I just picked up an OEM Chrome Brush Guard from someone selling their truck. I installed it and it’s pretty solid but it comes with two upper metal bar brackets that bolt into the upper rad bolts behind the Grille.

are those absolutely necessary? It seems in pretty good behind just the tow hooks...not sure if that’s to reduce vibration or otherwise for some other benefit?

wondering if anyone else has experience with those. Most of the aftermarket brush guards I’ve seen (Aries, etc) are only mounted through the d ring brackets on the crash bar.

 

As long as you've got them, use them. I have them on my SteelCraft brush guard and they really help to stiffen up the mounting.

 

NOT OEM! Cheap china thin steel aftermarkets, supply those brackets as an attempt to support the strength of OEM. Drive it without the brackets, if it's flapping in the breeze, install the brackets.

 

Not sure if your cryptic message is slamming Steelcraft brush guards or not. They are some of the finest brush guards available and blow away the O.E.M.'s...... Solid, one piece, heavy gauge, welded stainless steel tubing throughout, not the chrome plated, die cast, 4 screwed together pieces, the O.E.M.'s are. The upper brackets give added support helping to eliminate the cantilevered weakness of only having attachment points on the bottom at the tow hooks.

 

Whooaaa, everyone...take a step back. I don't think Hummerz was bad-mouthing your SteelCraft guards as much as he was pointing out that if they have the upper support brackets, they are not OEM.

 

I guess you misinterpreted this part of his statement that was pretty obvious:

Cheap china thin steel aftermarkets, supply those brackets

 

 

And I guess you misinterpreted my comment as well. The OP never claimed he has SteelCraft; but rather claimed he had OEM with upper brackets. Hummerz was pointing out that if he has the upper brackets, they are not OEM. YOU are the one who assumed that Hummerz was badmouthing your SteelCraft. Sorry, but I didn't take it that way.

I feel like a person who steps in to stop a fight and gets punched himself. Hey, if you want to escalate, go for it; I'm out.

 

Broken Halo must like that '70's look?:

 

My oem (1pc) brush guard was made in Canada, it's taken many beatings and still in 1 piece, no rust and no damage on the front end.


pics from aussieH3 (2012):