Grill guards and recovery points

I was thinking that if I happen to hit a squirrel or something there's a good chance it'll trash the stock bumper/grill. So I've been considering some sort of grill guard. From what I can tell, many connect to the recovery points. Is there a way to retain the recovery points and still have a grill guard?

Also, any tips on a good grill guard? I'm assuming just a bull bar isn't going to offer much protection from hitting anything. Not interested in a full bumper. Much more than I need and pricey.

 

If you mean those silly tubes that just bolt from the bottom, then no, there are no good ones. You simply can't get strength up high (grill area), from bolting on the underside only, a squirrel will trash it. I've never see one that mounts top and bottom, but if you want strength then that's something to look for. They are for show only.

This kind-a thing is what I assume you are talking about. But if you want to retain the recovery point and have a piece of bling on the front, then simply use longer bolts (metric version of grade 8 is 12.9) with the correct shoulder length.

 

Here is this. Will take a squirrel out. And the little birdie that told on everyone when we were younger.

 

The Avid bar is stronger than you think and can handle impacts with small animals and such. It weighs about 35 pounds. It attaches to the bumper supports. So the tow hook and recovery hook are left intact.

 

A nice front bumper is a work of art.

Bull bars on the other hand are hideous. Friends don't let friends bull bar.

 

Holy Jesus, that is a serious bumper!

 

What grill is that?
Your old bumper didn't have hoops did it?

 

Yeah. That's the original one.

 

Looks like something out of mad max.

 

I can tell u people aren't so quick to pull out in front of me anymore.

 

Yeah, not really looking to mad max my truck or just add bling. So there isn't anything in the middle that offers some actual bump protection and leaves the recovery points intact? The low Avid bar above looks like it would just help push a deer onto the hood. I went to a local shop and they were pushing a rather large and ugly grill guard but said it was a "2 deer" guard which I guess meant it could take out 2 deer before failing. But also said it would replace the recovery points.

 

Look at bumpersuperstore. And look up Tacoma. And then see what they have.

 

Check this out might be more what your looking for.
http://www.southernstyleoffroad.com/product/2016-tacoma-slimline-hybrid-bumper/

 

auto anything also black

 

Thanks. That actually is more like what I was thinking.

 

Keep in mind that added weight to the front of a light truck has a noticeable effect on handling, especially on bumpy, washboard roads. I used to be a big fan of front armor and winches; now only on heavy rigs. The ability to keep an active, supple suspension and lower air pressure enables fast, controllable and comfortable high-speed cruising on bad roads. It's a trade-off.