Install Brush Guard Before Lift Kit?

[Blue Steel]

I'm new to this game, so please don't smack your head after reading this post. I want to get a brush guard for my 97 explorer xlt. The brush guard that I want is a smittybilt outland grille guard. It says that it mounts to the frame of my truck. If I install this before I decide to lift my truck, will I cause problems for when I decide to lift my truck, or will it not make a difference? Or does it depend on the type of lift that I will get (I don't have too many options as of yet for a lift "kit" for a 97, so I want to add stuff now to my truck). Any and all suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mdrut]

IF you get a body lift, it will be a problem, won't line up..

 

[jimbo74]

for a suspension lift there shouldnt be a problem unless you go radical or something

 

[jeffseal]

either way you go there is a way to fix the brushguard. dont worry about it now get the brushguard and worry about moving it when you get the lift. it is not a huge deal. also get the manik not the smitty build trust me i know i had the smitty built not as nice, not as strong and sticks out alot father get the manik one piece it is worth the little extra $
SEAL

 

[Blue Steel]

Hey jeff will the manik withstand a bit more abuse than the rest of the brush guards out there? Iwant the brush guard not only for looks, but for actual function as well.

 

[jeffseal]

yeah it is defintitly the stongest one i have seen. i had a smitty built and i have a friend with a rhino and the manik is defintitly the best looking and stongest. get the one piece. it is all welded together no pieces taht get lose. The top bar "euro bar" aways got loose on my smitty built guard" there is a pic of it in BEFORE AFTER.

 

[Blue Steel]

Hey jeff do you know how large of an auxilary light (dimension wise) I can mount on the Manik brush guard? Right now I'm looking at the PIAA 80 Pro XT that are 7" high, 6-5/8" wide, and 2-7/8" deep. Thanks for all your advice.