One of the first things I actually want to do is install a brush guard and nerf bars. I have been looking at the Manik One Piece Stainless Steel Brush Guard($699 delivered) and the ARB Bull Bar($599 delivered). The ARB Bull Bar is only available painted black, but the Manik Brush Guard is available in stainless steel. I want the nerf bars to match, so I need to decide what to do about the front first(stainless or black). Is there any real benefit of getting the full bumper rather than just buying the brush guard? I really like the utilitarian look of the ARB Bull Bar, but the Manik Brush Guard may look a little fancier. Anyway, after you guys finish flaming me for worrying about this, give me your opinion. I wil probably order one or the other within the next week or so. If any of you has any pictures of any better looking brush guards or bumpers, you can email them to me at deleted

Thanks in advance...

John

2003 Eddie Bauer V8 Ford Explorer
1998 Ford Mustang Cobra
1996 Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab 4x4

 

If you want to do some wheeling, get the ARB. If you are just trying to look cool get the one that you think looks coolest...

 

Brush guards give you no additional protection against anything. If you want to protect your front end go with something real, like ARB or TJM. TJM makes front bars in steel and aluminum that might get you closer to the look you are after, look here . You could also buy and unfinished bar from from someone like Badlands, or any other number of places, and have it chromed yourself, if you are wanting both looks and serious protection. You are lucky with the nerf bars, because lots of companies make them already chromed. But again, if you want serious protection you will need to go with actual sliders instead of nerfs, so you could also order them unfinished and then have them chromed. I have no idea how much chroming something like that would cost.

Like 44runner said, are you just going for looks, or do you want both looks and ruggedness? This will determine your course of action here.