Hey,

I just picked up a 4runner and am looking to put some brushguards on it. I want to get front, rear, and taillight guards. I want to pick up taillight guards that don't use any adhesives.

Idealy I want stainless, but depends on availability and price. I don't need any offroading functionality (as I live in NYC) I want these for bumper proctection (and looks)

Any success stories out there? I have looked at numerous brands, but I figured the best reviews would come from people who have the product. Any suggestions / recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Max

 

By the way its a 2002 se.

 

There are always a few brushguards on the for sale forum.

I would go to www.performanceproducts.com and look at the styles from Manik, go rhino, etc. They are a little pricey, but you could get an idea of what style you like.

 

i bought mine with a westin on it... i like it a lot -- just make sure its installed well and doesnt move around too much.



sorry for the large pic, but im at work and cant resize.

 

When I bought mine locally, they sold me a cheap P.O.S. I thought I was getting a deal. So I left it all in the wrapping so I wouldn't scratch it while I was putting it on, I finish up and unwrap it, A no-name P.O.S. I had to drive to work the next day, so I left it on, and I really did notice how it made the truck really sloppy in turns(stock suspension) so I took it back and got the Manik I wanted. It was alot lighter. I'd estimate the first one to be like 75-85 lbs. Don't buy A cheap heavy one I guess I'm trying to say.

 

Is smittybuilt a good guard or is it cheap?

 

I've heard Smittybilt is pretty top notch. I have a WAAG brush guard on my Taco and it's really nice and well built. But I do have to say that the black starts to lose its luster after a few years, but still looks great though.

 

I also have a WAAG and while I like the looks, if I could do it again I would save just a bit more and get something a bit hardier. I'm not sure how much protection these guards can give you. Beyond a firm tap against something else, I mean.

 

They offer reverse potection in any accident over 3mph. If you hit someone or someone hits you, they have the tendency to pretzel denting your bumper, cracking any valance/grill, and the light "protectors" can hit your fenders denting and popping your headlights out.

I was in a 5mph accident with my old Manik and had $3700 in damage to the front. Would have been $850 if I didnt have it (just a new bumper and maybe a bottom valence). I couldnt beleive how easily the thing bent and folded. And the fact that the light protectors actually caused damage because of the jolt it took and I guess they whipped into the fenders...I was pretty disappointed.

Now Im not saying they are a BAD idea as I think they look VERY cool...just please dont buy one for protection from anything other than BRUSH - leave, bushes, small tree limbs. Not sure how they protect you though or why you need protection from them un front...

 

I have one like lees, but for a 97 obviously. Check out manik.com, I think. They have an outlet. That is where I got my rears for cheap. Look fine to me. Except I ordered chrome/polished on accident and had to sand them and paint them black.