Bull bar/Brush guard questions

[Iron Uvula]

I've been thinking about putting a bull bar or brush guard on my 05 Runner. I've looked at the installation instructions for a few and they are bolt on. That being said, I have to believe that they are much more for aesthetics that to provide impact protection.

So my questions are, what kind of impacts have these bars saved folks from?

Could I expect to use a bull bar to gently push a vehicle without incurring damage? For instance helping a disabled vehicle off the road.

To get real impact protection I suspect that I would need something welded into the frame. Anyone have any pictures or threads about this?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

both grill guards and bull bars are really for looks only and a good place to mount lights. for example my friend had a front end accident in his yukon and the grill guard broke his grille. the only one that would save you truck would be the arb or shrockworks full replacement bumper. maybe even the jaos but its just as expensive.

 

[4runr30]

both grill guards and bull bars are really for looks only and a good place to mount lights. for example my friend had a front end accident in his yukon and the grill guard broke his grille. the only one that would save you truck would be the arb or shrockworks full replacement bumper. maybe even the jaos but its just as expensive.

Agreed. Ive had both push bars and brush guards and they arent built to take much abuse. As far as pushing a disabled vehicle, its possible. I used my 3rd gen with a waag guard to push my buddies wrangler around with minimal damage (I had lost the grill supports so the guard would flex back about an 1''). As for accidents, a woman backed into the same Waag and completely bent it and ruined my bumper.

 

[shuly]

Brush Guards aren't called "Damage Multipliers" for nothing. In a collision they typically fold back onto the front end crushing everything and making things WORSE! Unless you really have to have it I would strongly recommend avoiding them.

Purchase a Shrockworks (or ARB) bull bar. Will protect you and your vehicle in an accident and could help save your truck. This is from the 120 boards....but the 4Runner was saved...as for the other car...well...

Shrockworks Bumper Accident Tested at ~30mph! (lots of pics) - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[Shimajilosan]

both grill guards and bull bars are really for looks only and a good place to mount lights. for example my friend had a front end accident in his yukon and the grill guard broke his grille. the only one that would save you truck would be the arb or shrockworks full replacement bumper. maybe even the jaos but its just as expensive.

I did not want to go "all the way" with an ARB or ShrockWorks yet...perhaps when it is no longer my dd I might; however, I have taken out a deer with my JAOS "kangaroo" bar :roadkill:

Only chipped a little paint on the bar and left a tuft of fur wedged in beside a headlight.