Brushguards

[jerry b]

I just got a 2000 Xterra and am very happy with it. I am considering putting a brushguard on it and have seen them in steel for $270 and in aluminum for $400. I am not sure whether to go with the strength of steel or the lightness of aluminum. If anyone has done research on this or had firsthand experiences on which is better I would apprecitate your advice.

[OffroadX]

Don't get one at all. They're useless, and more often than not in minor collisions they spread damage beyond the point of impact. Spend your money on something useful.

[jerry b]

I didn't know that they spread damage. What do they do to the vehicle when they get hit?

[OffroadX]

There's one example here where a guy hit a stump dead center low. The brush guard caused damage to the grille, hood, both fenders, and at least one front door (the fender shifted back into it), from what should have been nothing more than damage to the plastic lower portion of the bumper.

[chubbybubba1]

Brent is right. I had one and I tore the hood, and fenders up hitting something on the trail. Get a Shrockworks winch bumper. Around $600 plus shipping. The brushgrilles are for looks only. Other than that, they are 100% useless.