Best Bull Bar/Driving Lights (On a budget)

[jag00035]

I have the Steelcraft and it's a beefy chunk of metal. I've hit the concrete parking garage wall wtih mine and a slight impact with a car - no damage. I have 5" Hella lights on mine. I'd recommend it over the Westin. It's cheaper and the plastic on the Westin bugs me

For me it's down to the Steelcraft and Hella 500's for $280 or this: Combo:03-08 Toyota 4-Runner Bull Bar Black+Westin Light | eBay for $200.

Is the steelcraft worth the extra $80? Or is the build quality on the eBay bar good as well? Can anyone with experience with the eBay bar give me some insight?

 

[galactic_04]

The bar on ebay probably doesn't have a lot of people using it around here. The bar looks decent, but only had 2 mounting points, it'll do nothing if you tap something with it, pure looks. I've never had experience with their lights either. Just make sure they're the beam you want. I got the driving beam (narrow long) instead of a fog beam (short wide).

Make sure you put the whole bar on before tightening all the bolts down or it'll be a pain! Most of the quality is going to be in the fit and finish. The bar may not fit exact and need some holes reamed out or whatever. Another difference will be in the lights, not sure if it comes with a harness or not and that'll add money. They'll get you somehow...

 

[jag00035]

The bar on ebay probably doesn't have a lot of people using it around here. The bar looks decent, but only had 2 mounting points, it'll do nothing if you tap something with it, pure looks. I've never had experience with their lights either. Just make sure they're the beam you want. I got the driving beam (narrow long) instead of a fog beam (short wide).

Make sure you put the whole bar on before tightening all the bolts down or it'll be a pain! Most of the quality is going to be in the fit and finish. The bar may not fit exact and need some holes reamed out or whatever. Another difference will be in the lights, not sure if it comes with a harness or not and that'll add money. They'll get you somehow...

Thanks, I think I'll go with the Steelcraft and Hella 500's.

 

[2008t4r]

I will go with steelcraft too. its better looking, little bit cheap and tough than westin IMO. One time there was a van backed up on me in the parking lot, i saw the bumper was damage and my bull bar had a minor scratched. Before I bought it, i liked the westin, but i did a lot of research in this forum. so i decided to go with steelcraft.

 

[rtuck1]

The bar on ebay probably doesn't have a lot of people using it around here. The bar looks decent, but only had 2 mounting points, it'll do nothing if you tap something with it, pure looks. I've never had experience with their lights either. Just make sure they're the beam you want. I got the driving beam (narrow long) instead of a fog beam (short wide).

Make sure you put the whole bar on before tightening all the bolts down or it'll be a pain! Most of the quality is going to be in the fit and finish. The bar may not fit exact and need some holes reamed out or whatever. Another difference will be in the lights, not sure if it comes with a harness or not and that'll add money. They'll get you somehow...

Timeout, i bought mine off of ebay and it has four mounting points and is rock solid. I have beat that bar to death and hit trees, signs, etc and its held up like a champ. I can jump up and down on the bar and it doesn't move at all.

 

[galactic_04]

Timeout, i bought mine off of ebay and it has four mounting points and is rock solid. I have beat that bar to death and hit trees, signs, etc and its held up like a champ. I can jump up and down on the bar and it doesn't move at all.

Then speak up!!

I'm just saying one manufacturer to another on ebay could be totally different. It should fit right, but that's not saying it will. If you like how it looks and all it may be worth a shot for you...

 

[Ian]

I'd also recommend the Hella 500s.

jtanner: What light bar is that in your avatar? It looks like it doesn't add bulk to the front, which I like. Any more pics?

Thanks!

 

[jtanner]

jtanner: What light bar is that in your avatar? It looks like it doesn't add bulk to the front, which I like. Any more pics?

Thanks!

It's a JAOS light bar. It is basically just like this one. I got it used (from a member here) for less than half the price of what it cost on burtman's site. I also plasti-dipped it so it is now black & much better looking IMO. I will shoot you a few pics via PM of some close-ups if you want... just let me know.

 

[Ian]

It's a JAOS light bar. It is basically just like this one. I got it used (from a member here) for less than half the price of what it cost on burtman's site. I also plasti-dipped it so it is now black & much better looking IMO. I will shoot you a few pics via PM of some close-ups if you want... just let me know.

Thanks, that link did the trick. I like that it doesn't stick out too far in the front...on my list of things to get!

 

[chaz]

jaos is nice but a bit high in $.

 

[jag00035]

Timeout, i bought mine off of ebay and it has four mounting points and is rock solid. I have beat that bar to death and hit trees, signs, etc and its held up like a champ. I can jump up and down on the bar and it doesn't move at all.

rtruck1: How are the lights on the ebay bar? Did they come with everything nessecary? How would they compare to hella 500's?

 

[rtuck1]

rtruck1: How are the lights on the ebay bar? Did they come with everything nessecary? How would they compare to hella 500's?

I do not have any experience with Hella at all so i am not sure how they will compare. It is a glass lens so if a rock hits them, they will shatter...I should mention, they did come with plastic covers to prevent this from happening, but i dont use them. It came with everything necessary. The light output itself is great, They are very bright. With the driving lights and the high beam i can see for a good 1/2 mile down the road. For the money, i think it is an awesome kit.

 

[Jerrydog]

Ive had the hella 500's ona couple of trucks and eve when the linses are cracekd by rocks, at least in one case, they still worked great for years.

 

[chaz]

jerrydog, i see u have or use to have a scout, me too, it was the baja ss2 with the 345, loved it, sometimes i wish i still had it, one tough machine.

 

[Jerrydog]

jerrydog, i see u have or use to have a scout, me too, it was the baja ss2 with the 345, loved it, sometimes i wish i still had it, one tough machine.

Still got it, love it!

 

[JAC]

rtruck1: How are the lights on the ebay bar? Did they come with everything nessecary? How would they compare to hella 500's?

If you havent decided yet..here is another pic of the Steelcraft.. it may help you decide