Smittybilt brush guard for 91

[Brian1]

I have a 91 Explorer and I am considering buying a brush guard. I like the looks of the Smittybilt modular style bumper thumper the best. ( Not the Outland type ) Here are my questions: Is drilling on the frame required? Also are they sturdy including the wrap around light guards? Any comments about flat headlight guards vs. wrap around type? The Smittybilt web site only showed the wrap around without the wires in between - do they make wire wrap arounds for this model? Lastly, any suggestions on chrome vs. black? Which will last longer? I use my Explorer as a daily driver and I take good care of the exterior. I go off roading maybee 5-10 times a year. I am not interested in Manik or WAAG.

Thanks for your time.


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Brian
91 XLT 4x4

P.S. If any one has links to pics or pics please post. Thanks

[This message has been edited by Brian1 (edited 03-22-2000).]

 

[wabbit]

I have a Smittybuilt Bumper Thumper on the way from carparts.com with the 33% off coupon deal. I am also getting the Sure Step nerf bars. Total= 292.99 minus 33%(96.69) for a total of 196.30. Shipping UPS Ground was only 37.02.
I can E-mail you the coupon link if you would like...
I also liked the Smittybuilt tubular front bumper like on Rick's rig. But that entails r/r of the stock bumper. If I nail a deer and need a new bumper, that will be it. I'll tell ya, the deer around here driving home in the evening... It's like playing a video game or something... they're everywhere. It's kinda unnerving at highway speeds, in the dark. We chuckle that with some large hooks attached to the sides of the Explorer, we could go "trolling for deer" Dead Link Removed
Anyway, I AGREE, the Outland for the 91-94 Explorers looks like some kinda stockyard fencing and the huge round vertical plates stick out like a sore thumb on the blocky nose of the 91-94's.



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'91 Explorer XLT 4WD

 

[NightHawk]

wabbit,

Will you please e-mail me the link for the 30% off? send it to swankmi@efortress.com Thanks!

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Happy Trails!
'93 XLT
Many Mod's
http://members.efortress.com/swankmi/

 

[slug]

I have a 93 with a Smittybilt Bumper Thumper and wrap-around brush guards on it. My Bumper Thumper is fully welded, I believe otherwise it is the same as the modular style. It required no drilling in the frame, only two new holes in the bumper. As to the studiness of the wrap-around headlight guards, for being a bolt-on they are fairly sturdy, howerever please understand they are brush guards and are not designed to stop something large. Out of the box I feel the flat guards provide more protection to the headlights. I welded tubing into the corners of the wrap around style, I like that the best for protection and it helped to stiffen things up.
I had a fully welded Smittybilt Bumper Thumper on a pickup I used to have, it saved that truck. I was hit head on by a drunk driver, the insurance company totaled his truck, while mine only had minor damages. The body shop put that guard back on the truck when it was repaired, except for some gouges which they filled, it was in remarkable shape.
I believe the welded version, which I would suggest is available only in black. Finally call Smittbilt they have always been very helpful to me over the phone, they can tell you exactly what is available, black, chrome, wire inserts, mounting points, etc...


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93 XLT 4Door
4.0 Auto 4X4
4" Skyjacker Class II

 

[Brian1]

Does it mount to the frame or to the bumper? Im not really for drilling holes in my bumper but if it uses the bolts that hold the bumper it is fine. Thanks for your replies!

 

[slug]

It mounts to both the frame and the bumper. Mine came with two brackets (that the grill guard bolts to) that mount to the inside of the frame using factory bolts. Additionally the are two new holes which need drilled into the top of the bumper. I bolted the bottom together first which aligned the top two holes for drilling. It was a very good fit and easy to do. If you have the factory driving lamps that mount under the frame rails they are going to have to move. and you will have to notch or remove the airdam the guard bolts to both to the front of the bumper and behind it. Call Smittybilt or ask your dealer to be sure mine is fully welded and there my be differences on a modular unit.

 

[wabbit]

Brian,
I'm not thrilled about drilling the bumper either. If you ever need to remove the Smittybuilt, you can get chrome dome push-in plugs for the holes. Or, stainless carrige bolts and polish the heads. Either is a couple bucks and resolve the "bumper vents".
Slug, thanks for the install info. I'm looking at delivery of my Bumper Thumper this coming week.

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'91 Explorer XLT 4WD

 

[Brian1]

Wabbit - I see you live in Montrose Colorado. Have you ever done the San Juan Loop (Ophir pass, Cinnamon pass and other sites) down south of you? What is the best time of the year to go? I will post this same question in the Serious Explorations post somtime soon. Thanks for your reply I had not thought of putting bolts through to cover the holes. Also thanks slug for your reply. One more thing Is it strong enough to mount tow hooks to the bottom?

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Brian
91 XLT 4x4

[This message has been edited by Brian1 (edited 03-26-2000).]

 

[slug]

If you actually want to use the tow hooks I would NOT suggest mounting them to the grill guard. I know I would bend something mounting them there, especially in a side pull situation. I have bent frames before pulling on them. I am considering two options myself, either mounting the hooks from an early 90's fullsize GM to the frame, or a front receiver that I could also use for a portable winch in the future.

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93 XLT 4Door
4.0 Auto 4X4
4" Skyjacker Class II

 

[drewM]

hey guys i just wanted to mention that i have a smittybuilt dual tube bumper like ricks. my first one was bolted on by myself. i then proceeded to get into an accident with a chevy k1500. i hit him square in the passenger door and the only thing that was replaced besides the bumper (which just had a small dent and some scratches) was the grille. the headlights, fenders and hood were all left in relatively good condition. i am positive that i would have needed an entire front end (maybe a new explorer) if i hadnt had that bumper.

 

[Brian1]

Wabbit - where on Carparts.com did you find the Smittybilt Bumper Thumper for a 91? All it is showing me is the Outland. I got a quote on it for about $270 in town. Please tell me where it is on the site. I would love to get it for under $200 I have the coupon code already. Thanks.

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Brian
91 XLT 4x4

[This message has been edited by Brian1 (edited 03-30-2000).]

 

[slug]

Brian, I bought mine fromn Raybuck autobody parts, www.raybuck.com 1800-334-0230. Granted it has been a year ago, and prices change but I only paid $170.00 for it, without a coupon. These folks have always done good for me, price, shipping, service, etc...

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93 XLT 4Door
4.0 Auto 4X4
4" Skyjacker Class II

 

[wabbit]

Brian,
I found it by searching the "brands"/"smittybuilt" with your 91 set as vehicle.
The p/n is F5211
And Brian, you're gonna like this...
The price is 98.69!! (my 3/19 invoice). That is before the 1/3 off.
BTW: the "Sure Step" nerf bars are 194.30, #XN35-S4B1
Happy shopping!!


Happy shopping!!!


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'91 Explorer XLT 4WD

 

[Brian1]

Okay I found the modular bumper thumper on the site but they don't show the wrap around brush guards for it. Does Carparts.com have the wrap arounds for them? If so where? Also I am going to call Smittybilt and see for sure how it mounts and if they have the wire wrap arounds. Does any one have the number. I tried 1-800-2smitty but all that is is the dealer locator. Thanks for your patience with this subject.


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Brian
91 XLT 4x4

 

[wabbit]

Brian,
I didn't see the brush guards either. Unless the Outland ones listed fit the Bumper Thumper.
Here is a link to that page...

http://www.carparts.com

Get ahold of Smittybuilt and get a p/n. Also, make sure the brush guards will bolt on to the one-piece (welded) bumper thumper or will they only attach to the modular (bolt together) unit.(#F52BM for black) Then call carparts and check with a person...
If no, I bet you can get the brush guards elsewhere.


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'91 Explorer XLT 4WD

 

[slug]

The part#'s from the boxes that mine came in are, welded bumper thumper F52, wrap-around brush guards BW6B. The welded center did require drilling to install the brush guards.

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93 XLT 4Door
4.0 Auto 4X4
4" Skyjacker Class II