Hood deflector recommendation?
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Diablo3305
New member
actually i was just about to post about this...haha.. i was wondering if anyone with an 03' had the bug deflector on their truck and could post pics. I like the sleak look without it, but driving on the highway sucks because i get hit with so many bugs. Do these actually work good?
impulsebrklyn
New member
its a lund bug deflector
Forerunner
New member
Hi guys,
I can't say about the'03 model but I removed my deflector on my '96 SR-5 about 6 months after I had purchased it new with my truck. The main reasons were that I could never get ALL the dirt that accumulates out from behind it, it flapped around enough to inflict damage to the grill, and it didn't really protect the hood much(Istill had stone chips on the front of the hood).
The worst part of it all was that when driving at high speed on the highway, the hood looked like it was going to rip right off the truck. From the driver's seat, you could see the hood buckling up at the back end.
I can't say for sure that you will have these problems with the 2003 model but you guys should maybe ask anyone who already got it before diving in. It sure LOOKS good with it on though!
Forerunner
I can't say about the'03 model but I removed my deflector on my '96 SR-5 about 6 months after I had purchased it new with my truck. The main reasons were that I could never get ALL the dirt that accumulates out from behind it, it flapped around enough to inflict damage to the grill, and it didn't really protect the hood much(Istill had stone chips on the front of the hood).
The worst part of it all was that when driving at high speed on the highway, the hood looked like it was going to rip right off the truck. From the driver's seat, you could see the hood buckling up at the back end.
I can't say for sure that you will have these problems with the 2003 model but you guys should maybe ask anyone who already got it before diving in. It sure LOOKS good with it on though!
Forerunner
Thai
Elite Member
Forerunner,
Are you sure you have the Toyota hood deflector and not an aftermarket one?? (Does it have the Toyota name on it?) My deflector works reasonably well. Big bugs still come crashing to their deaths...but my 4runner's windshield is cleaner from the smaller bugs. There is a slight (not even sure) increase in wind noise. I haven't had any stone chip since installing it...could be luck. I haven't had any problems with cleaning behind it.
The Toyota deflectors are actually well-made (at least for 3rd gen).
Thanks.
Are you sure you have the Toyota hood deflector and not an aftermarket one?? (Does it have the Toyota name on it?) My deflector works reasonably well. Big bugs still come crashing to their deaths...but my 4runner's windshield is cleaner from the smaller bugs. There is a slight (not even sure) increase in wind noise. I haven't had any stone chip since installing it...could be luck. I haven't had any problems with cleaning behind it.
The Toyota deflectors are actually well-made (at least for 3rd gen).
Thanks.
Thai
Elite Member
BTW, i forgot to mention that with the deflector, your windshield washer will be LESS effective!
Because of the re-directed airflow, the water coming out will be all over the windshield, and not much makes it to the top of the windshield.
This has been my experience on my '02 4Runner. I am not sure about the '03 models.
Because of the re-directed airflow, the water coming out will be all over the windshield, and not much makes it to the top of the windshield. This has been my experience on my '02 4Runner. I am not sure about the '03 models.
Forerunner
New member
Thai,
Yes it is a Toyota deflector but I did purchase it back in 1996 with my 4runner(installed by the dealer before delivery). There may have been changes to the deflector that I am not aware of.
I also remember mentioning my problem with the deflector on another board and getting back many responses about the hood buckling. That's when I decided to remove it.
Yes it is a Toyota deflector but I did purchase it back in 1996 with my 4runner(installed by the dealer before delivery). There may have been changes to the deflector that I am not aware of.
I also remember mentioning my problem with the deflector on another board and getting back many responses about the hood buckling. That's when I decided to remove it.
impulsebrklyn
New member
ok the deflector on mine is great, it doesnt move around like its gonna break when im driving on the highway. Its built ver well and it does not come in contact with the top hood paint at all, and just for saftey they supply this clear cushion stick on stuck just in case. there is no way it will damage the grill the way it is attached. I would def recommend the lund.
Good Times
New member
neech:
never get anything from the stealer. Unless they're giving it to ya free cuz of warranty or something... always try to find outside sources!
never get anything from the stealer. Unless they're giving it to ya free cuz of warranty or something... always try to find outside sources!
Thai
Elite Member
Neech,
Here is the thread on on-line dealers you can deal with:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95
Enjoy.
Here is the thread on on-line dealers you can deal with:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95
Enjoy.
impulsebrklyn
New member
i said above when i posted the picture that mine is a LUND
4Runner2003
New member
There is no way I would live without a deflector. On my 98 4Runner, that deflector has save my hood one too many times. I did get a Toyota one and the price was pretty similar to after market ones.
The only think I have had to replace are the rubber bumpers that add support to the deflector.
Scott
The only think I have had to replace are the rubber bumpers that add support to the deflector.
Scott
Dream Theater
New member
This is the Toyota hood protector, don't know how much different it is than the Lund.
http://www.toyotapart.com/cgi-bin/p...&prodID=PT427-89030&pgroupID=34&src=browsecat
Hope this helps!
-Scott
http://www.toyotapart.com/cgi-bin/p...&prodID=PT427-89030&pgroupID=34&src=browsecat
Hope this helps!
-Scott
4Runner2003
New member
Neech, definately. I'll get a picture and post what a bug/rock did to my hood before I put the deflector on. But until then, it is 100% worth it. I've had mine for 5 years and it has held up great.
Scott
Scott
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