Westin grill guard

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

Anyone have the Westin Sportsman Grill Guard? How does it hold up? How was the installation? After much research I've narrowed my search down to this unit. Westin is a reputable name in truck accessories and I found an outfit that sells them for $350. Any comments? Thanks

 

[MVVorce]

I have a westin sportman grill guard on my 03 3500. The reason I selected it, is because it still comes as a one piece so it is very sturdy while others come in two pieces. I installed the grill guard myself and it is not a bad job, and is much easier with air tools and a floor jack to hold it up. I had mine painted to the color of my truck so it looks like it came factory that way. In my opinion if you are looking for some good protection and great looks you are making a good choice.

 

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

That sounds great. I live in a heavily deer populated area and have had some close calls lately. About how heavy is the guard? I have air tools and a jack. My assistant for the project will probably be my 7 year old son. Think I'll need another set of hands?

 

[MVVorce]

Know what you are talking about with the deer. I do believe your son will be able to handle the job. All is needed is to steady it on the jack while putting the bolts though the holes in the already installed brackets. Or you could swap and let your son put the bolts in, what ever works best.

 

[Ladders]

2 questions:

1. will it hold up to an elk?

2. is it factory tow hook compatible?



SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[MVVorce]

I would say it depends on what speed you hit the elk at. At lets say up to 30 mph you will probably have little to no damage. Any way you look at it, it is giving some kind of protection and cost less than replacement parts from Dodge. A freind of mine that has a 97 Dodge CTD hit a white tailed deer at 25 mph and had no damage to the truck. As far as the tow hooks the directions say to remove them. I modified my tow hooks and put them back on. All I had to do was notch out the upper and outside bolt hole and put them back on. The grill guard bracket only uses 3 bolts instead of 4 to hold it on. Was towed out of the mud since this mod and it worked fine.