I have a weathertech bug shield for rocks mostly, no wiper lift of any sort up to 90mph that I know of. And as far as wiper blades go, I get the cheapest they make and change them out about every 3 rd oil change which is apx 10k miles (apx 3 times a year) FWIW

 

Where did you find Rain X Latitudes for $8 each? They are $17 at local WalMart.

 

I switched to the Rain-X weatherbeathers this fall and I find them the best I have used so far.. The originals made a clunck noise when switching direction as did the anco but not these I like em

 

It might make a difference on which bug deflector you have. You can get a low profile or a high profile model (at least you could in 2004). I have had a low profile on mine with OEM blades since new and I have had no problem.

 

I've never had wiper blade problems.. Not sure which brand I had before but I had to replace mine due to worn blades, put on 20" Ancos that are all rubber, dont even budge until moved so, i'm happy. No bug shield because they're ugly imo.