I posted most of this on another thread but here is mine. A story about this Westin HDX Grill guard is that the place I ordered from said it would fit my Express so I ordered. When it showed up I could see it needed the chrome bumper to mount a lower brace and not the plastic clad one I have. I checked Westin's web site and they clearly say it won't fit the Express. I did not buy from them and did not think to verify fitment with the manufacturer (lesson learned). I emailed Westin to see if they had Express brackets but no response from them. Being an engineer and tinker'r I decided to make my own lower bracket. I am pretty happy with the results and think it is more solid than the original concept.
I included an after the crash before repair and then after repair with new Grill Guard picture.
I can't recommend this GG to anyone with an Express due to the modifications I had to do. I really prefer the look of my truck w/o the GG but don't want to repeat this damage from hitting a deer again. That drivers headlight was in pieces.
I considered a full steel bumper and grill guard but chose against. Things that stopped me, IL salt on the roads during winter and the auto body guy saying the steel bumpers rust (his statement not mine) and I thought without a lift, my stock truck might not look right. Like all things, if you have one and like it, that is all that matters. One thing, you should be well protected with a full steel bumper/GG.
I think any GG like I have will bend, pretty sure but it adds a bit of protection to the vehicle. I paid about $580 total, shipping included.
Bill