A couple general questions re: plate bumpers

Hello all,
Kind of new here, I posted a thread a couple days ago asking for help with some parts questions after I got in an accident. Just a quick update and question(s).

So I called the bodyshop I usually use and the owner is going to let my buy my own parts and either they'll mount them for a very reasonable price or I can..but he's going to put it on the computer aided frame puller they have and once again charge me very reasonably just to straighten out the frame..

So I'm currently in process of sourcing the parts.. found a used already painted red fender, looking at headlights (I'm reading as much as I can, but if anyone has a suggestion for some reasonably priced but very functional and decently sharp aftermarket headlights, I'd appreciate it)
so the last part I'm really looking at is a plate bumper...ARB specifically..
My question is...I saw mentioned somewhere..I think on aluminess' website that steel bumpers are hard on the brakes, tires, and steering...and that you need upgraded suspension..is this entirely true? Does anyone here have a plate bumper and stock suspension? Any idea what a reasonable weight threshold for stock suspension is?
I'm not opposed to upgrading the suspension either, just wouldn't be immediately.

 

What did the body shop guy say about the core support?

 

They took a look at everything and said it's good. They said it looks a lot worse in the picture.