Hey guys, I'm looking into getting a bull bar for my birthday present to myself. Probably going to order it Saturday. I have one concern, I don't have tow hooks on my 04 XLT. Will I simply have to cut the lower valance and bolt in where the tow hooks WOULD be or am I screwed? Let me know!

 

When I had a grille guard that's what I did, just cut out near the edge where the recesses are. Looked and worked fine.

 

I wonder how much you could get a fog light bumper for?

That would be a nice first upgrade if the price wasn't too far off. Maybe you could find one in a salvage yard.

 

I just installed a bull bar on mine(08) you can buy a valance with tow hook holes from fords,or cut your valance.
The only small problem i found when fitting the bull bar was getting the bolt plates in the frame, i had to losen the bumper nuts off to gain access to the frame ends,other than that it's a simple upgrade.

 

I'd think salvage yard would be good, but I've looked before trying to find an upgrade with fog lights. Unfortunately down here in South Georgia 90% of late model Fords have had a run in with a rather large deer at high speed, lol.

 

yes you just have to cut out the plastic shroud and then the bull bar will bolt up directly where the tow hooks would have been (the holes are pre-drilled by Ford in the bumper beam).

Installed one on a friends STX and the shroud comes off with a few screws and then pulls down with some clips. Much easier to have a friend help you hold the bull bar while you mount it as it is awkward to mount by yourself, almost impossible.

Turn the plastic bumper shroud over and use a drill and hacksaw (poor mans way) or use a dremel etc to cut it flush to the back of the shroud, this will give it a clean appearance from the front. Then just insert the bull bar hinges and screw tight. Re-install the plastic bumper with the clips and screws.

Total process is about 1-3 hours depending on how fast you work.

 

If you cant find one salvaged, I would suggest cut your own valance. When I bought my replacement valance ( was broke into 2 pieces when I got the truck ) and it costed me $55 from the dealer, and then fighting with the 12 PITA bolts to unbolt the s.o.b in my gravel driveway. I wonder why I didn't park over the lawn to do this, guess I needed a redneck massage

 

the bolts arent that bad if u remove ur fog lights to get to them

 

I had to remove them because there was bolts I could not access with them installed, its still a PITA job when your back is in stones with a stock height un-leveled truck The Bilsteins are coming soon.