Help me out w/ a grill guard guys

[monson]

hey everyone i am looking at getting a new grill guard, i am looking for one w/ the brush guards and that cool looking bar that sticks up a bit above the hood, i want a chrome or stainless steel one, and good brands and prices would help me out a bunch and one from that site where i can get 1/3 off would be cool if their any good
~Thanx for all your help

 

[Seth]

My opinion is that Manik is the best buy out there. I have a stainless steel version. It cost me around 715$ It is worth every penny. The look is unbeatable and it is really tough. The only modification that is needed to be done to your Explorer is but a little notch in the fender, which is that plastic composite thing near your fog lights. Also unlike the Smittybilt grille guard the mounting goes through the fender. The Smittybilt actually mounted below the fender which would limit your ground clearance. Also another reason to not go with smittybilt is because I had a terrible time with them. They shipped me wrong parts 2 times and it took a month to get the parts. When I got the parts I just said forget it and went with the Manik. In my opinion STAY AWAY FROM SMITTYBILT. The smittybilt is however a little cheaper, it was 550$ if I remember correctly. I don't know personally but I hear that Waag makes a really good and sturdy grille guard as well. I hope this helped. If you have any more questions about the Manik grille guard feel free to email me.

smetzger@eng.utoledo.edu


------------------
Seth M.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hey Monson,
Try the Waag brush guards. You don't have to trim or modify anything, and they look tough. Take a look at Geralds picture on the Ultimate Explorations forum under "Clayton Summary"

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[trent]

In contrast with Seth, I like the Smittybilt guards because of their low cost and easy shipping. I'm getting the Smittybilt modular Bumper Thumper for mine, it's going to come to around $190 plus shipping for the grill and headlight guards. But, I'm also getting black, and I'm going to weld it together after I get it and add some tow hooks and 2 more light mounts. I guess it's what you want it for, I don't care if mine gets scratched or bent, because it doesn't cost much. You can check it out at Dead Link Removed

~Trent

 

[Seth]

Trent does have a good point there. The smittybilt is CHEAP. And if you weld it all together it would probably be very sturdy. And its inexpensive enough that you wouldn't have to worry that much about scratching it or anything. The price difference is about 200$ between stainless smity and stainless manik.

------------------
Seth M.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[JJW]

monson,
I also have a manik guard. I ordered the 5 peice for shipping cost. BEFORE you buy,ask yourself what you plan to do with your rig. It sounds goofy but it matters.Here is my two cents,chrome is out unless it is a show peice and you plan on wax and polish ALL the time and there is nothing wrong with that. Dead Link Removed Stainless is cool and strong and $$$, powder coat black is strong, easy to care for AND repair if you plan on going off road Dead Link Removed As far as brands, I guess service is my priority,looks and performance follow. The mounting also depends on the year of your explorer. Look in as many Online places that you can and 4 wheel mags too. I wish I had known how into this off road thing I was going to get, My choice would have been different. I want a winch Dead Link Removed but don't want to loose the guard I like. Dead Link Removed

Sorry for all the words Dead Link Removed I think I got a headache. Good luck.

------------------
JJW, 92 xlt,4x4

 

[Seth]

This doesn't pertain to the grille guard question very much. JJW if you want a winch I saw somewhere they WARN makes a winch that just connect into a tow package reciever-thingy. It would be in the back of the car but then you would be able to yank yourself outa just about anything. Hope this helps. And no I don't remember where I saw this Dead Link Removed


------------------
Seth M.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[JJW]

Seth,
Thanks for the ideas.Warn has two portables. The first is a pull pac which is to small(3500#)and the multi-mount which is strong enough (8,000to9000#)but very heavy for one person, plus they both need a front mount tow hitch that would require the removal of my manik guard Dead Link Removed So they won't work for me. Thanks anyway though.

monson,
I forgot to ask what year you had. If it is a 91-94 I got my guard from Roadstore.com for 299. Very nice people and good service. Give them a look Dead Link Removed

------------------
JJW, 92 xlt,4x4

 

[Nonoy]

Westin make chrome guards. They have straight ($259.99), wrapped with ($469.99)or without ($259.99 lights. Smithybilt(Outland) makes a nice chrome too. I'm not sure if they make one for Explorer. Check out Dead Link Removed You can order a catalog as well.

------------------
1997 XLT, V6 SOHC
NY State of Mind

 

[monson]

hey everyone i have a 92 4wd if that matters

 

[JJW]

Monson,

GO RHINO also makes chrome guards in the style you mention. So does DeeZee, but I don't know what years they cover. So many choices Dead Link Removed Have fun!

------------------
JJW, 92 xlt,4x4

 

[4Wheelin]

You might want to also look at the ProComp prerunner bars. I just had mine put on today and it looks great. It was for a 93-97 Ranger though, and the only mods were different bolts and a little bending. I think its a great value for the price, around $180.

------------------
Ryan
93 Explorer Sport 4x4
K&n
ProComp Prerunner
Hella 500
Stull Billet Grille
Kenwood and Kicker Stero

 

[Dre]

Look at mine if you have some time. I was looking for this particular type for months. Almost got to the point when I was ready to do it myself. The pix of my Explorer are at: http://www.inter-kiosk.com/auta/exploen.htm

And it was not that bad. Something around $220.00 with shipping.

Good luck,




------------------
Andre Hryn
94 Limited
http://www.inter-kiosk.com

 

[Sinjin]

Andre,
Where did you order that from? If you have the URL of the maufacturer that would be great.
Thanks

------------------
Sinjin

 

[Dre]

I've tried e-mailing this guy but to no avail. Will post his URL address and e-mail address later. He's somewhere in SC so if anyone here is from SC they might be able to track the company down.

Later,



------------------
Andre Hryn
94 Limited
http://www.inter-kiosk.com

 

[Dre]

Here's the web address: Dead Link Removed

Also I tried his e-mail but no answer so far. Any guys from South Carolina? Might be able to look it up somewhere. The company name is on that page as well. Like I said, these bars are nice.

Later,


------------------
Andre Hryn
94 Limited
http://www.inter-kiosk.com

 

[Sinjin]

I didnt see a company name on there, how do i order one?

------------------
Sinjin
'97 Explorer Sport 4x4

 

[Dre]

Here's the shorter version of this same page: Dead Link Removed

Tommibar is the name,,,,,,sounds familiar?

Later,




------------------
Andre Hryn
94 Limited
http://www.inter-kiosk.com