whats the easiest way to take this thing off - i dont need and am thinking about getting the lower grill.

 

on my 01 I undid the screws on the backside behind the valance, then cut those tabs off and pulled it out the front. Didn't take long.

 

They're required here in the state of Texas but I think I'm going to go ahead and lose mine also.

Tried at it once, but the unfortunate thing is, the tabs on the plate holder are inserted back between the valence and the bumper. You get under the truck and try to loosen the nuts (located on top) and you can't get to them because of some black flat "thing" that lays on top of the nuts. It's just a beeeyotch to get to this thing!

Hints?

 

You have to pop the metal clips off of the plastic bracket. I used a thin screw driver from the front side between the valance and the bumper. There a bitc# to get off but I wanted to keep the bracket in one piece in the event I get a ticket and need to put it back on.

It's required here in Calif but you usually won't get in any trouble if you're not some smarta$$ punk looking for trouble.

You can also just cut the plastic tabs which is easier but then you will have to replace the bracket if you ever need to put it back on.

 

thanks guys but - i looked at mine and it looks like it has bolts that attach it to the bumper and there is barely any clearance to get my hand and a wrench in there.

 

You have to get the bolts from the back side. It is a very tight fit for sure. After you take the bolts out there are metal clips with the bottom side threaded. they have to be popped off to slide the plastic bracket out the front between the valance and the bumper. It's a bit of a pain but definitely worth the effort. See my sig

 

I have an '02 and recently pulled it off too. You have to get at it from under and behind. Doesn't take to long at all. I have big hands and was able to do it-- just take your time (<10 minutes).

I also remember that I had to pull on something to get at it... don't worry about this as it is plastic and flexible. When done there was no evidence that I was ever back there.

/tg

 

Utility knife....comes off in less than 10 seconds

 

That's true JaxHarley, if you don't mind ruining the bracket. Here in Calif you are supposed to have a front bracket though they usually don't bother you unless they want to be an A$$ or you are doing something stupid.

If I should get a fixit ticket for my front plate I wanted to make sure the bracket was usable.

 

Exactly my concern. Looks like I was doing the right thing, I just ran out of patience with it. *L*

I think this may be a good excuse to go find something resembling a racheting open-end wrench since the socket head was far too large to fit under the plastic on top of those bolts.

Sears, here I come!

 

HawgGawd,
Yeah I went to my Dad's house, he's a retired Ford mechanic, so he has quite a nice variety of tools so it made it much easier to remove.

Good Luck and keep your patience!

 

I managed to remove mine with a 1/4" ratchet and the right size socket (7 or 8 mm I believe). You also have to loosen the ones holding the valance to the bumper some so you can extract it once you remove its screws. It's really not that hard, it just takes finding the screws. Mine is a 2001, but I doubt they changed considerably.

 

I live in texas and they are required. I used the Knife Method for 30 seconds or less removal. Let's just say I am committed to no front plate...

"Your sh;tting me, officer! I had a $200 custom harley logo plate on the front! Damn Thieves! "

Ken

 

Took the bolts out of mine. Its not required here in SC. Go at it from underneath and behind. Didn't take too long but my arm got tired and hand got scratched up pretty good. Good luck! Sure looks better without it.

 

finally got it off!!!!! woohoo!!! truck looks way better. thanks guy for all your help.