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Newbie Question (Brush guard)
- Thread starter jsburton
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Cameron
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The problem with that question is that there are quite a few quality brush guards out there. Do you want one for looks and moderate protection against brush while off roading? Or are you looking to mount a winch to it? There are more then a few post on this site covering this topic and the truth is it's primarily personal choice.
I have the Genuine Steel brush guard and am very happy with it. But there are no provisions for mounting a winch.
I have the Genuine Steel brush guard and am very happy with it. But there are no provisions for mounting a winch.
swak6287
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i have manik brushguard. works fine. also recommend a tail light guard. it might sound crazy but it is work the money. i got my rear hit by a chevy but the tail light was protected by the guard. saved me 200 bucks for a new tail light. just got the tail ight guard scratched. that is it. highly recommend that one too.
bluescat
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Manik/WAAG and maybe Smittybilt
I can't believe you didn't find any good stuff on brush guards in your search. There's a ton of long threads, but my take on it is Manik and WAAG both have good reps. Some people have had trouble with Smittybilt sending wrong parts and poor fits but they supposedly warranty their finish longer. But if you're looking for a finish that is textured (read speckled) titantium/grey, only Smitty makes it. American Racing Wheels feature this bush/grill guard in their current ad series in the trades, it's fitted on an Expedition in this picture. Since they are heavy, the only way to avoid the truck shipping is by getting a modular unit that is UPSable. But they are lighter duty. If you want winch you should decide now and that does limit your choice of manufacturers. I'm still waiting for the Smitty for my '01. These things are more useful in town (the urban jungle) than out; soccer moms on cellular phones in Excursions bounce right off these things, or so I'm told. Hope this helps. Nice picture.
I can't believe you didn't find any good stuff on brush guards in your search. There's a ton of long threads, but my take on it is Manik and WAAG both have good reps. Some people have had trouble with Smittybilt sending wrong parts and poor fits but they supposedly warranty their finish longer. But if you're looking for a finish that is textured (read speckled) titantium/grey, only Smitty makes it. American Racing Wheels feature this bush/grill guard in their current ad series in the trades, it's fitted on an Expedition in this picture. Since they are heavy, the only way to avoid the truck shipping is by getting a modular unit that is UPSable. But they are lighter duty. If you want winch you should decide now and that does limit your choice of manufacturers. I'm still waiting for the Smitty for my '01. These things are more useful in town (the urban jungle) than out; soccer moms on cellular phones in Excursions bounce right off these things, or so I'm told. Hope this helps. Nice picture.
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jsburton,
Welcome to the site. I'm sure you'll find everything you ever wanted to know about Explorers right here.
If you are thinking about getting a guard that will be winch mountable. Do it now, because they are not cheap and you don't have many choises. In fact you really only have one choise. The only manufacture that makes a winch mount euro style grill guard for 95+ models is Ramsey. I will tell you that it does look very nice. I thought it looked so good that I even went out and bought one(along with a Platinum 9500 winch).
I don't have any pictures of it yet, well actually I do but I'm not gonna show anybody yet because I'm not finished modifying my truck yet, but T-bone has a picture of his truck and it has a Ramsey winch grill guard combo.
T-Bone's Truck very very nice.
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Welcome to the site. I'm sure you'll find everything you ever wanted to know about Explorers right here.
If you are thinking about getting a guard that will be winch mountable. Do it now, because they are not cheap and you don't have many choises. In fact you really only have one choise. The only manufacture that makes a winch mount euro style grill guard for 95+ models is Ramsey. I will tell you that it does look very nice. I thought it looked so good that I even went out and bought one(along with a Platinum 9500 winch).
I don't have any pictures of it yet, well actually I do but I'm not gonna show anybody yet because I'm not finished modifying my truck yet, but T-bone has a picture of his truck and it has a Ramsey winch grill guard combo.
T-Bone's Truck very very nice.
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Re: Thanks!
Yes National tire & wheel It is called a "Serria Wraparound" winch mount. It is made for 1999-2000 Explorer, but it should fit your model. I had to modify mine since I have a 2" body lift and my Explorer is a 97. The model number is 295918. It is actually made by WAAG, exclusively for Ramsey. Hope this helps.
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