WAAG Grille Guard

[haps]

I have been setting aside some money all summer for a big purchase for my 4-Runner in August.

I am looking to get the WAAG grille guard but have a few questions about it. Also, I don't know much about all the different brands - if anyone has a better suggeestion as for what I should get - feel free to let me know.

1- I have seen two models, the "one piece" and the "three piece" - what is the difference, if any, in these two?
2- I haven't ever done any installations like these and have heard that the WAAG models are very easy to install and don't take any expertise, can you all vouch for this? Or am I going ot have to get some outside help?
3- I found the grille guard for my 97 SR5 on AUTOANYTHING.COM for 460.95 with free shipping. Is there anywhere out there that has a better deal that anyone knows of? I am also looking to get the tailguards, which are around $150 but sometimes they come in bundled deals and was wondering if anyone knew anything.
4- It's not like I plan on crashing into trees or getting in huge accidents where I would NEED my airbags, but what kind of hindrance do the grille guards cause to the actual functioning of my airbags? I've heard that sometimes they won't deploy if you have a grille guard, and I really don't want that... anyone know?
5- I want to get lights to install with the grille guard - I want them to be quality, and bright - but need suggestions on what looks best and does the best job, and can easily be installed with the WAAG grille guard.

Thanks!
haps

here's a pic or two to help you imagine what will be best for my truck .....

http://sarahkrebs.com/lakehouse1/Lakehouse - 03.jpg

http://sarahkrebs.com/lakehouse1/Lakehouse - 04.jpg

 

[Biff]

For that kind of money I'd spend a little more and get a TJM or ARB bumper. Looks more aggresive.

 

[CMiYC]

do the grille guards cause to the actual functioning of my airbags?

None. The airbag sensors are decelerometers. Nothing about a grille guard will interfere with them. In the first generation, the sensors weren't even placed in the front of the car.

 

[Luxury]

quote haps:
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do the grille guards cause to the actual functioning of my airbags?
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quote CMiYC:
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None. The airbag sensors are decelerometers. Nothing about a grille guard will interfere with them. In the first generation, the sensors weren't even placed in the front of the car.
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Does that pertain to all generations?

 

[bryancos]

The one piece unit is makes headlight removal / cleaning / replacement a real PITA... with the three-piece unit, you can remove the part covering the light housing when necessary. With a one piece unit, you have to remove the whole brush brushguard to remove things. (not that you'll be replacing the whole headlight on a regular basis, but something to consider) Installation is simple, but its nice to have a helper while you bolt things into place. I had a Manik on my old Grand Cherokee..wish I'd have gotten a WAAG instead. Had to remove my tow hooks w/ the Manik.

RE: Airbags: from the WAAG Site:

<B>Do you have any information on how grille guards affect deployment of air bags?</B>

<I>There is no conclusive or comprehensive data at this time regarding air bags deployment and opinions vary to say the least. Some vehicle manufacturers, most notably Ford, Nissan and GM offer a factory grille guard for some of their trucks, so you may be able to draw your own conclusions from that. We consider our guard a medium-strength guard, suitable for pushing a vehicle, but one that will crush in an accident.</I>

RE: Aux. Lights.... I've had great luck with HELLAs.. they're inexpensive and very reliable... Unless you have deep pockets, PIAAs are overrated in my opinion, and the Hellas are cheaper to replace/repair if one gets damaged or trashed.