2014 Bighorn grill design

[redvetram]

I’ve got a 2014 Ram 1500 Bighorn with the 3.6 V6 engine. I’m wondering if anyone else has had issues with this grill and the truck running hot. The grill looks like basic horizontal billets but it actually has a solid black plastic backing that has small oval holes in it. It seems to me that this design seriously impedes airflow to the radiator. My coolant temp will often get in the high 220s and 230’s if the ambient temp is over 60, especially on long hills. I’ve seen the oil temp over 230. My tranny regularly runs 195-220.

Looking at other Rams on the road, their grills seem to have far better airflow to the radiator. In most cases, you can even see the radiator through the grill. Definitely not the case with mine. It’s nearly solid other than the widely space oval holes. Wondering if replacing the factory grill inserts with something with a more open mesh design would help with cooling.

 

[quietpeen]

my 2016 with the hemi has the same grill design and it has no issues with running hot.

 

[crash68]

I’ve got a 2014 Ram 1500 Bighorn with the 3.6 V6 engine. I’m wondering if anyone else has had issues with this grill and the truck running hot. The grill looks like basic horizontal billets but it actually has a solid black plastic backing that has small oval holes in it. It seems to me that this design seriously impedes airflow to the radiator. My coolant temp will often get in the high 220s and 230’s if the ambient temp is over 60, especially on long hills. I’ve seen the oil temp over 230. My tranny regularly runs 195-220.

Is this while driving ? or towing? or driving like you stole it(lol)?
If your towing/hauling something I would worry about those numbers too much, maybe back off the throttle a little. Your trans temp is fine as long as it's not spiking or staying above your coolant temp.
The Sport(honeycomb) and Longhorn(basket weave) style grills do flow more air. Anyone towing heavy with an EcoDiesel will usually change to one of those two, if they have the BigHorn style grill.
Another thing to check, it could be the AGS causing the higher temps. If your noticing the higher temps, turn the AC or your defrosters on. If the temps come down it's the AGS doing it's job.

 

[meedom]

Get the honeycomb grille, it definitely cools a few degrees better on my BigHorn 5.7....

 

[Hemi395]

Get the honeycomb grille, it definitely cools a few degrees better on my BigHorn 5.7....

I’ve been looking for honeycomb inserts for my Big Horn grill, can you buy just the inserts?

 

[Ramm5.7]

I’ve been looking for honeycomb inserts for my Big Horn grill, can you buy just the inserts?

If you can find them, yes. I found a primer surround and honeycomb inserts on Letgo for 70 bucks about a year ago. Someone may trade you inserts also, some people like the sport/Bighorn slats