Building bumpers for my '95 toyota pickup. I want to use 2" round piping but I'm not sure what metal and thickness dimensions I should be using...? Also, I will need to change the mounting brackets and am open to suggestions as to methods and materials.

 

3/16" is usually a go-to thickness for armor in general as 1/8" is too thin and bends easily. 1/4" is slightly overkill for main portion of armor but good for supports and brackets, etc. Some items may need to be thicker, like 3/8" or even 1/2" - like winch points or tow hook mounts for example.
Good luck

 

Big difference between Tube and Pipe just what are you planning to use .

Sometimes you can attach your stock brackets to your new bumper with a little fabrication

 

very good point.
if you use the stock brackets don't plan on using those for recovery...

big difference between pipe and tube.
and with in tube there are two(there are certainly more) commonly used types:
DOM: Drawn over Mandrel - considered to be stronger, but more expensive
HREW: Hot Rolled Electrical Welded - it has a seam that is welded the length of the tube, cheaper
(http://www.savageoffroad.biz/DOM-vs-HREW_ep_42.html)
Pipe is cheaper but heavier too
a lot of tubing used armor is actually smaller than 1/8" (0.125) my 4xinnovations sliders are 0.120
http://www.4xinnovations.com/60-Univ...Set_p_131.html
all pro also uses 0.120 tubing
http://allprooffroad.com/shop/rock-sliders/

 

How do you like your 4x sliders. For $199 i don’t think it can be beat.