Ford removes them for 35 inch tires because of rubbing. If under 35 inch they help keep the tire from entering the front footwells in a head on accident.
If having crash bars was required for safety they would be on all broncos. That said if you have 35 or bigger tires you can get aftermarket crash bars too, which we are considering for added protection. One bronco owner got hit on the driver front by an old crown vic last year going pretty fast and walked away unharmed thanks in large part to their crash bars.
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