I'm looking at buying a Westin sportsman grill guard for my 07 f150. I've been looking at reviews of it online and some of the people say that they had to buy suspension leveling kits because of the extra weight. I was wondering if there are any problems that could occur without the leveling kit or if it's just the look of it, and also how difficult it is to put on a leveling kit.

 

If you have a 4x4 the Westin sportsman grill guard will require you to lose your front tow hooks. It is not that strong and it is more for looks. It does not offer much protection. It was not my first choice...

 

I have the 4x2 and I don't have row hooks anyway. But where I live there are always hogs and deer crossing the road when I'm leaving for work so I need something that offers decent protection. What are some recommendations for a grill guard with decent protection for about the same price point ($400 or so)?

 

I live in the Oregon Cascades. We have a great deal of deer and elk crossing the mountain roads all the time. I went with Go Industries Rancher Grille Guard. It is a fully welded two inch tubular construction. I have run into several deer without any damage. Here is my 2007 4x4 with the Rancher installed...





Good luck...

 

If you are looking for protection then Go Industries and Ranch Hand grille guards are the way to go. Also, I wouldn't be worried about the extra weight of a grille guard. Unless you go with a full bumper replacement, you should have little to no drop in the front due to the weight. If you do decide to get a leveling kit, they are fairly simple to install and will improve the overall look of the truck.

 

There are quite a few other reviews on our website for this specific product.

http://www.autoanything.com/grille-g...x?kc=frmf15016

Good luck!!

Tom
AutoAnything