Fab Fours Vengeance bumper

[3 DOGS]

I'm looking at the Fab Fours Vengeance bumper for my 2012 F150 FX4 with the Ecoboost. I have a leveling kit and 315/70/17 BFG KO2's so I'm running a fairly heavy tire and wheel combo. The Eco seems to handle things well - especially with 3.73 gears but I don't want another almost 200 pounds on the front and 100 or so on the rear in bumpers.
I've been looking at this bumper and bugging FF about the details. It works on the Eco so that's a plus. It's A LOT lighter than other FF bumpers, Road Armor etc. The openings can be filled with lights or screen guards to offer some protection. I guess having never purchased an off road/heavy duty bumper what have others experienced? I'm looking for something to provide protection against large animals, off road use, provided better clearance for my tires and of course something for better protection in traffic.
Here are some pics - hopefully the links come through.

http://bumpersuperstore.com/images/F143824770.png
http://fabfours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/VENG_F150_09_14_PRGRD_RGHTrv.jpg
http://bumpersuperstore.com/images/F143824771.png

Thoughts? Ideas? Input?

 

[matt t]

I think Angry Iron Metalworks has a really good looking bumper. I may bias though (I build them)

 

[3 DOGS]

Those look awesome - nice work! What's the weight? One reason I liked the Vengeance was the light weight but I don't like the fact there are no recovery points on it at all. On yours can you screen the bottom more like on the front for air flow to the intercooler? How thick of metal are you using? What would one of those cost?

 

[thethePete]

Yes. You need to be mindful of airflow to the intercooler on an EB truck, the IC on them is small, and only fills the area behind the bumper opening, it doesn't extend to the upper cooler area like the diesels do. You need to ensure you're getting airflow to that intercooler regardless of the bumper you choose or you'll suffer performance and engine longevity issues.

 

[3 DOGS]

Love the truck and engine but yeah I'm finding that there are less options due to IC. I like the design Angry Iron if he could screen the underneath more. Most other bumpers that are EB compatible seem to have some sort of screen or opening for the air flow. I don't plan on a winch so that should help some with keeping the air flowing but I def want recovery points/D ring attachable points - biggest draw back of the Vengeance bumper.

 

[rayra]

Is that a 200# bumper, or 200# more than your factory bumper?

 

[Hilldweller]

Love the truck and engine but yeah I'm finding that there are less options due to IC. I like the design Angry Iron if he could screen the underneath more. Most other bumpers that are EB compatible seem to have some sort of screen or opening for the air flow. I don't plan on a winch so that should help some with keeping the air flowing but I def want recovery points/D ring attachable points - biggest draw back of the Vengeance bumper.

I've known Matt @ Angry Iron for years ---- he can build anything....

BTW, Matt ---- lunch next month? http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/160393-Bored-Meeting-2016

 

[F40]

I'd recommend getting an aftermarket charge air cooler, they really help these trucks performance and reliability wise (condensation).