Hunter Bull Bar installed

[FoneRunner]

I got the Hunter Bull Bar from www.truckgeardirect.com and put it on. Couple of questions...it looks crooked...just slightly off. Am I seeing things? Also, the two little brackets that came off, were they supposed to go back on? And third, any recommendations on lights?

 

[trd_4runnin]

You're not seeing things, it's definitely crooked. Unfortunately I don't have any experience with these to help determine what the problem might be, but if it doesn't appear to be an issue with installation then I would send that thing back.

 

[FoneRunner]

You can tell from the side shot that my bumper isn't perfect...it was involved in a slight vehicular altercation prior to purchase...I don't know if that's why it looks off though. I put the tow hook back on on the passenger side, but I left those little brackets off...Man, I hate sending stuff back

 

[bgmac]

I know with mine, I was able to align because the holes on the frame bracket were oversized so that you could adjust it. So check and see if urs are, if not you could probably just drill out which ever side you need to adjust. It also looks like you have the Autozone special brake pads by the looks of your front wheels!! :yesyes: Don't feel bad, so do I...mine seem to stop throwing so much dust after about a month.

 

[JohnsD90]

add 2 or 3 washers to the left side (when looking at the front) to even it out.

 

[Sloan]

is it supposed to sit that far out in front? maybe they sent you one for the 01-02 bumper style instead? but yes it is crooked. as far as lights Hella 500s are easy to find at walmart to any auto store and they are about 70 dollars. comes with everything you need in the box.

 

[FoneRunner]

I didn't think about washers...the 19mm bolts that connect the bar to the brackets thread into the bar. I'll check to see if there is any play in them. Maybe I can adjust it that way....and yes, autozone special duracrap pads. I've put almost 10k miles on the truck since I put them on(never send your wife to the auto parts store!) and I swear they put off dust while the truck sits! Good thing I drive a lot...so I'll be replacing them soon enough.

Anbody else have this bull bar out there that can say whether it is supposed to stick out that far? When I ordered it, it asked me for my year and make...I don't know...

Hella lights? Sounds good to me!

 

[FoneRunner]

The tow hook bracket is pretty thick and heavy...the bolts on that side are significantly longer to accomodate it. I'll get out there in the morning and look to see where I can make adjustments and post the results...not much work this week, but since I don't have any car payments anymore I don't have to work as hard either!:dancin:

Hopefully those lights will cover my busted valance too! Can't seem to locate those replacement parts....

 

[bgmac]

Something doesn't seem right..it does stick out quite a bit. See If you can, take some pics of the mounting brackets. Also you can get replacement valances on Ebay for like $35-$40 shipped. I have one and the fitment is perfect. Do yourself a favor though and order new clips and bolts from the dealer. The Hella 500 are a nice kit. I got mine from Wal-Mart last year for like $60 and some change.

 

[piperoo]

CaptHoward, is it made well? I have been thinking of getting one...maybe in Chrome though, I haven't decided. It looks cool.

 

[FoneRunner]

Other than being crooked I like it. I'm gonna play with it today to see if I can get it to be straight. Also, I wish it anchored somewhere in addition to underneath the truck. It is movable, if that makes sense. The bull bar on my F-150 is anchored in 4 places and is unmovable. Maybe it's because it sticks out so far...I'll play with it a little more today and get back to you...

 

[FoneRunner]

add 2 or 3 washers to the left side (when looking at the front) to even it out.

I took your advice and fabricated some plates to go in between the frame and the mounting bracket. It's much closer to matching the bumper now...I didn't get a picture of the bracket though. I did reconfirm this is the correct one for the 98. I guess it just sticks out...I'm not sure I like that. Isn't that gonna make the lights vulnerable?

 

[Sloan]

that is a nice looking bull bar though, hope you get it leveled out! put some lights on it and you got a nice looking front side :artist:

 

[96743runner]

^ x2

That is a really nice looking bull bar. I was actually considering to get one too. It does look much more level with the bumper now than it did before.

 

[98stellarrunner]

Hunter Bullbar

I just put one on mine. I also installed some KC lights on it. Overall the bullbar feels sturdy and bolts on easily. Let me know what you think.