How to install a brush guard on a Ford F-150 (Step-by-step instruction)?
The brush guard protects the Ford F150 from accidents, especially in front of the headlights, and gives your truck a stylish look. How to install brush guard on Ford F150? In general, a brush guard can be installed on a Ford F-150 by attaching a bottom bracket to the inside of the bumper.
Installing the brush guard on the Ford F-150
I have added simple steps to add a protective covering to your truck. First, you take three 10 mm to 21 mm sockets and a wrench to loosen and tighten nuts, screws, and all the bolts.
Buy a new unit from a hardware store according to the size and requirements of your Ford F-150. Buy them after you measure the size and size of your truck.
You will need a protective grille guard assembly, bottom mounting bracket, top support bracket, gasket, and double nut plate.
Other parts include a hex head screw, a flat washer and split lock washer, a cupped washer, and a flange nut.
Park your truck on a safe side where you can work comfortably and put on safety goggles.
Required tools
These are the tools needed to install the Westin HDX 2015-2019 grille guard according to the instructions. Check out the manual for your specific product, but the required tools should be the same.
- Socket 14 mm.
- Socket 15 mm.
- Socket 18 mm.
- Tool or long-handled screwdriver.
- Stationery knife.
- Hex key.
- Socket extension.
- Rachet.
- Wrench.
- Extreme pressure lubricant.
If your truck doesn’t have factory mounting holes, you’ll also need a drill to make mounting holes.
Ready
Here are the main installation steps.
Step 1: Thoroughly clean the front of the truck before beginning installation.
Step 2: Remove the lower choke to gain access to the back of the bumper and tow bar attachment.
Step 3: Remove the plastic trim on each side of the bumper using a pry bar or screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch them.
Step 4: Disconnect fog lights.
Step 5: Remove the bumper.
Step 6: You now have access to remove the factory tow hooks on each side. If your truck doesn’t have tow hooks, you’ll need to cut the plastic off to gain access to the attachment point.
Step 7: Reuse the nut from the tow hooks for the lower grille guard mounting bracket. If your truck does not have tow hooks, use the included plate with nuts.
Step 8: Locate the four large bolts on the top side of the bumper and remove the two outermost bolts on each side. On this mount, you will install the top bracket to defend the grille guards.
Step 9: Install the bumper on the truck.
Step 10: Before moving on, make sure the brackets are aligned with the protective grille guards.
Step 11: If so, you can freely install the protective grille.
Step 12: You are then ready to return the plastic covers to each side of the bumper and reattach the fog lights.
Step 13: You are now ready to install the choke back onto the truck.
Step 14: Make sure all the bolts are tight.
Step 15: You are finally ready to step aside and admire your work!
For the 2016 model
If there are two hooks, remove them, and if not, then cut the plastic.
Fix the brush guard covering with bolts and tighten them. Align the bolt with the protective grill guard and tighten. The tow hook is located between the metal bumper and the front frame.
The rear bolt holds the metal plates in place with nuts. Slide the tow hooks back for easy removal and place the tow hook on the bottom brackets.
When using factory bolts, establish the tow hooks between the bracket and its frame. Then loosely fasten the bolts so that they can be moved.
Lift the brush guard cap, and add the flat washer and nuts to it. Add the remaining equipment by turning the bumper. Now adjust the position of the protective grid and tighten all bolts and nuts.
For the Ford F150 model from 2006 to 2008
Remove the two towing hooks as well as the two clips. Then pull the nut plate out of the frame and do the same on the other side.
Now take the nut plate and put it in the position that is in front of the frame. Now establish the bottom bracket on the nut plate with the split washer on the long bolt and a flat washer in the frame.
Then establish the new bracket and insert the notched part of it between the frame and the flat washer. Also, add them on the other side of the lorry.
Now you take its top two pieces and screw them to the back of the frame.
Now secure the bolt with a flat washer, a split lock washer, then a nut inside it.
First, you bolt the bottom four grill guard mounts and add a second large flat washer, split lock washer, and nuts.
I usually use a 10 mm bolt and a flat washer with a split lock washer and nuts for the top bracket. After we keep all the fittings in their places and tighten our fasteners.
Why would you install a brush guard on a Ford F-150?
The brush guard cutters not only defend your truck from collisions with other vehicles but also protect your vehicles when they are run over by animals.
In addition, they protect you and other pedestrians from traffic accidents. Finally, at low speed, they save your truck from falling over.
This gives the Ford F150 a rugged look. It varies from size to size and comes in many shapes and varieties.
In older models, they are located far from the bumper area, reducing the effect of aerodynamic drag.
What’s the point of a protective grille?
Protective grilles enhance your vehicle’s protection by providing additional structural support to the front bumper, fenders, and radiator, as well as protecting the grill guards. They can also protect your finish from scratches when driving over areas with rocks and tall shrubs.
There is also a security aspect. Consider that the middle fender of a car is only rated to withstand a 5 mph crash. While there are additional supports at the rear, the protective grille provides additional support at the front, minimizing damage to the frame and other vehicle components during an impact.
If you are looking for the highest level of protection, choose a protective cover. It gives all the confidence of protecting the grille, but with an extra cover for the headlights. Some even offer additional lighting.
If you think a roll bar adds too much to your vehicle, you might want to consider a roll bar that only covers the middle of the front, so you don’t change the look of your truck as much.
Does the protective cover damage your truck?
Protecting the brush guard doesn’t reduce the cost of repairs, it’s like replacing a broken flashlight.
It protects the Ford F150 from crashes at low speeds, and a strong collision leads to losses. This is because they are made up of metallic material and cause serious damage to other vehicles.
Safety
It is important to note that protective covers are not perfect. They can interfere with any parking and proximity sensors located on the front bumper or grille area.
Guards can also interfere with some built-in safety features such as crumple zones and even prevent airbags from deploying. It may even prevent your tow hooks from being used on some brands.
Bars and crash bars are also controversial because they are thought to cause more, not less, damage during a crash, especially to pedestrians. There is even literature stating that occupants of vehicles with extra protection are at a higher risk of injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a brush guard on a truck?
You should allow about two hours for installation.
Why do people put brush guards on trucks?
A well-designed skid plate will protect the front of your vehicle from damage caused by off-road brush guards. This will also help minimize the effects on small to medium-sized animals.
Is a brush guard the same as a grille guard?
Technically, a grille guard is not the same as a brush guard. The idea of both parts is the same, but they are designed differently. The grille guard is smaller than the brush guard, as it only protects the grate. The brush guard protects the headlights.
How long does it take to install a grill guard?
Installing the grille on your car will take 30 to 60 minutes.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why people choose to add bars, grille guards, and brush guards to their F-150s. Whether it’s for looks or protection, you can get the job done at home with a few simple tools and some time.
Read also: How To Restore A Rusty Truck Frame? (Easy Steps)
