I've never had a bug shield on my vehicles. I'm thinking about one for my S'Crew on order though. I've had a Ranger for the last five years (w/out shield) and it seems like I get a rock kicked up on the highway about twice a year that cracks my windshield. What are the pros and cons of these bug shields, and do they really cut down on windshield damage?

 

Bug shields really do not help against deflecting rocks and most bugs, IMHO. Everytime I'm on the road, my windshield still ends up full of bug guts. Every now and then I'll notice some bugs being deflected up and away the windshield. I mainly purchased mine for looks.

Someone at my dealer's service shop recommended a low profile deflector to avoid excess turbulence that rattles the exterior mirrors. I'm not sure if he was trying to blow smoke up my you know what. I went ahead and tried the low profile route since my last truck had the rattle problem and I had a large deflector.

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F-150 SuperCrew, XLT, 4X4, 4.6L, Ox. White, Med. Graphite 60/40, Towing Pkg, Offroad Pkg, 17" ORP rims, Moonroof, 3.55 L/S

My website

 

I have a Bugflector and they don't really miss the truck at all. The main pro to it is bugs won't hit in the middle of the windshield, only the top.

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2001 SuperCrew ORP 5.4L Gen I
MODS-Ramsey Brush Guard and Pro Plus 9000 winch, MAAP steps, Airaid, True Duals w/ 50 series muffs, Line-x, and huskyliners.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1508480&a=11420452&f=0

 

I have a Lund lo-profile. They really won't save your hood or your windshield all that much. Besides adding looks, I purchased mine to avoid those inevitable rock dings that occur right on the lip of the hood. And some of the smaller bugs are deflected somewhat. But not a whole lot.

 

Had a bug shield on a Ranger and never had any bugs hit the windshield. It wasn't a low profile though - it was one of the simple straight ones. I thought it was worth it. SunDog7 - Good point on rocks. I don't have a bug shield on my toyota and the front of the hood is a mess. That's a reason for the bug shield in an of itself. Plus I've replaced the windshield twice from rocks.

 

Just returned from a weekend trip and....wow ! I can't believe the amount of bug juice. I'm a first time truck owner and thought about a bug deflector all the wayt home (300 miles). I know that the lower profile windshield vehicles I've always driven didn't get hit this way, from mid height on the bumper to 3 inches from the top of the winshield on my SCrew.

I'm interested in hearing more opinion about the bug deflector.....for utility rather than looks........

Thanks in advance for your honest opinions...

 

I've had many trucks in the last few years, and i've never had rock damage on any of my trucks till my 99 f-150 4X4. I didn't have a bug shield on it. Coincidence? Maybe! Take it how you will. I think the Bug Shield is worth it and i won't own another truck without one, i'm going this weekend to put one on my supercrew. I like the looks and since my truck is black, it shows dings like that, i believe this will help prevent rock marks on my hood. As far as deflecting bugs, you guys are crazy if you don't think it helps. There's no comparison. I live in East Texas, there's lots of bugs here. GET THE BUG SHIELD, you won't be sorry. My 2 cents.

 

They're good to have. I got a Buglector II and had it painted to match which makes it really inconspicuous. My desire was to protect my hood from rocks and bugs since it is metal. As far as the glass and the front end most of that is plastic and will not rust when chipped.

 

I remember when I got my 93 Aerostar and with the sloped hood I wanted protection. I
bought a cheap deflector. I only got hit by one rock. it hit the cheap bug deflecter and cracked it. I took it of and threw it out.

On the F150 I have a small prime design deflector. I actually bought it for my 98 and now have it on my 2001. I don't know how much protection it gives. It looks nice and matches as the truck is silver and I have been adding accessories in black.

I saw this Dodge caravan the other day. It has this big looked like a foot wide deflector. They had those little clear plastic stick on buttons all over the place to keep it from hitting the body. No Thanks.

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2001 Silver XLT 2x4 SuperCrew (Gen II) 5.4L 3.55LS Tow Package (now with 2.02" rad) & Cab Steps

Mods: K&N Filter, LoRider by Raider Fiberglass Tonneau, Stull Billet Grille (Black)

Tow: 31FT. Glendette Deluxe Camper Trailer

 

I have had about 8 trucks, 3 with deflectors and about 5 without. It may be my imagination, but I really do think that I get fewer bugs with a deflector (very important here in SW La). Prior to La., I lived in Colorado and every vehicle I owned got broken windshields from flying rocks until I started installing bug deflectors. Quincidence? (spell?) I don't know.

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2001 SCrew 4X2 Lariat, 5.4, White, Grey Interior, Running Boards, Captains Chairs, Penda Liner, Extang BlackMax Tonneau Cover

 

Don't forget about the BugFlector II. It looks great, very sturdy, no drilling & mounts in existing holes, and is only $40!
You won't be disappointed.
Tony

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'01 SCrew 4x4 XLT 5.4L

[This message has been edited by tfratzke (edited 04-17-2001).]