2014 Grill removal

[AlFischer]

Ordered the Condenser Guard from Geno's. Came with what appear to be very complete instructions that could be followed by a 5 yr old.

So, I removed the !!*&(*&(&$% plastic holders for the "Heavy Duty" shield and the and the 4 coarse thread 10 mm bolts.

Next I TRIED to release the two metal clips on each side of the grill with a flat bladed screwdriver. Tried also "lift and remove horizontally". NADA.

Has anyone here managed to remove their grill? (without a Sawzall or a crowbar)!!

I don't have huge hands but cannot get them OR a screwdriver in there!!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I used a long screwdriver to help pry the grille tongues out of the retaining clips.

 

[AlFischer]

Well, I FINALLY got the SOB out. The instructions do not match my truck. There are 2 fine thread and 2 coarse thread screws. There are no metal clips. I finally pulled HARD on the top where a plastic "dowel" is mashed into the holder. Then I was able to lift and pull HARD to get the plastic latch out of the way and to remove the two bottom plastic "dowels". (I'm sure there is a technical term for them)

Put the two fine thread screws in to hold the two inner mounts for the grill. (they go into metal) I will pick up some sheet metal screws of the right size of the inner holes in the 'heavy duty' cover cause I don't like the plastic deformed nails that it had. Or better yet I can pick up two more pins and use them.

I plan to tell Geno's that their instructions need to be changed. I figure they wrot them assuming the 14 was the same as the 13. Of Ram found a cheaper way to build it.

So far a a long screwdriver, it look like about a 24" blade might have worked. But the plastic 'dowels' still had to come out.

I had less trouble with the instructions for changing the injector pump on my 2001!

 

[MJWenrich]

I ordered the quick release grill kit as well and found the instructions difficult as well. I also am curious if there is a rattle problem with the grill no longer having a restraint at the bottom after you put the kit in place. Have not done mine yet because I was concerned about the unsecured grill on the bottom.

 

[AlFischer]

I put the quick release kit in too. The bottom of the grill is sort of fastened with two 3/4" wide L shaped plastic hooks that are molded as part of the grill. So far there is no rattle but I figure we have to be CAREFUL removing it as the plastic ages and becomes brittle. The dowels sort of keep it snug but removal for cleaning the screen will wear them

The grill is now held in place with the 2 original middle screws and two of the pins. The heavey duty pos is held with the other 2 pins and two of the old plastic 'nails/pins'.

The condenser shield is really a necessary item. 3k miles on truck and already had quite a few bugs on it.

Just be careful where you pull forward when removing the grill so you don't break it! It come off HARD!

 

[lawdog1]

I ordered the condenser guard and quick disconnect grille kit on my 2012. The condenser kit is good, had one on my 2003 but I did not use the screen included (if it is too buggy I would rather put screen over the bumper so I can get it off after the bugs pass....love bugs in Florida twice a year.) In my opinion the quick disconnect kit for the grill is silly, I am sending it back. Looked to me like it solved a problem that did not need solving and I was not comfortable that the way it would hold the grille on was as solid a connection as the stock way. I understand others may differ in opinion, but I cannot recommend the 2012 as "needed" on a 2012 (I can't say about a 2014 I have not looked at it on that truck.)

 

[JLandry]

...I cannot recommend the 2012 as "needed" on a 2012 (I can't say about a 2014 I have not looked at it on that truck.)

It's definitely not needed... just another fun gadget to further personalize the truck while also making grill a bit faster and easier to remove. Personally I like it and it looks nice.

When I had my truck at a dealer for service, the mechanic seemed impressed by the quality and concept, then asked me if it came from the factory that way.

John L.