Newbee Question - Seelking Grill guard

[chiwri]

Dear 3Rd Gen t4r's folks.

I have recently purchased a 98 4runner and I am seeking to purchase a front grill guard.

Any suggestions ewhere to source a new and INEXPENSIVE grill gueard? I would also consider a used grill guard if there is one available.

I live in north CT and we have a rampant deer pobulation. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time time until I have an unexpected encounter with a deer.

Thank you,

Charlie

 

[Kire4Runner]

Hey there Chiwri, welcome to the forum. A grill guard is a nice little aftermarket mod for our 4Runners, but you need to be sure you are buying it for the right reasons. If you are concerned about animal strikes, a grill guard will do almost nothing in the way of protection for your truck and can actually harm your frame by twisting the grill guard mounting brackets attached underneath. Only a complete bumper system like a TJM or ARB bumper will give you protection against a deer or other large critter. Grill guards will only protect against small trees and other brush (i.e. originally known as brush guards before grill guards) Also a grill guard can reduce your ground clearance and approach angle because usually the mounting brackets go under the existing bumper.

Well I consider myself to be a fair guy so I'll give you the answer to your question. Manik, Smittybuilt, and WAAG grill guards are the only ones I would consider putting on my truck. Others out there are poorly made and will just rust off after one or two years in New England (MA native here). I don't know if you are looking at a black or chrome (stainless steel) guard but the latter will be $150-$250 more. Type in "4runner guard" on ebay sometime and look at the options people are selling. Good Luck

 

[broncosi]

depending on what your budget is alos look at some ARB bumpers, nice clean look and offer substantial protection

 

[shotking4]

welcome to the board. where in CT? I'm in new britain. its nice to see some other CT people out there.

Thread HiJack ... any other CT people out there?

 

[lee]

i have a westin which is awesome. its very durable and looks great.

anyway, as kire said, grille guards will NOT protect you from animals. ARBs and TJMs were pretty much made for that purpose (not deer, but other animals in australia!), and they work VERY well.