Ok so Im new here and new to the truck I am working to get my truck looking the way i want it to. I just bought a husky cargo mat that goes to the second row (thanks for the help chris) and now Im looking for a brush guard.

first let me start by telling you i live in an area of the country with tons of deer (is there anywhere that doesnt) I wont be taiking this thing off road/mudding/Logging/ect.. I just want to mount 2 or 3, 5 or 6 inch round fog lights on the front of my truck and think those look tuff. I am not considering a light bar due to clearance.

That being said I was wondering what you guys thought was cool looking on the front of G1 expeditions. my truck is white w/ no chrome so im looking for blk If that factors into your thoughts. And I dont really need one but I think they look cool so If there is a great reason not to install one please let me know. thanks again

the new guy
grant

 

My next mod is either a Smittybuilt full brushguard OR a Warn Trans4mer. Honestly, I like the Warn better, but man is it spendy. I'm going with black as well.

 

Everyone's personal preferences are different, I prefer naked, go with what you prefer.

 

For deer protection, go with something that is NOT bolt together. Go with something that is welded one piece that bolts to the frame.

My allegiance goes to Ranch Hand as it has been protecting my truck for 2 years now.

The Warn is also nice as it mounts further down the frame, even though it's bolt together. It's 10 times more quality than a Westin, with a bunch more strength.

You can get a Ranch Hand for like $450 if you know how to shop and get rid of the dealer's markup. Maybe I got lucky, but my dealer didn't mark up mine to 699 like some do. The Warn Trans4mer is pretty much up in that $700 range no matter what.

-rockstate

 

Absolutely... you are correct but I just bought the vehicle a month ago and have no idea what options are even out there and also a way for me to learn about some traps that may exist with any of these mods. for instance why it is good to get a one piece welded guard or one that mounts lower on the frame verses a cheap three piece unit.

Learning from others mistakes saves me money

 

The Warn mounts further down the frame (as in length down the frame) for one reason and one reason only... it is to help with winching. Now, it helps with overall sturdiness too. The Wings (the loops around the lights) are bolt on and not very durable IMO.

The Ranch Hand mounts pretty darn stiff as well and will offer about the same head on crash protection as the Warn. It will take a deer string from 60 mph with little to no damage to the actual truck itself, and maybe a bent up the brush guard a little bit depending on where it hits. Think of a 60 mph strike without one.. you'd have a lot in damages.

Now, a Westin is going to be your basic bolt together brush guard. It only offers a place to mount lights, and maybe a deer strike up to 30 or so but I don't know. they feel flimsy and typically weigh half of what a Ranch Hand weighs. They are going to fold BACK into your hood if you hit another car and some people say they do more damage than good. Personally, I agree.

My best bet is a Ranch Hand for abotu $450. It's what's on my truck and what I've put to the test with TWO epople hitting the driver's side wing (loop around the light) with no damage to my truck.

-rockstate

 

If you hit a mature deer at 60 mph there is no way a bolt on brushgaurd is going to save the front of your truck. If you do a full bumper replacement from someone like Ranch Hand, then you can put the hurt on the deer. That is closer to $2000 but tough as heck.

 

thanks guys
I searched that ranch hand today that thing looks mean the one i saw looked like a full bumper and brushguard with nickle plate welded everywheremaybe a little over kill for my purposes I wouldnt be surprised to here someone drove through a redwood with that thing.

Anyone have pics of the front end of there Expedition with one of these?

thanks
grant