Does Bumper Grille Insert have to be Removed to Install HDX Grille Guard on 2008 Ford F-150

Updated 02/09/2015 | Published 02/08/2015

Question:

My truck currently has the billet grille for the bumper. Will this grille guard be able to mount with it or will I have to remove the grill from the bumper?

asked by: Jeremy

Expert Reply:

It does appear that the grille guard in the bumper of your 2008 Ford F-150 will have to come out to install the HDX Griller Guard # 57-2015. Below are the installation steps:

1. Remove all contents from box, verify I all parts listed are present and free from damage. Carefully read and understand all instructions before attempting installation.
2. Pull out plastic pegs that hold rubber flap on the bottom, but do not remove rubber. Remove plastic punched grate from bumper opening on both sides (if installed).
3. Insert upper support bracket into bumper opening and bolt to the front side of the factory frame plate (using M12×45 bolts) NOTE: On upper bolt use the steel pre-punched plates as washers. How to determine driver and passenger side. The triangle gussets will face each other toward the center of the bumper. The clean side of the angle on the arm will show on the outside.
4. Attach frame horn bracket using the bottom bolt installed in step 3. This is the same bolt that holds the upper support bracket to the frame plate. The angle in the bracket should face the inner side of truck.
5. Position Grille Guard on truck by attaching it to upper Grille Guard brackets with supplied bolts. Place Grille Guard tab on top of upper support bracket. Align bottom foot of Grille Guard with pre-punched hole of frame horn bracket installed in step 4. (IMPORTANT: check alignment and position of Grille and snug bolts to prevent shifting later. Hint: check alignment by measuring
the distance between the loop and the body and the position of the loop to the truck head lights.)
6. Attach side body mount bracket along outside of frame by sliding it up into body mount shackle. Put M12 x 130mm bolt, that is supplied, through the entire frame rail and into bracket.
7. When Grille is aligned, attach bottom foot of Grille to the pre-punched holes of the brackets installed in step 6. Tighten all bolts. Reattach rubber flap for proper air flow to condenser.
8. Torque all M12 hardware to 45-50 ft lbs.