Looking for aluminum Ranchhand style front bumper/grill guard

[HooliganActual]

This is why I'd really like to find an aluminum bumper w. grill guard.
I want a Rock Hard 4X4 aluminum bumper (1/4" material) with a guard like the Vanguard bumper.

Maybe Rock Hard will build one if I ask nicely.

While it is worth the ask, I would wager that Rock Hard wouldn't be willing to build a custom piece. Most outfits like that aren't set up to handle one-offs or custom orders. HOWEVER, why noy buy that bumper and find a local fabricator that can take the bumper and build what you want onto it. That seems like the surest way to end up with what you want.

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[NVjeff]

I've wanted a spool gun for my MIG welder, I could build a camper shell too.
Whether I get around to it or not, with my other projects wanting my time and attention, remains to be seen.

 

[Blade1668]

I've wanted a spool gun for my MIG welder, I could build a camper shell too.
Whether I get around to it or not, with my other projects wanting my time and attention, remains to be seen.

I started thinking if I could get a reliable supplier of aluminum stock, it would be good to start fabricating some stuff. I've still got a un-tested spoolgun setup for running aluminum, I need to get a tank of argon for it though. Then some clean S.S. brushes and mls odds and ends to.

 

[Deleted member 52902]

Forget an aluminum guard. Steel will be far better. That said, a deer will still do damage. But the front end of the JEEP or other vehicle with a steel guard may still be driveable with some animal hits. A lot of this depends on speed. And then animals the size of a Moose, cow, buffalo can just make any vehicle, regardless of a bull bar or guard or whatever a total loss regardless of what you add.-

Years ago I was doing on the order of 50 mph on a road. A bird flew out from the side at just the right instant to smash into my JEEP JK's front grille. There was not time to react. It was also dusk so the visibility was already compromised. Just a glimpse of a dark object and bange. I pulled off the road. Engine was still running. Walked around the JEEP and saw the plastic grille was busted about dead center of the 7 bars by a Grouse, Hit the AC condenser but looked ok. Not the bird... it was dead. Removed the bird. Drove on to my destination I think maybe another 50 miles. All seemed fine. But the AC condenser had a tiny leak. This was in 2020. $985 for a replacement, painted grille, new condenser and freon charge at a local car dealer. I am sure today, this might be double in price, or more.

Anyway, I added some low cost "insurance" to the front of that JK. Steel grille guard that is sufficient for bird hits. Maybe a small deer at 15 mph or less, without damage to the JEEP but would it do good at 25 mph? There will be damage but likely a bit less to the JEEP itself. Above 25-ish mph, forget coming out unscathed. But then a JEEP or any vehicle is frankly, a disposable item. Hopefully occupants are ok which is the only thing that really matters.

Note that in the included picture, I added an expanded metal screen. Depending on driving speed, this will handle most bird hits IF, by the unlikely chance another bird hits me in the same area.

I have a winch. Located behind the disposable and cheap, factory bumper. I figure if an animal or just common parking lot bumper hit happens, I can get a new one or just find a decent used one in a bone yard. I have a heavy duty, hinged license plate holder, welded to a square bar I added to my grille guard. the license plate holder hinges down to allow the real-steel winch cable to come through. At the same time, the 1/4 inch thick plate used for the license plate when it is open-down into its horizontal position, makes a terrific step. Doing any work in the engine bay from the front of the JEEP is greatly enhanced with this step up. A cool piece that I transferred from my old DODGE Power Wagon.

 

[HAMP]

I'm just curious, since I live about 6-7 hours from Carson City/Reno area, where did you hit the deer? That happens all the time out here by Pioche, I've hit several myself.

 

[NVjeff]

I was an hour south of Caldwell, ID, headed home from visiting family.

 

[HAMP]

ahh ok so the other direction.

 

[Freems]

Have you looked at hansenoffroad.com I had these on my JK and they are bulletproof, the 60” with a stinger should knock down most things trying to get you. They are mostly made from 3/16” steel, no aluminum. Quality was awesome.

 

[gonemad]

I’ve hit two deer in my life, in large sedans, with a fair amount of damage to fender, grill, fog lights, headlights, hood...

Both were hit square on the left headlights. Many of the guards I’m looking at wouldn’t have had any effect I fear.

The radiator would be protected though, which is important.

 

[andrucho]

I have been looking for a bumper strong enough to minimize the damage from a deer strike for months, not much out there for the Gladiator, I finally settled on the ARB full width Classic, just waiting for it to arrive now.
I have hit a few large animals here in Alberta, Moose, Bison and several Deer, its mostly unavoidable. Luckily I had a very large, stout " FU " bumper on my PowerWagon that dealt out the punishment to would be wildlife that wanted to tango with me on our highways, but this Rental wasn't so lucky.

 

[InvertedLogic]

Do you think the upright on the ARB would withstand a deer strike? Or would it fold over and cause more damage?

I've looked at some pics on the ARB site to try to get an idea of the construction.
It's hard for me to judge, looking at the pics.

ARB are super stout. Substantially better built than most of the "brush guards" posted in this thread.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

I have been looking for a bumper strong enough to minimize the damage from a deer strike for months, not much out there for the Gladiator, I finally settled on the ARB full width Classic, just waiting for it to arrive now.
I have hit a few large animals here in Alberta, Moose, Bison and several Deer, its mostly unavoidable. Luckily I had a very large, stout " FU " bumper on my PowerWagon that dealt out the punishment to would be wildlife that wanted to tango with me on our highways, but this Rental wasn't so lucky.

Wow all that stylish soft lightweight plastic sure did absorb a lot of energy! If you had a heavy duty steel bumper and grill guard, you might have bent the frame, or seriously damaged unibody if that was the case.

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