"Brush Guard" for '01 Sport

[DireWolf33]

Hey guys,

So I get a new car, and all of a sudden I realize that EVERYONE has my car. Seriously, 3 people on my street have '01 explorer sports and 2 on my girlfriend's block have them in my exact color. What to do? Well I freakin love the brush guards/tail light guards, but I have no actual need for one. They look sweet, and I can envision them helping in collisions. I've scanned the posts and seen a few different brands (WAAG, Manic).

Here's my question:

If i'm not actually going offroading, then do I want these things?

Will they in some way damage my vehicle? I've read some things about front suspension and tires - should I worry? Is it worth screwing the internals of my truck for a nice look?

Thanks a lot guys!
~Justin

 

[JDraper]

They won't damage your vehicle. I've had a Brushguard on my '92 since '95. I also have an '01 with a Smittybilt Outland Brush Guard and Smittybilt Step Bars. They are direct bolt on parts. They will help in a front end collision, since they are bolted to the frame. They are also a good place to mount more lighting. If you don't mind putting out the $$$, go for it. That's the only drawback.

 

[Rhino]

I have Manik guards on both the front and rear of my truck (01 Sport). I am impressed with both their look and quality level. I did notice the front end steering had been affected with a somewhat "heavier" feel (you will notice). The jury is still out on if this has caused any alignment problems for me (only 9k miles). I just did a tire rotation a couple hundred miles ago and all seems to be ok. All that being said I would have to say go ahead and get them if you have the couple extra bucks. I basically have them on there for the "coolness factor" and they have done their job (black guards on a black truck = mean looking). I am trying to get off my lazy butt and post pics soon.

Greg.


p.s. Looks like Western Pa. is finally getting some snow tonight (6 - 12 inches), WooHoo!

 

[DireWolf33]

Thanks for the replies!

The local "truck trends" truck modifications said that the Manik brush guard would be about $525 and the taillight guards about $175. How does that sound? I think they come about $400 and $125 on-line.

Should I order them on-line and just install them myself? I'm not incompetent, but I've never done a mod to my car before (I was raised with computer parts sitting around the garage, not car parts).

Also - what do you guys think about the wind/rain deflectors? Do they really work?

Thanks!

~Justin

 

[JDraper]

I had the rain deflectors on my '92, but I'm not going to put them on the '01. They created some wind noise, a blind spot, and they buzzed after a while due to the vibration against the glass.

 

[drmoore71]

go for it! i don't believe the install is too difficult. besides brush guards look great and offer front end protection. if you bump something with your bumper, it tends to "tweak" or "droop" down, which looks bad, do it with a brush guard, and maybe have to touch up a little paint. my manik came with mine, but i would still buy one even if it hadn't.

 

[SplashMan]

Just found this post...

Take a look in the registry at 2001ExpSports rig. I sold him a Safari Bar and it looks way better on his 01 than it did on my 99. It is a good inexpensive way of looking different and good at the same time.