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What brush guard to get....???

30K views 39 replies 26 participants last post by  barryvail  
#1 ·
Ok, I need your help!:sunny:
Umm, I need to choose a brush guard, and I'm not sure which one to go with. I kinda like the looks of the one below. I like the brush guards with a center portion that you can actually see, when sitting inside the FJ.
I'm going for the black/yellow look. If you guys know of others out there, can you please post a link or a photo????
BTW, I also need one that will fit with the factory skid plate!
TIA!
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#18 ·
I think the "Bumper bumper" is usually called a push bar.

There are many heavy duty bumpers that offer bull bars and grill guards integrated into the design. I haven't seen push bars and steel bumpers together, but that doesn't mean they aren't out there.

IMO a push bar with a steel bumper would be redundant. The steel bumper IS the push bar. No need for a push bar when the bumper itself can smash through pretty much any unfixed object smaller than a Bison without damage.
 
#5 ·
Don't do what I did. Bought one for my FJ and then decided I wanted an aftermarket bumper. Remember most brush guards are for looks only and offer little protection. Consider tossing the front bling plate in the trash if you do any off-roading. Removing gives you an instant couple of inches clearance on the approach.
 
#10 ·
I've got this one, it was on the truck when I bought it. Its really grown on me. I think it looks better then the OEM one that sticks straight up out of the plastic bumper. It also has 2 mounting holes for lights.
 
#11 ·
#13 ·
personally, i would save up and get a metal bumper...

i originally bought and installed the oem brushguard on my TT...
and yes, you can pull yourself up on it but dont let that confuse you
with it handling much more than that...
i sold it and bought an ARB after all that...:rofl:

was told by several people that its really flimsy and wont last if you do
any major wheeling especially with trees etc...

others have said that the brackets have failed...

just wanted to pass on the info..
:)
 
#16 ·
Did you say tree? lol

ARB vs Tree

Anyone know if Manik is still around. That guard is just like the oem, but has a little more detail. If I go with anything that would probably be it. I just can't find anyone that has one in stock. I checked Manik's website, but it says it's under construction......
that site has been under construction forever
I know I was trying to sell my old nerf bars a year ago lol
 
#14 ·
I don't know if it's been said already, but I personally bought the one you're thinking about, sitting in the basement now. If you plan on doing ANY off-roading you are better off without one, it's a damage mulitiplier.

I lightly hit a snow bank at the bottom portion that bolts to the frame, it caused the top portion of the light guards to bend toward the quarter panel. It didn't do anything, but I could only imagine what it would have done had I been going faster or hit a rock instead. There pictures out there that show how bad they can be with minor accidents.

Save your money and get a metal bumper, if you must though go with the OEM guard.
 
#15 ·
Anyone know if Manik is still around. That guard is just like the oem, but has a little more detail. If I go with anything that would probably be it. I just can't find anyone that has one in stock. I checked Manik's website, but it says it's under construction......
 
#23 · (Edited)
The OEM one actual follows the lines of the fender flares better than the old Manik one plus you could get a used OEM for pretty cheap, but here's a link to get the Manik one if you want it. Toyota FJ Cruiser Accessories from Pure FJ Cruiser - Manik Grille Guard - Black # 924050HB

Here's the full website for many other options: Toyota FJ Cruiser Accessories from Pure FJ Cruiser - Bumpers, Grille Guards, Winch Mounts & Light Bars

For anyone who's planning on running into trees, Don't... As for the FJ in that video the air intake was destroyed when it hit the tree then later it sucked water into the engine and it was done.
 
#17 ·
thats what im talking about :rofl:
see what happens when youre sportin an ARB....just bounced right off...

with an oem brush guard, woulda had major damage...

great video
 
#19 ·
I have the brush guard (Aries?) and it is solidly attached to the Lucrum winch mount.

Image


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#30 · (Edited)
I have this one too but make sure you get the one with the bolted pieces not the welded pieces.

because the bolted one you can remove the side guards and change the look easily

but with welded one you'll have to cut them.

and also I've added an extra mounts in the middle to support it.

Image



and yes it doesn't offer much protection like the ARB but i still like over the stock one which doesn't offer anything at all other than an oversized mount for the Aux lights :)
 
#20 ·
solarflare look at the aries one its what i got in my opinion it looks good, allows easy mounting for lights and it is very sturdy(i got my truck stuck and i was forced to use it as a recovery point and it didnt bend an inch)
 
#32 ·
Save up just a little more and get a Demello three hoop. You will be glad you did.
 
#33 ·
Ok after reading this thread and a few others, I now think I will save my pennies and wait for a ARB bumper.

My question is with the added weight of a ARB bumper is it necessary to upgrade suspension?

Also do u need to remove the factory skid when using the ARB ?