just picked up an 03 gu ute

it has arb bull bar, side steps and brush bars.
after having a lux im a bit more concerned about keeping the panels straight on this one and as its significantly wider etc i feel like ill be more likely bend the bugger.
Im assuming the side steps (tube frame with checkerplate tops) will offer minimal or no protection compared to sliders, but mainly will the brush bars do anything to protect the front qtrs?
I have a set of sliders im looking to mod to put under it and am trying to work out if i should keep the brush bars and mod them to fit to the slider.
If i do keep them would it be worth making a clamp on system which braces from one across the top of the bonnet to the far side? I just cant see them doing much in their current set up other than bending into the car.