Well, the Ranchhand mounting brackets are at least 1/4" steel -- and probably 5/16" -- and bolts to the frame with 3/4" bolts.

It really feels like it's an integral part of the truck. Also, when installing, make sure you pull forward on it -- that way there is enough space to get the hood open -- and you don't need the Manik quick-releases -- that seems a sure weak point in a crash.

It was about $500.00 delivered. It comes via truck freight, weighs about 127 pounds.

Very simple to install -- I used my hydraulic Motorcycle lift to get the height just right, and it slid right in. The hardest part was reading & understanding the directions. Some of the pictures don't jive with the shapes of the product delivered.

Rob

 

I've got an Aries guard on my 01 4x4 Screw. Ordered over the Internet for $330 plus shipping. Includes removable headlight grills. Very strong and well built. Attaches into the tow hook plates and the frame above the grille. Well made with a black powder coat finish. Would buy one again.

 

Thanks Robb1313 for the info. It sounds like a somewhat functional guard compared to these other ones. I like the fact that it sits away from the truck more, because it you hit something it has room to bend without taking out the front end of the truck. I agree with TXcountryboy that none of the grille guards look good on the truck. I like them for functionality only and would not put one on for looks. I hit a doe pretty good one night back in 98 with a solid guard on my 96 Chevy. The guard bent a little, but it saved my truck from lots of body work. Luckily there was good room between the guard and the body. The new Ford is like the Dodges now. There is nothing between the radiator and potential objects, deer, elk, moose, cattle, rock, brush, branches, shopping carts, other pickups, etc. except for a Plastic grille if hit at five miles an hour and the object can't be deflected at bumper level. I don't like the Manik either, because of how it mounts, the weakness of pivot points, and how snug it sits against the truck body. I guess it may look better and it may deflect some brush/branches but that is it. I also think there must be more distance from the body to deflect branches before they are already gouging the paint at the other end. All stop blabbing now.

Thanks again.

 

NP on the info -- just to clarify -- the Ranchhand does (from what I have read about the manik) install a little farther away -- but it's in tenths of inches -- as a matter of fact, on first installation the hood brushed (barely) the grill guard, so I loosened it up slightly, pulled out and retightened -- and it sits nice.

I've not hit a deer yet, but I do have property in N. PA and know *many* people who have hit deer, and totalled their vehicle as a result.

I guess it's also a throwback to my massive tonka-truck days.

I sure wish I could afford the F-350 Tonka concept truck... now that's the mac-daddy!

 

Thanks for the distance clarification. I will check into it further.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RLPT1

Quote:

Originally posted by ctupton
I vote Manik.. I love mine.. check my gallery... although I think you've seen mine..cuz I think we discussed it... but I like showing off my truck [/QUOT

Is that the Manik 1 piece? or 3? Need to know, I'm about to order all my mods. Thanks

sorry took so long had to make an emergency trip to california... i believe it is the 3 piece because it pivots to allow the hood to clear.