So I had to replace the bumper brackets and found a good deal on a set, turns out its a set for a stepside bumper (which I should have because I have a stepside bed, originally fleetside, but I can't find a stepside bumper for cheap so I just cut a but off the bumper I had, but I digress...) The two main brackets fit and hopefully line up with the frame so I can get the thing mounted, but there are 2 additional side brackets that I'm not sure what they really do just extra support I guess? I can get away with leaving those off right?

Maybe I can find an actual stepside bumper at the junkyard that isn't bent up someday.

 

Are you talking about brackets right at each end of the bumper?

 

They are extra support. They help keep your bumper from taking out your bedsides in low speed impacts. Without them, if somebody barely taps your bumper, it may fold into the bedside.