I know from reading other threads that many members have done this update already. But does the grill center section come out of the plastic grill surround, or does it have to be carefully trimmed out? See the pic of my front end in my signature- is the stock grill two pieces- so that the center can be removed easily?
Is this a mod that is a major PITA?

 

It's not too bad. Just replaced mine. The entire shell has to come out, then there are clips holding the center section in. Depending on the type of insert u use the clips may have to be trimmed off. But all in all its not bad, and yes they do seperate.

 

thanks man, I have been looking on eBay and there are a lot of grills, but I am hesitant to grab one- not knowing how good the quality is from a picture

 

Super you have an 02.

To the OP I know when I got my 97 used the previous owner had put in a billet grill and you could see clear as day that they had to cut out the center section. They did not do that great of a job so I had to clean it up and wound up re-painting the chrome grill shell to match the color of the truck, along with the front and rear chrome bumpers.

So unless someone else with a 97 chimes in and says differently I am 90% positive that you will have to cut the middle section out.