Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

i was looking at getting a front push bar/bull bar/grille guard/etc. for the rx300, but a friend just presented the argument that they can cause a lot of damage to the rx in an accident because it's a unibody construction, not a ladderframe.

any truth to this?

JZA80MHU38

It depends on where the mounting point is for the bull-bar. But assuming the bullbar didn't absorb impacts like the bumper does, the bullbar may probably being pushed to the hood and frontal area, causing damages to where not supposed to.

However, for sure a bull bar will cause more serious damage to what's being hitted, e.g., the car in front of you, properties, human, animal, etc. I believe a lot of the European countries have banned such equipments.

Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

well... i'm thinking of something like this:

ivesGS400

Doesn't look quite right on the RX in my opinion. Maybe on the GX or LX??? Just my $.02.

HarrierAWD

Yes, that front push bar can actually cause more front end damage to grille and headlights. Worse, it may delay or disable air bag deployment.

Below is my RX300 with different design front bumper guard. It only covers the lower bumper. My Navy friend bought and shipped it for me from Japan over 3 years ago. (His fleet is stationed there.) You might be able to find it locally, but I have not seen anyone else in the U.S. with the same style bumper guard.

TunedRX300

I prefer clearbra to protect my bumper and paint. But if you want that rugged look, go for it.

mhc0725

IMHO, full front push bars are junk, both for protection and for looks. Unless you're never going to drive the vehicle and garage it for looks, the grilles are definitely more detrimental than a help. They're only attached to the vehicle at the bottom onto the frame, so if you were to ever get into a frontal accident, the natural torque of the impact point relative to the mounting point on the frame is going to push the grille towards the front grille, hood, and light. Just a 10 mph. impact is probably going to cost you $2000+ in damage to the front end.

Not worth it in my opinion.

HarrierAWD

True. Except that my front bar's bolts are made of hard plastic. Designed to break off during moderate impact. The same can't be said about other bars in the market.

These bars are great for city folks who need to parallel park on street. They help prevent dents and paint damage to the bumpers. For those of us out in the pasture, the bars push down the tall grass near fishing spots to prevent scraps to the paint. I can also tie our trash on the bars for the trip to local dumps (now you know why country boys like pickup trucks.)

Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

are u still in contact with your friend? can u ask him what brand it is and where to get it? i have friends also stationed in japan, but they don't have time to call around.