any recommendations on a 2002 bug shield / hood guard?
- Thread starter cambone
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FoneRunner
New member
I like my AVS...seems good enough. Honestly I don't pay it much attention...except that I look at it the whole time I'm driving I suppose!
96743runner
New member
I still have that AVS Bugflector on mine and I am still happy with it! Never did rub on the paint even without the bumpstops applied.
cj80cruiser
Senior Member
Could also just spray a strip with bedliner on the nose of the hood. It will keep bug guts from eating your paint especially if you have love bugs around. Just a thought. Do the bug guards really deflect bugs effectively?
I thought the shape of the bug guard deflects air up over the roof of the truck (at higher speeds, of course) similar to a motorcycle windshield deflecting air over your helmet. That way, if a bug gets in that current, it will be swept up over the truck rather than hit the windshield.
That may or may not be the case, but I had one on my Tacoma, and definitely, fewer bugs on the windshield.
cj80cruiser
Senior Member
yeah, thats what I'm wondering if it works. My windshield gets covered and I have no bug guard. Product claims it does help but I was wondering if anybody saw a difference in real world driving. I keep rainX on the windshield to keep the bugs off now.
WrexHAmm
New member
I am pretty sure that's how it works. It directs the air flow up rather than being directed into your windshield then up. Mine came with the factory shield but it was faded and looked horrible. I have since taken it off and smack, bugs right into the window. Same situation I had in my Taco. They do actually make a difference.
Similar concept is the Double Bubble windshield for motorcycles. I ride and always get them because the channel and direct the air flow up and over my helmet creating a nice little comfortable pocket.
96743runner
New member
I think that it deflects bugs pretty well. I do a lot of night driving with the runner in areas with lots of bugs and after an hour drive I have maybe one or two bug splatters on my windshield. My bumper however, would be covered in bug guts.
One day when I washing the T4R I randomly shot water at the deflector and it directed the water up and over the cab...so I guess it does what it supposed to.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I'm more concerned with rocks and debris beating the crap out of the leading edge of the hood which happens in our Colorado winters since they sand the roads here instead of salting them.
My deflector also took a rock which broke it in half so I'm glad it took the shot instead of a dent in the hood.
My deflector also took a rock which broke it in half so I'm glad it took the shot instead of a dent in the hood.
Martinjmpr
New member
Yep, that's my main concern too. I had one of these on my Tacoma (still have it, in fact, if anybody out there with an 01-04 Taco wants it, let me know):
Custom Hood Protector
Here's a picture of it on my Taco:
I'm surprised the OP's 4runner doesn't have the factory bug shield. I've seen very few late model 3rd gens that didn't have the Toyota factory shield.
Having said that, I'm thinking of getting rid of mine and going to the CHP. Looks better and it's easier to take off for washing/waxing.
fightman80
New member
AVS Bug Deflector.....comes in both partial (what I have) or the whole front.
