my stock front bumper has the rollers for a PTO winch (currently not installed) built into it, the box that holds the winch bolts in between the framerails, and has 1/2" plate that fit snugly inside the chrome bumper all the way out to the end bolts (the factory diagonal support brackets are long gone). Dad did this in order to be able to wheel and race my truck when it was new, and keep the chrome bumper alive. It shows its age today, but I like the fact its so stout.
I agree, ditch the pipe bumpers, if anything build a modern prerunner style smaller tubular setup...thats my plan if I finally decide to permanently leave the PTO winch out.
Erik
edit: I was hoping that pic showed better how the plate works, but it just kinda looks stock minus a bolt per side. The driver front corner of the bumper is forwards a bit because when backing up while offroading ages ago, the edge snagged something and tweaked it. I'll get better pics of the bumper reinforcement if you want me to.