1997 brush guard help

[kponhlo]

Please help - I'm trying to identify my brush guard.

I bought it at a swap meet for $20. Its in good shape, but came with no hardware. I bought it from a Ford dealer who indicated that it would fit 1995-2001 Explorers. It is the proper size and shape, so I beleive that it does fit my '97 Exploder. I assumed I would simply bolt it on, but the frame config indicates that I need some sort of mounting kit. I've tried looking under trucks in parking lots and visting all of the guard manufacturer websites, but can't get a good clear picture of the mounting. After emailing back and forth I bought a kit for a Westin Classic bar (it looks identical right up to the mounting config) but apparently its not a Westin.

The lower part of each side extension has three slotted holes in an upside down trangle pattern. Also, there is a hole directly above to forwardmost slot for a support that goes thru the front bumper.

Unfortunately I can't post attachments here. If you'd like to help, please email me at kohara1@nycap.rr.com and I'll send you a photo of the mounting config.

EDIT - I forgot to mention that there are no decals or stamped information anywhere on the guard. That would've been nice though.

Thanks in advance,

-Keith

 

[gavin]

I don't believe the frame-horn is identical between the 95-01 model years, but don't quote me.
I assume the brush guard looks like it bolts to the sides of the frame, and not just to the bumper correct?

 

[kponhlo]

I don't believe the frame-horn is identical between the 95-01 model years, but don't quote me.
I assume the brush guard looks like it bolts to the sides of the frame, and not just to the bumper correct?

Yes, the two "side rails" (upright supports, verticals, whatever they're called) are flat peices of steel that are kindof "L" shaped when veiwed from the side. As you indicated, the uprights look like they should bolt right to the side of the frame-horns, but they can't because the bumper is in the way.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

dont the mounts go under the bumper? try to maby use a braket of sorts that lets you bolt it to the bottom of the frame so it will clear your bumper
btw is it the real metal bumper that it is not clearing or just the plastic valence that holds the foglights?

 

[kponhlo]

That's a good question; its been a while since I held it up to the truck. I'm pretty sure its not clearing the chrome metal part, since it looks like it should slide right next to the frame horns and get bolted on.

I appreciate the "make a bracket suggestion". I was trying to avoid fabrication if possible (my tool collection still has a ways to go for fabrication) but may have to as a last resort.

One other thing; I checked online and it seems that only a couple of the grille guard mfrs offer different models for the years betwen 1995 and 2001. In some cases they say "Explorer Limited" and "non-Limited", in some they say 1995-1998 then 1999-2001 and in some cases the models are the same for all years/trims. I couldn't find any online Ford microfiche that would tell me how different a 1998 frame is from a 1997.

 

[atv35]

have you looked at manik guards, the mounting sounds like what i have, if it is a one piece guard then thats probly what you have, anyway, manik will sell just the mounting kit and comes with the drop brackets to go from the frame to the uprights, and the plates that go on top of the bumper to the frame. hope this helps

 

[Paraphoe]

Click the link in my siggy, my truck has a Manik on it.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

if it is an L shape could you "make" a drop braket depending on how you blot it to the frame just use a bunch of washers or use a piece of metal as a spacer. Maby try that so that the washers push the guard lower inorder for it to line up with evreything. Does it bolt to the side or the bottom? If it is to the side i just wasted your time reading this lol. OK if it does mount ot the side i had an idea make i know you said i cant but go and buy a piece of scrap metal approrate thickness see how much you need to drop use a hacksaw(hell i have one of those) which will cut through it it is a question of elbow grese and some squeaks. Cut it down to size so it does not hang bellow the mounting braket drill some holes in it and it lowers the guard however much you need it to and if you ae woried about it not being strong enough maby use 1/4 or 3/8 or hell 1/2 inch steel and use another breakt on the other side ofthe frame rail to support it from going to the side and bolt the two together. Then do the same for the other side. Hope this hellped

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

any luck?

 

[Ren1010]

I had the Manik on mine, and in order to make it fit snug and right I ahd to cut the brackets out just a bit to allow for more adjustment. I was worried about it moving, but I never had any problems with it.