I'm getting ready to order a Grille Guard for my black 04' Fx4 and could use some input on manufacturers. I'm looking to go all black 1-piece, either Manik or Westin. My local truck accessory dealer deals strickly with Manik so i'm sure that's not an unbiased opinion. Ease of installation and mounting to the the frame is important as well as quality of construction. i know Manik is good for that (i installed the manik on my 98), but at first glance, i kinda like the look of the Westin bar better. I'd be happy to go with the Westing bar if i could be reassured that it's as good of a product. I'm also considering the black westin bull bar, but i'm not sure that's the look i'm going for. any thoughts?

 

I would stick to Manik

 

check out the ranch hand too before deciding.

 

Both guards are basically made the same. Go with the cheaper one. This is a Manik in the picture below I got at 4WheelParts for $250.00. It was about to go on another customers truck when I offered the sales guy $200.00, and he said $250.00 and I said SOLD!

 

I don't know if you have seen mine yet or not but I thought it would give you an idea of what the bull bar looks like on an 04 even though mine is chrome. Also, with this bar, you have to take off your tow hooks...

 

thanks for the pics and feedback. both look great! on the westin, you think there's any chance of using longer bolts and still getting the tow hooks on? also, my dealer tells me the manic on the 04 has a "tilt" feature, sounds kinda funky. probably due to the way the hood opens. i'll just have to decide and post the pics. got my panda bedliner and extang full tilt cover installed yesterday. both look good, but i'm wondering how the cover will hold up. aight, thanks again.....
late

 

I've got the Westin single piece. Love it. E-Mail me for pics, I have no where on the web to put them.
Thanks.

 

Great, what's your e-mail address?