Hey all, for the last few months I have been looking around at different Front Grille guards for my 01 Screw. The only problem is that most of the internet pictures look "chinsy" and the one GG that I saw in person looks like dog crap. (okay not really, but it was kind-of weak looking).

I know that a bunch of people have these on their pickups, so what do you recommend? I was going for something $600-700 or less, and I will install it myself. Preferrably one-piece unless someone says that doesn't matter. Either Chrome or Black, but honestly black looks better on the front of my truck now. (i have a black bull bar).

Thanks!!

 

Mine's a DeeZee (1 piece) and I love it. I especially like the step bar on the bottom...comes in handy when washing the hood.

 

Here is one you don't see everyday. It is all stainless tubular and cost about $700. It comes from Tal & Hadas. Check the web site. Made in Israel and distributed in US.
http://www.tal-and-hadas.com/

 

You get a Ranch Hand!



These are tough and have the reputation to back them. I also think they are the best looking ones for the F-150 and the full replacement is pretty nice too! Here's a pic of mine. Check out http://www.ranchhand.com




More pics in the gallery...

Later,
Chris

 

Reelwork,
Love that color combo. I considered oxford white and silver, but I love that graphite color bottom on the white, too bad it was not available in 01.

 

Wow I really like that Ranch Hand...but I have some really nice KC Daylighters that don't look like they will fit on there. Or will they?



--Justin

 

You could always go with a Manik... I didn't even know what they were until I did some research online and found that they are on tons of show trucks... I bought mine for around 700 but it is stainless and the black one is somwhere around 450. I also have lights mounted to mine and it looks great. I personally like it better than the ranch hand because it fits all the lines of the truck and is much tighter around the sides (about half an inch between the side and the grill guard).

I wish I had a pic... but instead, here are some links to some pics.
http://www.autostyles.com/mnksupercrew.htm

http://www.fordtruckworld.com/mygallery.asp?id=31

http://www.fordtruckworld.com/mygallery.asp?id=102

-Anthony
2002 Forest Green S-CREW Lariat FX4
Line-X Spray in Bed Liner
Flowmaster Exhaust SS Tips
Manik SS Grill Guard
PIAA Fog Lights
Westin Chrome Nerf Bars

 

Oh wow, I really like the looks of that Manik SS. Thanks for those links!

So many choices!!!


(0' beer 30 in 5 minutes) HAHA

--Justin

 

Thanks!

Ranch Hand can and will add light tabs and anything else you want, anywhere you want it. You can also have them paint/powdercoat or line-x the bumper in the color of your choice. Give 'em a call and see what they can do for ya...

Later,
Chris

 

Hang on there guys, you're forgetting one thing: Weight.

I have the same Ranch Hand grille guard shown above on my 2wd '99 F-150 Supercab. I like it, but if I had it to do over again, I would have gotten the Manik because it's so much lighter.

The Manik looks nice, but is very light weight and doesn't hold up well when you run into things. The Ranch Hand on the other hand is solid as a rock but weighs a ton. If you travel at high speeds, the Ranch Hand acts like a sail and eats up your gas mileage thanks to that metal mesh protecting the air intake. All that extra weight also wreaks havoc on the front brakes btw.

So, think about the application before you decide. If you just want a guard for show, I'd recommend the Manik. But if you are really going to use the guard for what it is designed for, then I'd definitely go with the Ranch Hand.

-Chris

 

Weights... Funny you should mention...

This was also a concern of mine when I looked. Hazzard, I think you may be exxagerating a little there buddy. The grille guard like the one we have is ~140-150 pounds and I see no difference in the performance. 150 lb's does very little on a 6k lb truck! The front grille is cut to the same diamond design as the factory grill.

Now, if you were to purchase the full on replacement bumper, pictured below, then the weight is about 80-100 lbs more and touching ~250... But don't forget that you will remove your factory POS bumper and some brackets totalling 50-75 pounds.. So the increase is really only ~180 lbs... Yes, that is a heavy bumper but they are tough and if you need one, that is an easy no brainer!



My attitude has always been function over looks.. I wouldn't put a weak gaurd or bumper on my truck for looks because in the event you do hit something, that weaker one will cause you more damage than if you didn't have it at all...

(edit) If it were me doing it again and the price was the same (actually cheaper for the RH), I'd get the best for the buck and RH is just that. If I were going for looks and such and money wasn't too big a factor, then the manik is probably the one to go with... I hunt/fish/tow etc so I need to have front-end protection and Hazzard, I'd bet that's why you have yours also!

Just my .02..

Respectfully,
Chris

 

The best fit one that I found is the Manik. The price is very reasonable. The black is $350+tax one piece.

 

Nice one. I like that Ranch Hand. I have exactly the same color truck (but 2003 Supercrew...but 4x2, 4.6L, V8).

Thanks for sharing the pictures.