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Old 08-13-2009, 08:06 PM
NCLivingBrit NCLivingBrit is offline
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Default Grille guard, light guards, extra lights - noob questions.

Ok, I've decided on my first round of mods to my 2001 Ranger XLT, now I know I am going to be driving it until it falls to bits:

Grille guard/bull bars/light kits:

It looks like here in the US a bull bar just protects the lower half of the radiator, while a grill guard protects the entire middle and the light clusters, right? I'm wanting a reasonably priced (black preferred) grille guard that is solid enough to take some of the impact of a deer (my most likely collision object, I live in a rural area and drive through a state park several times a week at night).

1) Any recommendations for supplier/brand?

2) How hard is it for an auto novice to fit? I'm no stranger to nuts and bolts, just never done much of anything to cars/trucks before.

3) Is it worth getting the light packages that are available with the bars? And if it is, how hard is that to integrate with my current lighting?


4) Extra driving lights would be nice, but will they require extra controls, or are they wired into the same switch gear as my headlights?

Example of what I am looking at: Speedy Car Parts - Auto Parts and Accessories Catalog - Grille Guard - Aries 2001 Ford Ranger

Rear light guards

1) Any recommendations for supplier/brand?

2) Are these as easy to fit as they look?

3) Do they really protect the lights or just look neat?


Example of what I am looking at: Speedy Car Parts - Auto Parts and Accessories Catalog - Aries Tail Light Guard 2001 Ford Ranger

I've got a decent jack and a set of stands, so getting under the front frame isn't going to be a problem, but will I need any specific tools (odd size drivers, special pliers etc)?

Thanks in advance for any help!
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Old 08-13-2009, 09:24 PM
RangerJustin RangerJustin is offline
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they are all pretty much the same...check your local craigslist and you can usually find one on the cheap.

just nuts and bolts holding it on.

id say get some lights separate, that way you can choose specific ones you will like. you would need to run some extra wiring for the lights, simple, just find a spot inside for a switch, run to a relay, then power and ground. i would run it separate from your headlights though, laws usually only allow 4 lights front, fogs and heads cover that.

rear light guards...i want them, they are just too pricey. they should help some with protection until something too big/heavy/fast hits it an d bends the guard too far.

not sure how the instal is on them though, should be easy bolt on from the looks of them.
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Sold:2004 XLT 4x2 Ext. Cab. 3.0 Mods: 3" spindle, AAL, shackle, 32x11.5 on 15x8s, billet grille, clear corners, flow 40 dumped, line-x, CB/PA, traction bars, lil sound system, auto up down windows
Sold:2005 XLT 4x4 Ext. Cab. 4.0 Mods: ProComp lights w/ HID swap on tabs, 32x11.5 on 15x8s, CB/PA, black out heads/corners, lil sound system, cranked t-bars, flow 40 dumped, line-x, shell, bed rug, 06+ tails, metal tail gate handle since plastic one shattered, OHC, Mustang Dome.
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Old 08-14-2009, 05:03 AM
STL STL is offline
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Would have to agree with Justin

popular brands are westin but they are not cheap and I think they dont make them anymore.

But looking on eBay or craigslist you might score one
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