Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar (DIY modified from Bronco Sport)

thotpatrol · Mar 11, 2024

I successfully installed what I believe may be the only Ford Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar / whatever you want to call it.
I installed it back in October of 23 and drove it around a lot for testing but forgot to post about it.

As most of you know, the chassis for the Bronco Sport is very similar to the Maverick
So I took the risk and purchased the TrailFX - Standard Grille Guard from CARID for the Bronco Sport.

I've got a '22 XLT with the EcoBoost, so I purchased the grille guard for the '22.
I have the tow hooks, and those WILL need to be removed for this installation (unless you can figure a work-around)

The first steps to this install are removing the front bumper. This process will vary depending on model year, trim, & engine so I won't go into it here.
What I will discuss in this post is the modifications I had to make to the Grille Guard to make it work:

The bulk of the Grille Guard is attached to the frame with three mounting points: two at the top & one at the bottom.

On the Bronco Sport, the bottom attachment point is about 6"-7" further-back than it is on the Maverick

I've done my best to show that in the first photo by attaching the mounting bracket to the bottom mounting point.

So to rectify the issue with the maverick mounting points being too shallow, I took a hacksaw to the mounting brackets (photo 2).

As I mentioned above, the only other big modification I needed to make was the tow hooks - unfortunately I had to remove those. They actually use the same mount points that the grille guard uses.

I'm sure someone with more metalworking tools could figure a way to keep the hooks but for me removing them was easier.

Like the tow hooks, the mounting brackets will insert through the holes in the front bumper, but you'll find that it's much easier if you open them up a little bit; I used an oscillating multitool for that.

The third photo is the final photo showing the finished installation. Please note I did spray the grille guard with a few coats of rustoleum bedliner, and obviously the PA & the LED Light bar aren't included with the grille guard - I just installed those the same day.

Ford Maverick Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar (DIY modified from Bronco Sport) 1710189217677

Ford Maverick Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar (DIY modified from Bronco Sport) 1710189490351

Ford Maverick Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar (DIY modified from Bronco Sport) Ford Maverick Grille Guard : Pushbar (DIY modified from Bronco Sport)

DavidLs · Mar 11, 2024

I have a 24XL Hybrid. Im just wondering if this could work. Looks great by the way.

hurrah · Mar 12, 2024

thotpatrol said:
I successfully installed what I believe may be the only Ford Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar / whatever you want to call it.
I installed it back in October of 23 and drove it around a lot for testing but forgot to post about it.

As most of you know, the chassis for the Bronco Sport is very similar to the Maverick
So I took the risk and purchased the TrailFX - Standard Grille Guard from CARID for the Bronco Sport.

I've got a '22 XLT with the EcoBoost, so I purchased the grille guard for the '22.
I have the tow hooks, and those WILL need to be removed for this installation (unless you can figure a work-around)

The first steps to this install are removing the front bumper. This process will vary depending on model year, trim, & engine so I won't go into it here.
What I will discuss in this post is the modifications I had to make to the Grille Guard to make it work:

The bulk of the Grille Guard is attached to the frame with three mounting points: two at the top & one at the bottom.

On the Bronco Sport, the bottom attachment point is about 6"-7" further-back than it is on the Maverick

I've done my best to show that in the first photo by attaching the mounting bracket to the bottom mounting point.

So to rectify the issue with the maverick mounting points being too shallow, I took a hacksaw to the mounting brackets (photo 2).

As I mentioned above, the only other big modification I needed to make was the tow hooks - unfortunately I had to remove those. They actually use the same mount points that the grille guard uses.

I'm sure someone with more metalworking tools could figure a way to keep the hooks but for me removing them was easier.

Like the tow hooks, the mounting brackets will insert through the holes in the front bumper, but you'll find that it's much easier if you open them up a little bit; I used an oscillating multitool for that.

The third photo is the final photo showing the finished installation. Please note I did spray the grille guard with a few coats of rustoleum bedliner, and obviously the PA & the LED Light bar aren't included with the grille guard - I just installed those the same day.

Looks great! Tow hooks are for looks-have them on my F250 and Ranger and never once have I had a need to use them. My concern is the front end of a Tremor is slightly different and would the same brush guard work? You should start a side business as a lot of use desperately need a brush guard but don't have the mechanical or physical ability to tackle the job!

HyphyStryke · Mar 12, 2024

DavidLs said:
I have a 24XL Hybrid. Im just wondering if this could work. Looks great by the way.

Read the post again and then delete your comment.

Hunters Edge · Mar 12, 2024

hurrah said:
Looks great! Tow hooks are for looks-have them on my F250 and Ranger and never once have I had a need to use them. My concern is the front end of a Tremor is slightly different and would the same brush guard work? You should start a side business as a lot of use desperately need a brush guard but don't have the mechanical or physical ability to tackle the job!

They are not just for looks. In your eyes, or your scenario, it's a possibility. I've used recovery hooks, also wished other vehicles had them when looking to hook on to. Even if you don't use them for pulling others out the option is there, as long as you have them. Now brush guards are more for looks in my opinion. Cousin had one and thought it would help if he hit a deer. His truck was in the shop for over a month. Did it help? That's a possibility but not enough to walk or driveaway from the collision (deer).

On the Maverick if you have to pull it from the front the need for tow hooks is crucial. If your towing it on a trailer it's also useful for rachet straps or chains to tie down the truck.

That being said if you or the OP wants the brush guard go for it. It does look good, I just want the tow hooks more than looks.

hurrah · Mar 12, 2024

Hunters Edge said:
They are not just for looks. In your eyes, or your scenario. I've used recovery hooks, also wished other vehicles had them when looking to hook on to. Even if you don't use them for pulling others out the option is there, as long as you have them. Now brush guards are more for looks in my opinion. Cousin had one and thought it would help if he hit a deer. His truck was in the shop for over a month. Did it help? That's a possibility but not enough to walk or driveaway from the collision (deer).

I've had brush guards on all my trucks over the years as I live in the MO Ozarks--true deer hell. In fact I won't drive a vehicle after dark unless it has a brush guard--which limits my Mavericks useability! I've hit 3 deer in recent years all with trucks with brush guards and have not had a dimes worth of damage to any of them. My brush guards are not cosmetic-Manix or Ranch Hand heavy duty. My Grandson hit a deer with his Maverick several weeks ago-it was a glancing blow that dented a fender and tore off a door handle-he got his truck back last Monday-$5200 and a month in the shop. $5200 buys a lot of brush guards!!! I don't argue the convience of tow hooks but personally have yet to use one even though they are on all 4 of my ford trucks. I'd sacrifice them on my Maverick in a New York minute for a brush guard!

Waterick · Mar 12, 2024

HyphyStryke said:
Read the post again and then delete your comment.

I do not see anything in the OP's post eliminating the application from the hybrid in fact, he even mentions some things may be different depending on engine. Well, the only other engine is the 2.5 HEV.

Gray Goose · Mar 12, 2024

Great work! For those of us wanting something more ready made, has anyone installed either of these?
https://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.c...ards/Steelcraft-HD-Grille-Guard?set-vehicle=1
https://realtruck.com/p/steelcraft-hd-grille-guard/stc-50-1460c/

snowcatxx87 · Mar 12, 2024

What is the siren and roof top lights for?

Hunters Edge · Mar 12, 2024

hurrah said:
I've had brush guards on all my trucks over the years as I live in the MO Ozarks--true deer hell. In fact I won't drive a vehicle after dark unless it has a brush guard--which limits my Mavericks useability! I've hit 3 deer in recent years all with trucks with brush guards and have not had a dimes worth of damage to any of them. My brush guards are not cosmetic-Manix or Ranch Hand heavy duty. My Grandson hit a deer with his Maverick several weeks ago-it was a glancing blow that dented a fender and tore off a door handle-he got his truck back last Monday-$5200 and a month in the shop. $5200 buys a lot of brush guards!!! I don't argue the convience of tow hooks but personally have yet to use one even though they are on all 4 of my ford trucks. I'd sacrifice them on my Maverick in a New York minute for a brush guard!

Like I quoted cousin just got his back recently. He use to swear for brush guards too, and probably still does, but his insurance covered the cost, and they also paid for a new brush guard. To each their own different strokes for different folks. Not knocking brush guards just my need for front tow hooks far exceed any benefits from a brush guard, at least for me. Oh I live in Michigan next time look it up how many deer harvested compared to Missouri. I think we are dealing with similar situations concerning deer. Now if you can get a brush guard to protect my side panels from getting scraped by brush, you just might sell me on the idea.

Rivers90 · Mar 12, 2024

snowcatxx87 said:
What is the siren and roof top lights for?

Looks like a construction vehicle. Lights in the top are probably orange strobes so the vehicle doesn't get hit if doing construction on the side of the road.

Rivers90 · Mar 12, 2024

The tow hooks attach with 3 bolts. Do all 3 get used when mounting the gard? There are 2 small bolts near the front of the tow hooks and one big one at the back.
I am guessing it is the big one at the back as that is the strongest point?

I get lots of useful information from the bronco sport form as they are much like the Maverick.

Deweyordeweynot · Mar 12, 2024

thotpatrol said:
I successfully installed what I believe may be the only Ford Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar / whatever you want to call it.
I installed it back in October of 23 and drove it around a lot for testing but forgot to post about it.

As most of you know, the chassis for the Bronco Sport is very similar to the Maverick
So I took the risk and purchased the TrailFX - Standard Grille Guard from CARID for the Bronco Sport.

I've got a '22 XLT with the EcoBoost, so I purchased the grille guard for the '22.
I have the tow hooks, and those WILL need to be removed for this installation (unless you can figure a work-around)

The first steps to this install are removing the front bumper. This process will vary depending on model year, trim, & engine so I won't go into it here.
What I will discuss in this post is the modifications I had to make to the Grille Guard to make it work:

The bulk of the Grille Guard is attached to the frame with three mounting points: two at the top & one at the bottom.

On the Bronco Sport, the bottom attachment point is about 6"-7" further-back than it is on the Maverick

I've done my best to show that in the first photo by attaching the mounting bracket to the bottom mounting point.

So to rectify the issue with the maverick mounting points being too shallow, I took a hacksaw to the mounting brackets (photo 2).

As I mentioned above, the only other big modification I needed to make was the tow hooks - unfortunately I had to remove those. They actually use the same mount points that the grille guard uses.

I'm sure someone with more metalworking tools could figure a way to keep the hooks but for me removing them was easier.

Like the tow hooks, the mounting brackets will insert through the holes in the front bumper, but you'll find that it's much easier if you open them up a little bit; I used an oscillating multitool for that.

The third photo is the final photo showing the finished installation. Please note I did spray the grille guard with a few coats of rustoleum bedliner, and obviously the PA & the LED Light bar aren't included with the grille guard - I just installed those the same day.

Nice job! Can you make something similar for the rear end? Seems more likely I'll get hit from behind than from the front...except for a kamikaze Bambi...
but seriously, you did a masterful piece of ingenuity to make it work! Kudos!

thotpatrol · Mar 12, 2024

snowcatxx87 said:
What is the siren and roof top lights for?

Part of it is a joke for the looks (Thot Patrol)
Part of it is I often use this as a work truck for construction (on private property)
Part of it is I use this truck for property management.
Part of it is I am a volunteer with the Air Force Auxiliary to (if called-upon) rescue people in the Smoky Mountains.

I haven't had a chance to actually wire either of them up quite yet.
The front light bar is White. The top light bar is Amber.
In Tennessee, Amber is the only legal top light bar & can only be used in emergencies.
The siren/pa/airhorn is also legal but can only be used off-road &/or on private property

Here's a photo of the truck right after I got it wrapped

Ford Maverick Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar (DIY modified from Bronco Sport) 1710277792279-mz

thotpatrol · Mar 12, 2024

Rivers90 said:
The tow hooks attach with 3 bolts. Do all 3 get used when mounting the gard? There are 2 small bolts near the front of the tow hooks and one big one at the back.
I am guessing it is the big one at the back as that is the strongest point?

I get lots of useful information from the bronco sport form as they are much like the Maverick.

The grille guard attaches at four mounting points per side - three at the bottom (OP picture 1) and one other points I did not cover in my tutorial. I've attached a photo at the bottom of this post where I try to show where those are at. They do require cutting small (1"x2") cuts in the bumper but it's fairly hidden. And also I have the whole bumper area sprayed with bedliner because it's a work truck.
The two usable bottom mounting points are the two front mounting points for the tow hooks.
The large nut at the rear of the tow hooks is not used by the grille guard. That nut is mainly used for pulling stuff and shouldn't be necessary for regular use of the grille guard unless you planned to put a winch on it.. though in my opinion if you're gonna put a winch on a maverick it should be rear-mounted (and plugged-into the bed) for the best performance

Ford Maverick Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar (DIY modified from Bronco Sport) 1710278217571-n2

Maverick Grille Guard / Pushbar (DIY modified from Bronco Sport)

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