Seriously...whats the front end difference of 09-12 and 13-14

[kg93]

I'm going crazy over trying to find out the front end difference between the 09-12 and the 13-14 trucks.

I was going to get a front bumper and i really do like the smittybuilt ones and there the cheapest lmao but it says on there site that its only for 09-12

What i don't understand is some bumpers say they fit 09-14 some say 09-12 some say 13-14

what the hell is the difference? are the mounting points the same for the bumpers because the design looks the same to me. You would think if some bumpers fit 09-14 shouldn't they all?

I emailed smittybuilt and got an answer from someone in customer service who obviously didn't know what they were talking about, they said thier front and rear will work up to 2013 but he didn't think it would work for my year.
My year is a 2014...so that makes no sense? And there website says 09-12 so i'm guessing its a gamble unless someone can chime in about mounting points and design.

 

[mjd91]

The grill goes further down on the 13+ trucks so the dip in the middle of the bumper is deeper.

 

[grantmcw]

I'm not sure about the mounting points, but the fog lamps changed from horizontal to vertical. So maybe when you are looking, the ones that say 09-14 don't have the fog lamp cut outs. It'd make since that if that's the only difference a bumper for trucks without the lamps would fit all the years, but bumpers with the lamps would fit 09-12 and 13-14 respectively.

 

[BlackRamHemi]

as mentioned,
the 13+ grill is set a couple inches deeper into the bumper
So the bumper sub structure under the skin is different also

2009-2012 grill (my 2010 with 13+ projector lights)


09-12 grill flat across the bottom, new one has angled outer lower corners

2013-2015 grill


The hood/headlights/fenders are the same (interchangeable)
the front bumper skin, sub structure,fogs and grill are different.

...so is the badge (new ones have the top corners clipped off at an angle)

 

[Arth]

I actually wonder what is different.

I mean the tow hooks fit from 2009-2015. Means they didn't change the front part of the frame right?

Yes I just put 2012 hooks on my 2013.

 

[BlackRamHemi]

The guy I bought my 2014 Sport wheels from has done two 10' to 14' Sport front end conversions with parts he picked up at the wrecker.

He said I could make my 10' bumper work with a 13+ skin with a little cutting and welding, (and new fogs)
He tried that with his first build and said it was too much work, even showed me where he had to cut/narrow the metal frame parts.

The 13+ skin definitely wont fit on a pre 13' bumper without modification.

I've considered making the swap since the rest of my truck exterior has already been transformed.

I just cant give up my custom Billet Badges though,
and they can't make the Viper emblems anymore. (copyright registered trademark)
for the newer 13+ grill recess with angled upper corners

 

[kg93]

ahh i see, i just dont get why some aftermarket bumpers say they will work for all years