2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help Installing a 99+ Sport Grill on a 96

[Cooker]

I am installing a newer, 99-02, Sport grille on my 96 and I am having some problems with the clearance of the AC Condensor. The grille is extremely close to the condensor line, in fact when the hood is closed the grill bracket is in contact with the line.



I know several people have done this on newer trucks, but I was unable to find someone with a Cummins who has swapped grilles on anything older than a 1998.



I'm wondering if my grill bracket is bent? or If the newer trucks have the AC consensor set up differently, which I would not imagine is the case. This is really frustrating as I have been putting this project off long enough and today I finally get around to doing it and I run into problems.



I will take a few close up pics tomorrow of the grill and condensor so this make a little more sense.



Any help or comments would be much appreciated.

 

[Cooker]

Well after looking at my fathers 1998 the connections where the AC lines come into the condensor are a little different, but it doesn't appear that the lines are set back farther or that there would be any additional clearance.



Here is a pic of the line in question. The vertical line comes in contact with the grille bracket when the hood is closed.



I was going to swing by the dealer and check out a new grille bracket and see if mine lines up with it but unfortunately they do not have one on the shelf and it is a special order part. I'm not certain I want to spend $43 to see if my bracket it bent.



Any ideas?



Is there someone out there with a 99+ Sport that would be willing to take a few pictures for me?



I would appreciate any help.



Thanks,

Ryan

 

[Rob Thomas]

I can take some for you, I have a digital camera, and could have them up in a few minutes, or e-mailed to you (probably a better option), just tell me exactly what pics you want.





Rob

 

[Cooker]

Thanks Rob. I sent you a PM with some info.

 

[Cooker]

Thanks to a few pics that Rob sent me I was able to determine that I am not able to keep the Sport grill unless I want to change out to the newer style AC lines and probably condensor. The AC lines and brackets on a 1996 do not allow for enough clearance of the Sport Grille and bracket.



For anyone who is considering installing a Sport grille on a non Sport truck I do not know what years this would affect. I know 1998's have the newer style condensors. I would assume 1994-1996 have the older style. I'm not sure about 1997? Obviously if the truck does not have AC this would not be a problem.

 

[redram]

I always wanted to do this upgrade to give my 96 a more current fresh look.

What problems did you run into exactly?



Thanks