Grille Guard Suggestions
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New User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 14
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From: Benton, AR
Grille Guard Suggestions
I got a '14 F250 XL. Looking to put a grille guard on. I like the Westin HDX and Ranch Hand Legend. Any experience with these - good or bad? Also, would like suggestions of any others that are similar. I like black powder coat - preferably wrinkle coat. Also like expanded metal panel(s) that protects the grille openings of the truck. Thanks in advance.
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 343
From: Breckenridge, TX
I'm a big fan of Ranch Hand. This isn't a '14, but you can see how they punch the grille mesh to somewhat match the stock grille. It's not expanded metal, they actually punch out the design so there isn't an airflow problem like if you use expanded metal that's too small:
I think the 2011+ guards look a little goofy because of the massive headlights, but I think that about all the grille guards I see and not just the RHs.
If you plan on getting in a wreck with one, it'll probably do more damage to the frame than if you didn't have it, just because of how rigid the replacement is and how it can pull the frame out of square if you hit at an angle. But for small hits they're pretty stout. One guy also had a problem with cracking the frame horns from the weight of the bumper, but that was over almost a half million miles of using the truck as a commercial hauler.
I think the 2011+ guards look a little goofy because of the massive headlights, but I think that about all the grille guards I see and not just the RHs.
If you plan on getting in a wreck with one, it'll probably do more damage to the frame than if you didn't have it, just because of how rigid the replacement is and how it can pull the frame out of square if you hit at an angle. But for small hits they're pretty stout. One guy also had a problem with cracking the frame horns from the weight of the bumper, but that was over almost a half million miles of using the truck as a commercial hauler.
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
I like mine. Its called a "GoRancher" I got it for like $150 so that was good 
I dont expect it to save my truck in an accident, but it is a little more between me and the offending object. Also good for pushing stuff around, and makes the truck look a little beefier.
I dont expect it to save my truck in an accident, but it is a little more between me and the offending object. Also good for pushing stuff around, and makes the truck look a little beefier.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,156
Likes: 6,616
From: Great Falls, Montana
I have been shopping for 2 weeks........
I am going with the Tough Country Deluxe.
2nd choice was Tough Country Traditional
There is a local dealer here. Got to see both on a truck..... Also good reports of protecting the grill from deer hits.........
I am going with the Tough Country Deluxe.
2nd choice was Tough Country Traditional
There is a local dealer here. Got to see both on a truck..... Also good reports of protecting the grill from deer hits.........
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 10
From: North Carolina
Like everyone else has already stated...RanchHand. If you want to smoke a deer at 60mph and keep rolling...RanchHand. If you want a little bit of bling to amount a light bar to and don’t care about function, any of the others. For me the point of my RH grill guard is front end protection, keep the radiator safe and you drive on. If you do get a RH, be prepared for a collection of dead birds like you have never seen!
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Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
Ford Grille Guards | Big Tex Grille Guards & Accessories
can't speak for the black ones, but our chrome one has held up very well.
http://www.goindustries.com/home/go1..._281/ford.html
These are "hammer finish" guards. (same as A/Ox4 ??)
can't speak for the black ones, but our chrome one has held up very well.
http://www.goindustries.com/home/go1..._281/ford.html
These are "hammer finish" guards. (same as A/Ox4 ??)
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 300
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From: NE Missouri
I was thinking of a Ranch Hand grill guard for my new truck but their website says they don't have a Legend grill guard without the bumper for a 2014. I don't know why it would be different than a 2013.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 21
From: MA
And to answer the original question, Ranch Hand. Can't recommend one enough, great brand and well made. I only got one of their police style push bars, but it's awesome.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: steeler nation western pa
Big Barbs Grill Guards these grill guards are very pretty and expensive . i love the barb wire look
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: steeler nation western pa
i can get the rancher from go industires for 275 off a local dealer with out the 100 mounting kit the only thing i dont care for about it is i like the look of the grill and its pretty covered up with all the expanded metal .. plus id rather have the barb wire look of the other one i just posted just cant see spending 1200 bucks for one
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 9
From: Northern IL
I had a Smitty Built one on my 2005 It was made from marine grade stainless steel held up great, I took it off last year because I want to buy one that I can install a winch to...
I also am a fan of Ranch Hand, really good products.
I have seen Road Armor in person they look really nice...made from 3/16 and 1/4 plate steel.
http://www.roadarmor.com/products/bu...ford/superduty
I also hear that Buckstop makes some good ones too.
http://www.buckstop.biz/ford08_250-550.html
I also am a fan of Ranch Hand, really good products.
I have seen Road Armor in person they look really nice...made from 3/16 and 1/4 plate steel.
http://www.roadarmor.com/products/bu...ford/superduty
I also hear that Buckstop makes some good ones too.
http://www.buckstop.biz/ford08_250-550.html
Last edited by Gage2502; Mar 1, 2014 at 10:20 AM. Reason: typo
New User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
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From: South Carolina
I put the Westin HD on and less than a week later hit a deer going 40-45. Not a mark on the guard (except a little blood and fur) but the space where the winch would go left my bumper exposed and that got dented but you probably wouldn't notice if you didn't look for it.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,156
Likes: 6,616
From: Great Falls, Montana
I went with the Tough Country Traditional.
I really looked at Ranch Hand too. Both available locally. Both $1050
That is the full bumper with grill guard.
The Tough Country is power coated standard.
The Ranch Hand was paint.
I really looked at Ranch Hand too. Both available locally. Both $1050
That is the full bumper with grill guard.
The Tough Country is power coated standard.
The Ranch Hand was paint.