Please help- hit a deer want to fix myself. Should I add a grill guard?

Finally got the 4Runner I’ve dreamed of since high school and promptly hit a deer- total heartbreaker! Damage is cosmetic- I think I just need a new front bumper cover, fog light, and fog light besile. Do you see anything else? I’d like to find used parts and do it myself if possible. It does not have to be showstopping perfect- we live on a ranch so life out here is pretty dirty anyhow.
I'm also wondering if I should just throw a grill guard or bull nose on. Thoughts? If I go this route, do I still need the same parts as I would without?
I have a 2020 SR5 with the sensor/camera in the grill. I’m totally not a car girl so I appreciate any advice! Thank you in advance

 

I'd add a new/used right front fender to your list.

 

I'd also make sure the headlight on that side isn't compromised. (had a little fender bender years ago, and the light LOOKED to be fine, but had an almost invisible crack that ultimately let moisture in.

 

I know you didn’t ask for my opinion but I’d let insurance handle it. Hitting a deer is covered under your comp plan and shouldn’t affect your premiums. My wife hit 2 within 6 months - years ago and our premiums never increased, just had to pay deductible.

 

In before all the "damage multiplier" posts.

 

I don't see anything wrong with fixing it yourself. But, if it's covered by your insurance, it might be easier. Or, use the insurance check to buy the parts

I wouldn't expect protection from a deer from most grill guards. You could consider a full steel bumper that attaches to the frame. But, even that's not guaranteed to save you from damage.

Welcome to the forum!

 

FWIW I hit a deer at hwy speed in my 2018. Dead-center-broadside-between-the-headlights. The stealth bumper took it like boss. The only damage was a bent license plate frame. Well, 'cept for the deer. He was delicious.

If I had to do it again, I would have saved my pennies and bought a full bumper. You may want to be sure a bull nose or grill guard will endure the impact of a critter at speed. I have my doubts that they will. I could be wrong on that point, though.

 

Thank you all for the advice! I’m getting really excited about the idea of a steel bumper! For those of you that have one- it looks like you cut your current bumper cover to accommodate the steel one? I’ve seen a few that might actually work in my current situation l, although I’m not sure they’ll accommodate the front camera/sensor. Any thoughts?

 

I know the "safety sense" device in the grill doesn't like being obstructed. There are probably a few folks here who have found bumpers that worked or figured out how to recalibrate them. Hopefully someone with a 2020+ can shed some light.

 

I axed a reputable auto repair guy about one for my 02 Chevy Duramax after hitting a cow elk at 15 mph ($2.5K damage) about a guard. He said sure if you want your frame bent.

 

I too believe grill guards are a bad choice. I don't like the looks either. I too wanted to get a proper bumper that fix to the frame after my accident but sadly the body shop was not willing to corporate me paying the extra cost than what they get from insurance.

 

Haven’t some folks been able to spec an aftermarket bumpers, et al? It would seem you might be able to pay whatever difference there is between an ARB or something and stock.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Dang deer! Insurance is probably the best choice, if your insurance is easy to work with, they might let you get it fixed the way you want, then the choice is up to you, maybe they would let you get the steel bumper, if the price is comparable, and if they believe the steel bumper will prevent this in the future.

 

Here you go… steel bumper bolted to the frame in more places than factory. It is the lil b’s custom fab front bumper 2020+ that takes into account TSS.

 

Sounds like a good excuse for TRD Pro bumper and grill.

 

just let the insurance handle it. You’ll be happy you did

 

You have more problems than just your bumper. I took a closer look at your pictures and you can see the hood is not level above your passenger light. Meaning more crunching happened. You will want to get that taken care of before proceeding.

 

Well here's my 2 cents on grille guards. I hit a herd of deer (a jack wagon in other oncoming lane put his brights on and blinded me) in my pickup with a black horse grille guard. Right, left, and center. The right and left deer bounced off and scrambled away cracking the paint off the plastic bumpers. The deer I hit dead center sadly rolled off not so lucky. Without the grille guard my entire front end would need to be replaced. I promptly put a grille guard on my wife's 4Runner. Get a good grille guard like from Black Horse! All I had to do was take off the plastic front bumpers, sand them and paint them.