After a quick search through bug deflector discussions it looks like people have had the best luck with Lund or OEM bug deflectors on their '03 4Runners. I need one for my '04 and will probably buy one of the two brands I mentioned unless there's something better. Would anybody care to add their $.02?

Thanks,

Mike

There is also that Canadian made deflector. I guess it's also considered OEM, since you can get it at Canadian dealerships. Sorry, the name of the company slips my memory

I like the American OEM deflector. It's kind of a pain to install though, and they may as well have left the directions in Japanese for all the help they were. It seems like it sticks too far out when you install it, but it ends up looking the way it should. Check out pics of my Runner if you want to see what it looks like.

I agree, Toyota made a 10 minute job into a 30 minute chore. I got very confused with the brackets and screws and what the instructions stated to do. The diagrams didn't help either. Mine also sticks out a bit too, but looks good and seems to be working well so far.

Are there any parts or hardware that goes permanently atached to the hood from the top. I want to be able to take it off when I wax my truck, and don't really want to install anything on top of the hood. Thanks for your comments!:awais:

Nothing permanent, no. Well, there is some protective vinyl tape that you put down, but no parts that are permanent. It's not something you'll want to take on and off though... it's a real pain to get on. You end up having to take off the front grille assembly (something like 8 bolts) to get the deflector on. Not rocket science, just a pain.

So how do you manage to detail the section of the hood under the bug deflector? I don't think there is a lot of space to put your hand to wax it!

I finally purchased the Lund Interceptor and installed it. It was very easy to install, the only thing I don't like is the mylar or vinyl tape that goes on the hood instead of on the actual bracket that holds the deflector. I believe that the vinyl is used to prevent the bracket from scratching the hood. I think I am going to replace it with something stronger than the vinyll and attach it to the bracket so that I can wax the hood without those pieces attached to it. At high speeds the deflector doesn't make much noise and it seems very stable. There is some space to work around when you need to wash and wax your truck, although on the outside there are only 4 screws holding the deflector which you can take off if you want, rather than taking off the grille.