Smittybuilt SS grille guard

[Mark.Smith]

Anyone running one on an 05? If so, do you need to drill? Summit Racing has them on their website for $409 and I'm looking for a stainless steel guard to protect all those expensive coolers in the front of the truck.

 

[JWChessell]

No, you do not need to drill -- but you do need to remove and discard the tow hooks, unless you can modify the grill guard. However, make sure your potential retailer has a Smittybilt in stock, because:



About six weeks ago I called the Smittybilt factory in Corona, CA to seek if I could drop by (about 15 miles from my house) to look at one of their grill guards for my '03, and to see if I could modify either the guard or the tow hooks so I could keep the tow hooks. I'd never been able to look at a Smittybilt "in the flesh," because none of the local dealers kept any in stock, just pictures in catalogues. I'd called Smittybilt twice before and left messages, but no one called back.



This time I finally connected with a receptionist, who told me: "I work for a liquidating company. Smittybilt is out of business and being liquidated; all of the old staff is gone. If we cannot find a buyer for the company, everything will be sold. "



If you can find an earlier model Smittybilt; those fastened to the frame under the bumper rather than to the tow hooks. When the 3rd Gen trucks came out, Smittybilt modified their guards to use the tow hook mounting holes.

 

[Mark.Smith]

Thanks, I'll call Summit today and make sure they have them in stock.

 

[Mark.Smith]

You were right!! Summit no longer carries Smittybuilt. Found another one that looks pretty good from Westin and its available from the Dodge Accessory Store at 274. 00 Looks good enough for me.

 

[JWChessell]

Mr. Smith:



Would you mind letting me know if and when you purchase the Westin? I've tried to look at several, but none of the other manufacturers are close to me, and the dealers usually only have one or two brands in stock -- they want to show you a picture and then order it for you.



Thanks.

 

[coobie]

Anyone running one on an 05? If so, do you need to drill? Summit Racing has them on their website for $409 and I'm looking for a stainless steel guard to protect all those expensive coolers in the front of the truck.

I have a Manik grill guard (crome stainless platumium)on my 2004 which is pretty stout and has held excellent to michigans salted roads. coobie

 

[JARichard]

I have a Manik grill guard (crome stainless platumium)on my 2004 which is pretty stout and has held excellent to michigans salted roads. coobie

I also had the Manek grille guard! The advantage over the WESTIN is the side pieces extending from the center are one piece. Where the Westin is separate bolt ons