I recently installed the Raptor conversion bumper/skid plate kid from Galaxymotoinc, which I purchased through eBay. I haven’t seen anyone else with this particular bumper yet, so I thought I’d drop a few pics and some initial thoughts. The bumper install was fairly simple and straight forward. The kit included the PC+ABS constructed bumper and skid plate, as well as a replacement plastic air damn and metal mounting bracket. Also included were black and white photo instructions and a hardware kit. It’s important to note that there is an additional step in mounting this bumper on a V8 model vs the V6; so make sure you specify the applicable application whereas the V8 requires the metal mounting bracket and it appears the V6 do not. That delayed my install by a week while I awaited the additional hardware. However, Galaxymotoinc did get the parts out to me in 4 days, so that was appreciated. The install itself was very straight forward and everything fit well. You’ll utilize the factory mounting plates from your existing bumper which mount onto the new bumper with their supplied hardware. The fit is actually surprisingly precise and the bumper lined up perfectly with my stock body panels. I did have a hard time installing the 12 clips on the skid plate that mount into the bumper itself; I ended up reusing the clips from the OEM bumper insert which worked significantly better. Be careful with them, they’re delicate and Ford requires you buy the entire bumper insert to get more, should you break any. Aside from the clips, the rest of the install was very simple. Altogether, removal of the OEM bumper and install took about 45 minutes. As you see in my pictures, I have the Galaxymotoinc version of the Raptor grille as well. The plastic of the bumper matches perfectly to the grille, as well as to the black of my Bushwacker fender flares. I previously painted the lower trim on the grille which took the paint very well, so I assume the bumper will also. Eventually I may paint the flares, bumper and grille a dark gray, closer to the actual Raptor look, but for now the matte black stands out pretty well from the metallic Tuxedo black of my truck. I used a plastic conditioner/restorer that gave the plastics an even sheen and cleared up any fingerprints, etc. You’ll also notice this bumper allows a little better clearance on the front tires. I’m on 325/60/18s (33.4” x 12.8”) with a 2.5” level and was very close to rubbing the lower front corners of the OEM bumper. However, with the additional clearance this bumper provides, I believe I should be able to clear a standard 35”x 12.5” now. The only concern I have about this product (which is openly addressed in the eBay description) is that it is 100% PC+ABS construction vs the OEM metal bumper. I don’t know how much additional strength the stock bumper actually supplies but there’s a noticeable weight difference of approx. 30 lbs between the two. The back of the Galaxymotoinc bumper has raised plastic ridges that cross to add rigidity, I took it a step further and filled these ridges with a plastic epoxy to add additional strength and peace of mind. The skid plate is also constructed entirely of plastic and painted a gloss silver. Removal of the OEM bumper also removes the air damn so this kit includes a multi-purpose mounting bracket for the skid plate that also extends below the plate and provides a smaller replacement for the factory air damn. The skid plate does not extend as far back as an actual Raptor plate would, but the whole bumper should be considered a cosmetic modification, not a functional mod. I’ve had the kit on for about 4 days now, it definitely draws far more attention to my truck than the FORD grille alone had. It seems to be holding up well and secure, even after 80+ mph on the highway. All together, I’m pleased with the outcome and would recommend this product to anyone looking for a nice cosmetic upgrade that doesn’t plan on doing much off roading. Hope this review is helpful to anyone considering this bumper. Here’s the link:

 

Good looking bumper setup!

 

Beautiful truck! The bumper looks good.

 

How would this bumper fit without the fender flares? Did it fit flush with the fenders or stick out past them?