For those that have cut out crash bars...

[TBR17]

I was planning on using an aftermarket lower profile crash bar not that it would do the same in stock but at least there’s something there. Shit happens that sucks

Someone here on the forum did a strength test on the aftermarket bars and they are just as strong as the stock bars. I was pretty shocked to be honest.

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[SICKQK]

Yes they do. Borrowing a picture from @SICKQK this is what crash bars doing their job looks like. But, to each their own.

Something to think about for sure.

There was some intrusion into the interior but I think it was mostly from the engine being pushed back. The dash was forward several inches and the floorboard was either lifted a few inches or I bent the brake pedal (unlikely I think) because it was almost flat on the floor.

The other vehicle albeit a bit of a mismatch for the Ranger,

did not fair as well nor did the driver.... although she survived thank God.

My major injuries were caused by the lapbelt.....the extreme forces injured my back and hips.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Don't those crash bars protect the occupants of the vehicle in a crash?

Yet no one bats an eye at the other countless modifications done that alter the OEM status of the vehicle when it was researched and developed by Ford. Trying to demonize just one modification can't really be taken seriously considering (for example) the endless amount of suspension modifications people do.

(Don't get me started on the concept of motorcycles and dice rolling, or people who have numerous loose items in the cabin that can become missiles in a wreck)

 

[TBR17]

Yet no one bats an eye at the other countless modifications done that alter the OEM status of the vehicle when it was researched and developed by Ford. Trying to demonize just one modification can't really be taken seriously considering (for example) the endless amount of suspension modifications people do.

(Don't get me started on the concept of motorcycles and dice rolling, or people who have numerous loose items in the cabin that can become missiles in a wreck)

Those are all problems you mentioned. We tend to see it all with all the damn yankees passing through GA to get to FL. Just curious to see how bad it'd be in a hard impact without the bars.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Those are all problems you mentioned. We tend to see it all with all the damn yankees passing through GA to get to FL. Just curious to see how bad it'd be in a hard impact without the bars.

Oh I'm sure they were designed for a reason (or to atleast reach some government mandated rating).

Heres how I look at it; Guys who eat healthy and work out all their life drop dead in their 40's. Guys who are overweight and smoke and you still see them going at 85 years old.

My simple point being; when its time for the ticket to be punched you are taking that train ride regardless of anything else.

 

[MTB-BRUH]

I'm glad to hear that you were successful Tyler, but be careful. That's a very risky move.

I agree!

 

[Leftcoast]

Oh I'm sure they were designed for a reason (or to atleast reach some government mandated rating).

Heres how I look at it; Guys who eat healthy and work out all their life drop dead in their 40's. Guys who are overweight and smoke and you still see them going at 85 years old.

My simple point being; when its time for the ticket to be punched you are taking that train ride regardless of anything else.

Statistics don't match your idea of the world. You can live your life as fast as you want just don't pretend you have the math right. I ride motorcycles. I ride ATGATT, practice and try to be frosty all of the time. I don't pretend my odds of survival are the same as a Ranger occupant.

 

[Samsquanch]

What’s the deal with removing them without cutting. If this is doable then why bother hacking up a stock piece on the truck?

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

What’s the deal with removing them without cutting. If this is doable then why bother hacking up a stock piece on the truck?

Two reasons I can think of...

1. Fabtech bars require the OEM bar to be cut off with the stub left inside its mounting socket because the Fabtechs wrap around the mount and the leftover stub adds strength.
2. Some folks don’t want to go through the steps required to remove or move other components out of the way to wiggle the OEM bars out. (wheel well liners, fender trim, crash blocks, bumper, valance)

 

[DanaBovender]

Pulling the bumper out an inch or so to get the fronts out is not bad, took me less than 30 mins. The rears were more complicated, I cut a V in the center of them and bent them in enough to pull them. I replaced mine with the BDS bars. Total time about an hour and a half.
I am running 285/65 r18’s on +30mm wheels. No rubbing anywhere.

 

[Langwilliams]

Doesn't Ford remove the crash bars on the Raptors to clear oversized tires? IF so I would assume they provide a degree of additional protection but it's not a major factor or the crash bars on the Raptors would be there just a different design like the aftermarket options on the rangers.

 

[clowd9]

I removed mine without cutting them. Loosened the front bumper and slid out the fronts. Unbolted the lower portion of the fenders, and had a buddy pull the bar out while I pulled the fender. Bolted the fender back on, it's slightly bent near the bolts, but sits flush otherwise.

 

[VAMike]

Just curious to see how bad it'd be in a hard impact without the bars.

They're one of the major reasons why "leg destroyed in accident" has decreased. Also one of the major reasons older vehicles fail the "small overlap test" and newer vehicles pass. Even with the crash bars the ranger isn't great, without them you've got a good chance of surviving but losing your leg in such a crash.

 

[r1ch999999]

Those are all problems you mentioned. We tend to see it all with all the damn yankees passing through GA to get to FL. Just curious to see how bad it'd be in a hard impact without the bars.

This reminds me of a saying my Uncle had, living in NC, (however, we were both born and raised in NY)

You know how to teach a Yankee to drive? Point them North.

 

[MTB-BRUH]

I replaced my front bumper with a pretty heavy duty one so I’d like to think that will help in case of a accident

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