Basically the question is; if I buy a T17, will I end up kicking myself for not having gotten the T15. Outside of the grill/headlght protectors, are there any significant differences between the two that might help me stop the waffling?

 

Both are good.

Differences I can think of besides the hoops:
1) No "bumperettes" (i think that's what they're called) at the bottom of the main hoop. They give a nice little extra, rubber padding to a straight on contact hit.
and
2) No convenient place to mount aux. lights.

Someimes I think the T-17 is a cleaner look, but I'm quite happy with my T-15.

 

Plan on hitting any cows? I don't.

 

'Round here we still tip 'em by hand

 

Well then apparently you don't need a hoop to do it for you.

 

Why would there be no place to mount aux. lights? The deck surface is the same, if not bigger.

 

Maybe the T-15 comes already tapped?

I actually am not that much of a fan of either look. Maybe it's something I would have to grow into but the T-15 has always looked bulkier than the truck it's supposed to sit on. That and the front tube is so much thicker than the hoops over the headlights.

Don't get me wrong, I'd still pick up a TJM from the group-buy if it was still an option - but I think it would take some getting used to.

 

I believe I read somewhere on TJM's site that some of the T-17s are pretapped and some aren't, as if it was luck-o-the-draw. It shouldn't be to hard to make yourself some lamp taps yourself.

EDIT: I found it here

 

The grill/headlight protectors add a lot of strength to the bumper. I would say go for them if you don't plan on putting on a body lift. With a body lift the hoops will sort of block your headlights and look a little funny. You can raise the TJM about an inch with a little modification, so a 1 inch body lift is ok. Here is my modified TJM T-17 with a 1 inch body lift: http://community.webshots.com/photo/...57765762ZLGMcY

I wanted the T-15 but I got a good deal on the T-17 (scratched on e-bay) and welded my factory brush guard to the bumper: http://community.webshots.com/photo/...87536658rVHJHT

 

Wow Mtn Goat, clean job there, looks like it came that way. You all have good points (damn you), for the most part the added hoops are probably un-necessary-if I hit a deer, well, thats for the insurance folks to deal with anyway. I suppose if I get the T17 and wish for the other, someone here will no doubt take it off my hands.

I wonder how much stronger the T15 is? perhaps I'll call TJM up see if I can't harass somebody.

 

That is really great looking, Goat. I'm inspired now. I hate teh Bull bar hoops on the T-15s and this looks real purdy.

 

Thanks guys, I am kind of proud of that.

 

wow that is nice with the brush guard welded on there, good job!!