2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Has any one retrofitted from chrome bumper to "sport" bumper and air dam?

[jebia]

Has anyone retrofitted their standard front chrome bumper to a factory "sport" set up (painted bumper with front air dam and fog lights). Cost?, Difficulty?



thanks in advance.



Jon

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

You'd need to replace your grill as well as the bumper as the later sport models have different grills (they dip down into a cut out on the top of the bumper - the non sports are straight across). You would also have to buy the bumper mounts as well as they are different also. You'll be looking at a pretty significant investment in $ and you may want to consider an aftermarket bumper instead.

 

[jebia]

Thanks Steve, those Reunel bumpers are looking better and better.

 

[John]

Well, yes and no...

Originally posted by Steve St. Laurent

You'd need to replace your grill as well as the bumper as the later sport models have different grills (they dip down into a cut out on the top of the bumper - the non sports are straight across

All Sport model Rams through '98. 5 (my year) had the same bumper, plastic fog light inserts and plastic "chin" piece as the SLTs. However, all the aforementioned parts were always body colored. The '98. 5 model marks the very last version of the old style of Sport Rams. Which means, they have the same grille as an SLT but there again, they are body color in appearance.



What Steve stated is true but...



you can add the newer '99+ Sport grille to a '98. 5 or prior Sport model or SLT IF you are willing to modify the top of the bumper fascia as well as a portion of the steel bumper below (as I did). After the modification the grille closes in behind the bumper as opposed to on top of it as is the case with all Sport and SLT Rams.



I decided to try this because I really liked the bolder look of the '99+ Sport grille however, I preferred the look of the '98. 5 or prior Sport bumper setup. Therefore, with die grinder in hand, a plan in my head, I blazed away to make it a reality.



So you see, it can be done (adding the later Sport grille without having to change bumpers too)... it just takes an idea and some work.



Some of the replacement bumpers available are really nice, very heavy-duty however, I personally feel they give it more of a "battle cruiser" look. Although, that in itself is not bad, I just personally do not prefer it. Also, keep in mind that a heavy bumper coupled with a heavy winch on an already very heavy front end, further degrades the handling abilities of your Ram (replacement springs or not).

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I did my conversion in '01 and had outscourced everything at a scrap yard EXCEPT for the front facia and grill. The Bumper steel , and bumper frame mounts themselves along with the GRILL FRAME (Different between the sport and non) , suppoert brackets and that's it bolt and go! Easy project and to make things easier go to a dealer , have them print out the front end diagram for the sport body and go from there.