Hi there, I'm a relatively new Land Rover owner and new to these forums. I live in rural Montana where deer and other wildlife are abundant. I'd like to find a guard for my Rover to protect the bumper, hood, etc...in case I hit a deer, but I have no idea where to begin and what to look for. Can anyone recommend a specific guard and a place for finding one, ideally used?

Thanks so much!

 

I just went to the local junk yard and found one that was close enough size to make it fit. Ended up getting one off a wrecked ~2007 trail Blazer for $25 plus another $30 for paint. Took a little cutting on the guard and I had to make up some mounts, but it looks decent. You can always go for a factory brush guard, but they're getting kinda rare and a little expensive for not a lot of strength. Theres also the option of an aftermarket steel bumper with loops to protect the headlights and hood like the one lucky 8 sells. I'll post a picture of mine later when I can get some better Internet access.

 

Here's the picture.

 

If you want to save your LR from wild animals my vote is the ARB bumper. Brush Guards are just going to fold back and cause even more damage. If you get just a replacement steel bumper like the Terrafirma it'll help unless the animal is large enough to go over it and still get the headlights, grill, and hood. I've had ARB bumpers on several of my 4x4's and they are certainly worth the $$$$ when it comes to protection. I hit a deer in my 05 Rubicon with an ARB and the only evidence I had of hitting anything was some blood and hair stuck to it. Zero damage and I nailed it at 70MPH.

 

^exactly....those are called panel smashers. Unless it's ultra thick steel, you're getting new panels.

 

Totally true. If you go the brush guard route, get a heavy duty high quality one. The one I have is all 3/16 and 3/8 steel, mostly 3/8, and using 1/2" grade 8 bolts to hold it together.

 

I like strapping a Prius to the bumper

A real bumper is the only way to go. The bolt on brush guards are to keep body shops in business

 

Yeah the OEM LR ones were never strong. Now they're all rusted out and will fold back just with the wind rushing past it at 70-75MPH.

When I bought my 98 D1 50th Anniversary LSE it had the OEM LR Pushbar on the front, I leaned on it when I was opening the hood, and it moved. It was completely rusted thru, and I quickly removed it.

I lived in the TX Hill Country growing up, and although it's not like up north it was possible to see 200+ deer on a 1hr drive into town. ARB's were a great investment!