Bull Bar/Brush Guard Recs Needed

Hi there! Thinking about my next project and considering adding a brush guard or bull bar to my 22 TRD sport, preferably one in matte black. Anyone have one they really like that they’d recommend?

Any other mods that folks think would pair well with my truck currently? It’s been tinted, the badges are blacked out, I’ve added predator side steps, tonneau cover, bed lights, bed mat, and seat covers so far. Thanks much!

 

cute dog!
Look long and hard at the typical Chinesium "bull bars". Many look ridiculous from any angle, except when looking directly at the front, they are also mounted low on the frame and look (to me,,, and many more) they are going directly transfer any impact force to your frame, thus increasing repair costs, and possibly worse, injuries to occupants.

 

Welcome.

Bullbars and brush guards are out of style at the moment. The current style is installing low profile bumpers.





That would be my personal recommendation, should you choose to go that route.

 

Thank you! Any other reason besides trends that you went for the low pro? I personally like the look of a beefier, higher sitting guard or bar. I’ve heard mumbles about the potential for damage with the bull bars - any thoughts on how much (if at all) better a brush guard would be? Any other good options to achieve a similar look without risking my truck/my own safety? Appreciate the honesty!

 

So it's all about how you are using the truck and what sacrifices you are willing to live with. I think I've mentioned this in another thread, but the absolute safest bumper is going to be the plastic bumper that's already on there.

I installed a lo-pro because I was tired of spray painting the damage out of my plastic valence after every camping trip. The metal bumper is good for running down brush and branches at low speed, and because it's directly in line with the frame, it's good for pulling. In a high speed collision however, I know that my frame is no longer protected but the aluminum and plastic crumple bars that it replaced. Also my airbag sensors are not designed for the different configuration. They'll probably work, but it's not a guarantee. Still, it was worth it for me.

Most brush guards connect in the same manner as a bull bar- they tend to wrap around the contours of the bumper (instead of bolting straight through), making a j-shaped lever onto your frame mounts. If it hits something even at a low speed, it's tweaking things it shouldn't. They are ornamental only, whereas a bumper replacement at least can be used to push/pull things.

They do make full bumpers with grille and headlight guards. If you want beefy, I would do that over a no-drill brush guard.

 

I’ve seen one or two very minor collisions where having the bull bar or brush guard has caused more damage to the truck than if it had been left stock. One had the bar pushed back through the grill ac condenser and radiator.

It’s all personal choice.

 

If you are looking for actual protection, a bumper with one of a variety of hoop styles should be a good choice.

If looking for a style bar (bull bar) pick what looks good to you. Personally I've not seen one pictured here with a clean fit on a 3rd gen from all angles, particularly a side view,