2001 Grill?

[Shelby Griggs]

I just purchased a new OEM grill (55076550AB) for my 2001, the emblem looks to be molded as part of the grill and is raised, not flush like the orginal. Did the grill emblem design change at some point, or is this grill not for a 2nd gen? I have not tried to fit it to the truck (winter time and no shop), just opened it enough to make sure FedEx didn't destroy it. Maybe two different emblem implemations on the 2nd gen grills or something?

SHG

 

[Joe Mc]

Not sure if the grills changed? About 5 years back I got and aftermarket grill and it came without emblem, I popped the one off the old grill (it was glued on) and used some black RTV to affix. When I got her painted a few years back I got a new (non-stock looking) grill with no emblem.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Well, after fully unwrapping and examining the grill, the emblem looks to be the same, at least from the pretty side, so I think it is all correct, would delete the post, but I don't think I can do that.

 

[Joe Mc]

Glad it seems to be correct grill.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Joe, thanks for your input, I should of looked a little closer before I made 1st post, but in the dim lighting and only partially unwrapped the emblem at first glance looked different AND it didn't look easily replaced from my inspection of the back side, if it ever warms up I will actually bolt it on, that is always the real test of replacement parts!

 

[Joe Mc]

FWIW = you might take a look at the original grill mounting frame to make certain it isn’t rotted out. Not advertising here but I got new frame, mounting hardware and grill mounting hardware thru LMC Truck.

Tips:
1-if your original mounting frame is good or if you get a replacement, Eastwood has internal frame coatings with a 2’ hose/nozzle that I used to coat/paint the inside of the new grill frame mount I got for mine
2-don’t ovetighten hardware securing plastic to metal “especially” hood to grill hardware... ounce of prevention

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Joe thanks for tips, I will look when I get it apart, BUT we get very little rust cancer here in Oregon, especially in the dry part of the state, I really think OEM frame is still good, it is just the 17 YO plastic throwing in the towel.

 

[DavidC]

While your there check the plastic retainer for the hood latch retainer on the hood. That rod is the one operated by the release when you open the hood. Mine desintegrated which makes opening the hood a real challenge when the rod falls out.

Dave

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Dave thanks for that tip too, probably going to wait for warmer weather, although it did break freezing on the positive side today for the 1st time this year!

 

[Joe Mc]

Dave, when I fist got my truck (05/01) the secondary hood latch mechanism was one of the recalls corrected. The other was the trailer hitch, they added another support bracket on the rear of both sides.

 

[DavidC]

Dave, when I fist got my truck (05/01) the secondary hood latch mechanism was one of the recalls corrected. The other was the trailer hitch, they added another support bracket on the rear of both sides.

Joe,yes I remember something with a recall. Mine was not done and I do not remember getting a notice. Maybe not included for Arizona environment ?. Anyway the clip I speak of is on the rod from the release on the front of the hood. They use to be made of metal before the everything plastic era. If that fails you need to go thru the grill with a coat hanger and fish around for the release fork and pull that while raising the hood. Instead of looking for another clip I threaded mine and double nutted with blue lock tite.

Dave

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Hmm, I have had my 2001 since fall of 2000 new from factory, I don't remember a recall notice for hood or hitch so that is something I suppose I should look into? Neither have failed yet! Just checked my VIN, neither were ever performed and neither show as outstanding, there were two issues, one about an updated owners manual and the clock spring recall. I also had the ECM flashed to add high idle and I think that is it as far as recalls or dealer fixes, exclusive of service and normal repairs.

 

[DavidC]

Found the recall notice for 1999.

On certain pickup trucks originally sold in or currently registered in the following "salt belt" states: maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, and missouri. corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could cause the mechanism to bind in the "release position."

Dave

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Maybe the recall was only sent to "salty" states" FWIW, I just discovered this morning that you can search by VIN for recalls, probably been available for awhile, but I just discovered that. You can also get a PDF Build sheet by VIN. In any event, I will look all the bits over when I pull the grill off to exchange with the new one.

 

[Lynx0849]

Maybe the recall was only sent to "salty" states" FWIW, I just discovered this morning that you can search by VIN for recalls, probably been available for awhile, but I just discovered that. You can also get a PDF Build sheet by VIN. In any event, I will look all the bits over when I pull the grill off to exchange with the new one.

Can you provide a pointer to the build by vin?

I am shopping for a truck and many do not indicate the transmission nor have an engine compartment photo.

Thanks

 

[Shelby Griggs]

https://www.ramtrucks.com/webselfservice/ram/Recall.html