To brush guard? Or not to brush guard?

[Guitarplaya39]

I want some kind of "protection" for the front when pushing through (or making new) trails, and this seems like the "cheapest" alternative to a full bumper. These brush guards to me just dont look that great on the 4th gens...
I also want protection from the not-so-elusive deer around here...

This craigslist ad sparked my deliberation...
4th generation 4runner brush guard!!!!!


What do yall think?

 

[ebg18t]

IMHO the bolt on brush guards are kind of like damage multipliers. They will help some with protecting the headlights when pushing thru brush, but the ones I have seen after hitting large animals didn't do a lot to protect the truck.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

As was mentioned above they do very little to protect in the event of an impact because they aren't very sturdy usually.

The better ones are going to be the units that are stoutly mounted to the frame of the vehicle, almost similar to a full metal bumper. I have seen various designs and mounting locations ranging from U-Bolts that just go around the frame rail to very rickety brackets.

In the end, the natural leverage of having the mounting points all the way at the bottom of the vehicle and wrapping around the exterior of the bumper make it much weaker than a full metal bumper.

 

[jpclark]

A brush guard will do exactly that... Protect from brush when pushing through overgrown areas. BUT... In any major impact... Albeit another car or a deer at 70mph... The torsional stress imparted will act as a damage "enhancer". Same goes when wheeling, if you expect frontal impacts from steep descents. If you expect those type impacts, then replacing the bumper is the best way to go.

 

[chitown40]

The correct answer is, "Save your money and don't do it."

Buy a complete bumper if you actually need protection. If you're a weekend warrior hitting fire roads and light trails, then save the weight and the cash and put the money towards something else.

 

[Slowgoat]

Just say no. . . . :biggrin2:

 

[preacher35]

Nope. Save your money.

 

[Guitarplaya39]

Aaaannndddd thats what I figured lol. Thanks for the insight! I knew in the back of my mind that it wasnt a great idea.... I just needed some reassurance from the pros! :thumb3:

 

[Dylan]

Let's not forget, they're called brush guards. That's what they do, guard the front end against brush. They're not called Deer Smashers, or what have you.

With that in mind, they will do what you're looking to do, but keep in mind they may "multiply the damage" from a larger impact. They could also reduce the damage though, this isn't necessarily a proven thing, it's more a logical conclusion.

I honestly think the 4th gen guards look weird. They're contoured to the front end, but they still seem like they're bent/tweaked too much for the body lines.

 

[Martinjmpr]

They also reduce - albeit slightly - your approach angle by sticking out further in front. Probably not a concern to most of us but I thought I'd put it out there.

And I second the "weird looking" nature of 4th gen brush guards.

Hey, there's a reason the guy on CL is selling his. He knows the deal.

If you need front end protection save up some $$ for a bumper. I had mine custom built by a guy on the board here and I love it. The funny thing is, I think a lot of people don't even notice it, because there's no "hoop" or "stinger" on it, but that's what I wanted. I wanted front end protection, winch mounting space, a place for shackles, and improved approach angle and fender clearance (my 255/75/17 BFGs would rub on the fender liners at full lock.) The bumper is "everything I need and nothing I don't."

 

[JustSomeName]

nope, does more harm than good, waste of money.

 

[loconzly]

If you need front end protection save up some $$ for a bumper. I had mine custom built by a guy on the board here and I love it. The funny thing is, I think a lot of people don't even notice it, because there's no "hoop" or "stinger" on it, but that's what I wanted. I wanted front end protection, winch mounting space, a place for shackles, and improved approach angle and fender clearance (my 255/75/17 BFGs would rub on the fender liners at full lock.) The bumper is "everything I need and nothing I don't."

Is this guy building them for sale? I'm online looking for a bumper today, thanks to a careless driver trashing my front bumper. Figured I may as well apply the insurance money on a bumper that I like.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Is this guy building them for sale? I'm online looking for a bumper today, thanks to a careless driver trashing my front bumper. Figured I may as well apply the insurance money on a bumper that I like.

He was, but I don't know if he still is or not. He posts here under the moniker of Mtn.Runner I believe. His name is Jesse, nice kid, very young (early 20s.)

He was in the process of opening a shop in Basalt (between Glenwood Springs and Aspen) and was offering a discount to the first 3 people who would commit to buying a bumper. Don't know whatever happened to that, this was last May (2013.) Haven't heard anything more about it since. A quick search reveals that he hasn't posted anything on the boards since this past May (2014.)

The bumper is well made and has held up great. It's also made a great improvement in my approach angle and allows me to run larger tires without too much of a lift (before the bumper was on my 255/75/17's would rub on the forward portion of the inner fender liners.)

Unfortunately it doesn't look like his business ever got off the ground but I can also recommend Scotty at Addicted Off Road who just came out with a bumper for the 4th gen. I had an Addicted Off Road bumper on my 3rd gen and it was very well made. Scotty is located in Greeley, CO which makes him more convenient to the front range if that's where you are. No need to have it shipped, just pick it up in person. That will save you a few hundred bucks right there.