Weathertech Stone & Bug deflector--DON'T BUY
 

guys, just posted my review on amazon.com, and all the other 4runner forums, about Weathertech's Stone and Bug deflector, thought I'd also warn anyone with one of these about the problem I've found...

Cliffnote version: the deflector will rub your hood causing paint pitting and eventual rust!!

This wasn't obvious at first install. The front of the deflector is secured with 2 screws to the underside of the hood (in existing holes) and tucked in between the grill and the hood. There didn't seem to be anything obviously rubbing.

Well, when I removed the grill yesterday (first time since I installed it in 07), this is what I found:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...Runner/005.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...Runner/006.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...Runner/011.jpg

I have an email in to Weathertech, but am not holding my breath...

The problem is obvious--rubbing causing eventual scratch/pit, followed by rust. The solution could have been easy--just putting some felt or silicone to protect the paint...

We'll see what they say about this...

Did you install the little rubber bumper pads that come with it?