Thinking JCR brush guard

[JohnGalt]

The video will show the process for popping the painted trim panel around the 4:28 point. As I recall it was pretty easy using a slow consistent pull.

I have the JCR winch plate. It shipped pretty quickly and all the parts were included, but that was 2 years ago..

 

[Ape Factory]

Were you able to do that with the grille in place?

On a side note/thread hijack, talk me out of replacing the Raptor grille with the version in that video. Just looks so much cleaner. Only hesitation would be the void percentage in the grille itself and the three running lights on the Raptor grille. Plus it'll confuse people which is always fun.

 

[JohnGalt]

Were you able to do that with the grille in place?

On a side note/thread hijack, talk me out of replacing the Raptor grille with the version in that video. Just looks so much cleaner. Only hesitation would be the void percentage in the grille itself and the three running lights on the Raptor grille. Plus it'll confuse people which is always fun.

I don’t specifically recall. I ripped apart the whole front end at the same time to do the winch plate/winch/headlight pigtail harness install. Not sure what order I did it all in, but the grill came off at some point. I’d give it a try with grill in, it’ll pop right back on if not.

I didn’t have to remove my fender flare like he does for the Sasquatch flares.

I’d do it on mine, but I’ve got winch cable kwedged in there

 

[TurboS]

Were you able to do that with the grille in place?

On a side note/thread hijack, talk me out of replacing the Raptor grille with the version in that video. Just looks so much cleaner. Only hesitation would be the void percentage in the grille itself and the three running lights on the Raptor grille. Plus it'll confuse people which is always fun.

Ford purposely designed the Raptor grill for increased air flow meet the 3.0L Raptor powertrain cooling requirements. Yes, same style as the F-150 Raptor which also has additional cooling requirements beyond the other F-150 powertrains. Having both the Raptor 3.0L and Badlands 2.7L it's obvious the 3.0L can generate more heat, there is a Big difference in tuning, RPM's, and power. Even the 3.0L turbos will have higher heat levels in sport and baja modes.

 

[Ape Factory]

Ford purposely designed the Raptor grill for increased air flow meet the 3.0L Raptor powertrain cooling requirements. Yes, same style as the F-150 Raptor which also has additional cooling requirements beyond the other F-150 powertrains. Having both the Raptor 3.0L and Badlands 2.7L it's obvious the 3.0L can generate more heat, there is a Big difference in tuning, RPM's, and power. Even the 3.0L turbos will have higher heat levels in sport and baja modes.

I figured. But thanks for the clarification and talking me off the ledge!

 

[Ape Factory]

Looks like it's scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I ordered a set of their side racks as well so not sure which one is shipping first.

 

[Ape Factory]

Pretty sure it's the bull bar sitting on my front porch, LOL. Fed Ex is just horrible these days. Was supposed to be delivered yesterday and today's notice said between 2 and 4pm. They showed up at 9:30am.

 

[Bschurr]

Pretty sure it's the bull bar sitting on my front porch, LOL. Fed Ex is just horrible these days. Was supposed to be delivered yesterday and today's notice said between 2 and 4pm. They showed up at 9:30am.


View attachment 15373

At least it’s not folded in half!

 

[Ape Factory]

Truth.

 

[TurboS]

At least it’s not folded in half!

But it does look like it was shipped by Air Drop!
Fortunately highly unlikely broke and I expect JCR packed it expecting the worst.

 

[Ape Factory]

Just got back from my window tint appointment. Looks like UPS had to tape it back up so I'm not expecting there's ANY hardware or loose components inside the box. Won't get a chance to open it for a few more hours.

 

[Ape Factory]

Despite the box being in poor shape, the bar appears to be fine. JCR also taped the fasteners to the bar so they weren't just floating around inside the box. Good on them. Will try to get it installed tomorrow if I have time.

 

[Ape Factory]

Installed. Took an hour tops. Super easy. No lower fascia removal, no bumper removal. Just use the supplied (better) hex bolts. I'll do a full writeup on the installation later and I of course need a ton of better photos.

My first attempt, I did take the lower fascia off and yes, it's easy to just snap off. This helps you clear out the mummified dead bird head and associated feathers, LOL. Once the bar is installed, it's tight enough to not allow you to slide the lower fascia back in.

But sizing everything up, it was pretty clear I could install it without removing anything as long as you use the supplied bolts. I will say the supplied bolts are a higher grade and will handle higher torque levels. The knurled flange will distribute force over a wider area and prevent them from backing out. There's really no need to use the factory bolts and I'd actually recommend NOT using them for the aforementioned torque reasons and because it's very easy to strip them even with the proper TP40 bit. Trust me, give their location, it would not be fun to remove any of them if they strip.