The Proline pictured is bolted to the frame same as the original bumper. When we first purchased the Ford, the amount of plastic in the grill that would provide minimal protections to the radiator, coupled with oil and air conditioning coolers just behind the original bumper convinced use we needed something substantial. Lots of bouncing around in sagebrush country and timber and the very real potential to take out mule deer and elk were also convincing arguments. There are no shock absorbers built into our system, but I think I've seen some such structures in the past.
If we ever purchase another truck, it will for sure be similarly equipped. I have seen a great number of chrome pipe additions to bumpers that look cool, but really provide no structural protection at all.
