$1500, holy @#$%!

I have seen some succesfull attempts for jeeps with a 3 piece system. A center piece that bolts to the frame rails, and two side pieces that bolt to the ends and protect the rockers. You have the option of buying just the main, then you can upgrade as budget allows. Here is a link, but the end caps are not shown. It does have some usefull info though. Click on the "more info" under the blackfoot bumper. Note: it requires a flash plug in.

http://aev-conversions.com/ssi/osb/showitem.cfm?&Description=x?xj

I like the integrated hitch and its subsequent departure. Also, note this is for a unibody, so it should be less complex and require fewer mounting points for our vehicle. Just some neat ideas that I hope might help you when you're brainstorming for your design.