There are a lot of variations in bumper or grill guards, sometimes called brush guards. Considering the expense, a day of shopping is in order.
The most important piece of information to consider is what function you need from this brush guard. Is this a cosmetic addition, more than a concern for function? OR do you use your truck in back country four wheel trails where protecting head lights, running lights, grille, and paint are serious considerations? For cosmetic reasons, there are many light weight and attractive ideas in the custom shops. If you require some more serious protections, you may want to check the options in a specialty shop where four wheel drive accessories are the only offering.
You may want to add a set of running lights, a license plate frame, a full grille, or even some higher guards which deflect air over the top of the hood. Some of these options are very use-specific, and must be weighed against the danger of added weight and mounting needs. While a full sized pickup may handle a heavy tubular guard and grill, a mini SUV may be seriously taxed with the weight of such a guard.
You may choose just a simple guard to mount under the front end, which protects the center third of the bumper, extending just above the bumper. These guards deflect hazards which would possibly scratch or bend the bumper. There are also the much more extensive guards which are actually three sections. These are generally made of 10 ga to 14 ga steel tubing and involve a center section which mounts under the center front of the bumper, and extends to the top of the hood, or just below there. The side sections are tubing frames which cover just the grill area to each side. These usually incorporate some sort of protective cover for the headlights.
Regardless of which choices you make, price is always a consideration. For the most simplistic of designs, you can expect to spend $125 up. Of course, adding driving lights, chrome, and such will increase that price. For the more extensive full bumper and brush guards, with full lighting kits and headlight protectors, you can expect to spend at least $500 and some will run as high as $700 with lights and chrome additions. If you just spent a year's salary for THE truck, this will be a very inexpensive addition, compared to the cost to repair or replace bumpers, headlights, and other possible damage spots.
Make a weekend project of shopping the stores and custom shops and talking to the sales people who will know the features of each choice. They can tell you which models have had good service histories, and which have been problematic. They can also sometimes point you at used models and help you to make the best choices.
