Smacked a deer. Upgrade, or back to stock

Evening gentlemen and women.

I smacked a deer pretty good yesterday morning. After assessing the damage, I’ve found that there is nothing damaged above the bumper. My insurance did me a real solid, and I’ve already got cash in the bank.

I can fix this myself, back to stock for around $600. Or, is it time for steel. Anything worthwhile for a comparable price? I’ll be going to 34’s next tire purchase, so clearance is a factor too.

 

Go big or be on your way to you know where

 

WarFab tomcat

 

I dig. I think tube might be what I have to go with for the money

 

Time to get a nice ATH Front Bumper

 

Well if you upgrade. That will not happen anymore the Deer hair mod is not that attractive

 

it’ll match everything else tube
Phantom HC rear (might be a bit lighter than non tube), + sliders which are always tube

 

Ooh, that’s slick. I like the low hoop option, and the simplicity.

You a fly guy? Got some extra deer hair if you need…

 

Are we having venison for dinner, I hope?

 

Haha! I’ll get some back strap probably. Had a buddy come get her. I live with 4 women that don’t appreciate having a deer hanging from a tree in the yard.

 

Was it a buck or a doe?

 

Doe, 100-115lbs

 

As someone who grew up in west Texas deer and hog country and hit enough animals to end world hunger, upgrade and dont be cheap about it. I've done tons of work on trucks relating to deer strikes and those cheap brush guards are just damage multipliers. I have a relentless fab full front bumper and have hit mule deer with it and it never budged. Get a bumper that will also protect the headlight and front quarter panel cause that's 90% of all damage.

 

Thanks but, I don’t fly fish unfortunately. I just use my trusty St Croix rod my brother gave me.

 

I would stick with stock purely to avoid additional weight and a bumper I don't really need.
That said, if I had to choose an non-stock bumper, I'd probably pick a tube style. Maybe even fab it myself.

 

Ended up buying a DV8. Will post when installed. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Here it is. Definitely happy I went with steel. I like the look and the function far more. I went cheap because I decided on more expensive wheels, and didn’t want to blow my budget. Otherwise I probably would have gone hybrid as y’all suggested.

 

Ooo that was a Good choice. You'll have to toast to the deer before you consume her flesh.

 

Thanks. And yes, ritual was performed. Though it was not my kill, but the blessing of fate.