If I change the front grill, do I need the entire grill and surround or just the grill itself?

 

You should be able to cut or remove the stock grille and then install the new one.

 

They are held in by tabs. Remove them carefully and you can snap a different one in.

 

That's it? Didn't realize that. Thanks

 

I'm not sure if your year truck is the same as my '00 F150, but I happen to have mine apart right now so I snapped a few pics and I'll walk you through it... hopefully it helps you out.

1. Remove the large plastic cover on top of the radiator. I suggest you throw away the PITA factory "buttons" and replace them with these "easier to deal with" buttons that can be bought at any Lowes hardware store.




2. Remove the headlights. There are 2 upside down L brackets that hold the back of each light housing... pull up on them, remove any screws, pull the housing out and unplug the harness.

3. Remove the screws that hold the front grill frame, then from behind with a pair of pliers, you'll have to squeeze each of the two spring clips on the tabs that hold the lower grill frame to the headlight support. You can see the two tabs and clips on the grill frame and slots in headlight support in this pic.




4. Once you get the grill frame out, you will see how the grill is held in place with several barbed tabs... start on one side and work your way to the other by gently prying them loose with a flat head screwdriver... be carefull or you WILL break them.



Putting it all back together will be much easier. Hope this has helped.... good luck.

 

Very smart of you! Thank you a bunch

Funny thing, the grill your working with, is what I want for my truck. Let me know when you're ready to mail it to me.

 

Nice ride. PTM your lower valance and you would be right on with a cool look. IDK if I would change that grill though.

 

PTM ???
IDK ???
I really tried to figure out what that meant

 

ptm=paint to match
idk=i dont know

 

Got it, thanks

 

I bet a painted to match Expedition grille would look real good in there too.

 

Like this but PTM

 

You don't have to take the whole header panel out to get the grill surround off the truck

 

That's a no brainer. I have mine off to make a rust repair... and it just made for a better photo-op.

 

were these ever all one piece? I don't recall it being clipped in on this version. (not sure if it's same as OP's)