JC Whitney Bull Bar install (GaragePro brand?)

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Here's the thread that convinced us to get a bull bar. We did not like the chrome bottom on the black one made by Westin. This one is all black and much cheaper.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...527#post138527

We installed ours in late June. I know, I'm months late getting these install photos posted. Sometimes the universe works with you, sometimes it's against you. I apologize to anyone waiting to hear about this install to make a purchasing decision. I know we were anxious to purchase and I always love the ROC for having pioneers try things out before we do it. Thus far I haven't seen any reports on this aftermarket bull bar, so I think we might still have that front runner status on this one.

Besides all the fasteners, there are just three parts to this product: two mounting brackets and the bull bar.

Let me start by saying the quality of the product is good, but the instructions left much to be desired. It was just a parts list and a drawing. Thankfully, it was easy to eyeball and see what was needed where it attached. We also have our ace mechanic nephew with all his tools to make sure things come out right.

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Total install time was one hour and ten minutes. There is no drilling required, it uses preexisting bolt holes. Jim had a concern that the parts getting unbolted may be holding up some heavy part that needed support, so he used his floor jack under the front suspension. He didn't lift it off the floor at all, he just used the jack as a support so he wouldn't get squished if something dropped. This precaution was not needed because the bolts that come undone are just braces for the radiator core and nothing budged. If we had that big owner's manual we'd know all this, but caution is better than an accident.

The first step is to pull off the plastic undercarriage guard plate. Jim discovered we were missing several of the little clips that hold it in place. They are two part clips that work the same as a wall anchor. They are easy to mangle when you're pulling them out. I meant to take a better photo of the clip removal tool. The one I have on the air deflector install thread is fuzzy, but will show you what I'm talking about. I think it looks like a dandelion digger. See it here:

Air deflector install

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Two small bolts hold the splash guard onto the underside of the bumper. These are clearly visible from below but I didn't get a photo.

We ended up removing 10 clips, but your truck could have more. There are a couple of clips in challenging places up under the wheel well. As you get the splash guard loose you will discover the places that are still attached. If you're careful you will be able to reuse all your clips. We bought some extras to replace the missing ones and to have on hand. Those little buggers were $2 a piece!

Once you get the splash panel off you won't be using it until you're about done, so stick it out of the way.

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Here's a pic of where Jim placed the jack.

He wanted me to pass on a few words of concern about the supplied black bolts and reused gold bolts. One that is supposed to be reused was simply too short and luckily he had one spare bolt in his collection of odds and ends that matched the thread and length we needed. The supplied bolts were a bit shy of the length he prefers. He wants a complete thread or two visible on the outside of the nut and these did not protrude despite his best tightening with an air gun. He would recommend hitting the supply store before getting deep into this project and just picking up longer bolts.

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There are six of the gold bolts that you reuse. Actually, only one of them is seriously short so you shouldn't have to worry about the rest.

The radiator core brackets come off and then they fit back over the bull bar mounting brackets. The two mounting brackets went into place quickly.

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Once both brackets are in place you can attach the bull bar. This is the point you need a helper. BIGGUY's good in this role. It takes a minute to start the bolts on both sides so you can get to the point of making the final adjustments. It was a bit disconcerting because it didn't look like it was going to be centered. There's only one place to make it adjust and it seemed to need to be pulled in the other direction. Oh, ye of little faith.

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Just a bit of tightening and it's attached.

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Now begin to reattach the splash guard in reverse. Make all the backside attachments you can but leave the front end by the bumper hanging. You'll need a sharp pair of tin snips and a good eye to cut out the space needed to accommodate the new mounting brackets. Jim did a professional job, but that's because he's not only a professional, he's a perfectionist.

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The cutouts are probably the hardest part to do, both in effort and execution. They're almost the last step and then you can admire your work. You need to replace the radiator drain access door that is just behind the passenger side bracket.

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Once all the bolts are tightened it squared up and centered perfectly. We are very pleased with our bull bar.

This will give us a warning if we're getting into an area where our clearance is a problem. We've already got a scratch on the bottom that shows it's working. It's not sturdy enough to push someone (IMO) and we won't be using it that way. We love the way it looks even if it were simply ornamental, which we don't feel it is.