A couple questions

Howdy yall
I recently got a 2006 (Gen 2) 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 4X4, access cab SR5. This is my first truck. I want to get some protection for the front preferably a Ranch hand grill guard but I don't know how it would affect the driving since it is a bit sluggish without any accessories. I wanted to see if there was one who had one with the 4 cylinder. Or should I get a bull bar? Also please recommend any worth while upgrades

 

Those type guards wont make much of a difference.
They are not near as heavy as full plate bumper.
Even then, it's not a real noticeable difference.

The front end squash is what's more noticeable.
And since you are going with a ranch guard, it won't squash too bad.

Welcome to TW.....

 

I picked up a used Ranch Hand guard for $250, got it for mounting lights up front

works fine. Have used it to push stuff and it’s done the job.

I would buy an ARB before buying the ranch hand guard that they want almost the same money for.
I lucked out and got something in the middle and below budget