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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: How to Replace Grille

Whether you're taking the grille off of your Dodge Ram to repaint, repair, or install a new one, you've come to the right place.

By Richard Bowen - June 30, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).

The grille on your Dodge Ram is what you see first. Since it's the face of your truck, scratches and dings may occur. Removing the grille is a simple procedure that doesn't require a professional. So, whether you want to upgrade the grille or take it off to re-paint it, the process is the same. Here's how to replace the grille on your Dodge Ram.

Materials Needed

  • Ratchet and socket
  • Pick
  • Long flat head screwdriver
  • Masking tape

Step 1 – Remove the top guard

Use your pick to pry up the fasteners that hold the top guard on.

Remove the guard.

Figure 1. Use a pick to remove guard.

Pro Tip

Use caution when removing the plastic fasteners that hold the guard on. Otherwise, you may break or damage the heads.

Step 2 – Remove the fasteners

Remove the four top fasteners.

Figure 2. Remove top fasteners.

Pro Tip

Mask off the bumper cover with tape to protect the bumper from getting scratched as the bottom of the grille comes off (next step).

Step 3 – Remove grille

To remove the grille:

  • Lean it gently toward the front.
  • Reach behind the grille and, using your long screwdriver, carefully lift the big plastic clips that are holding the grille on the bottom.
  • Pull the grille away from the vehicle to remove it.

Caution

If you pull the grille up instead of towards you, you may break the clips on the bottom.

Figure 3. Pull grille towards you and off the vehicle.

Step 4 – Install new grille

Re-installing a new or refurbished grille is the reverse of the install.

  • Sit the grille back into place on the vehicle.
  • Reach behind and insert the plastic clips back in that are on the bottom of the grille.
  • Insert the top four fasteners back into place.
  • Firmly push the guard back into place.

To install a custom grille, follow the instructions the manufacturer provides.

Figure 4. New grille.

Featured Video: How to Install Grille Insert

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