xlcabeza/truck008-2.jpg


As you can see in the above pic, there is hardly any space between the brackets and the roll pan. I'm worried that using the bumper as a lifting point will cause it to move up into the roll pan. Although I'm pretty happy with the way it sits right now, I'm thinking about doing one of the following options...

1. Modify the bumper to fit better with a body lift.
- Pros: more clearance and better departure angle
- Cons: I'm not sure if it's worth the extra work for 2"

2. Weld the bumper into place as recommended by Marlin, without trimming the roll pan or modifying the bumper for the body lift
- Pros: The bumper won't bend up into the roll pan. No trimming of the body needed.
- Cons: Bumper sits 2" lower than it potentially could.

3. Trim the roll pan to give extra room, but don't weld the bumper into place
- Pros: Ability to remove the bumper easily if needed
- Cons: I'd rather not have to trim the body if possible. Bumper sits 2" lower than it potentially could.

Right now I'm leaning towards option 2, but wanted to get your guy's thoughts. So let's hear them...

[04 Rocko Taco]

I would definitely go with option 2 if it were me. On your truck, it looks like you aren't really hurting for that clearance or departure angle. I'd leave it just like that and burn it on.

[Obi..]

Nice, FWIW I also didn't raise my bumpers with anything, as I liked how they lined up after the body lift, the only thing is the lower sections of the corner and tail lights are exposed, but at that point the tops were open w/o the lift anyhow.

Also, loosen the 6 bumper bolts that go to the flanges before you run a weld strip on them. Throw a receiver into the bumper, and jack it up from the receiver with light pressure a little then re-tighten it all and finally weld.

The reason for this is it will get rid of the common "backward tilt" prevalent in all the one's people mount themselves, like how yours doesn't line up with the body lines as good as possible.

Little tricks you learn in a shop and all. ;)