2014 Ram grille surround disassembly questions

[Copperhead7310]

I have a 14 Big Horn, I was looking at changing the outer grille surround to the body color but keeping the inner chrome inserts. (Basically the Sport grille)

I have an express grille and my Big Horn grille. I just want to remove the inner and swap them around. I see the clips (chrome or body colored tabs) .. the problem is around the shrouding there are some small black what appear to be one-way clips. It looks like the shrouding part needs to come off so you can get to the clips that hold the inner grille sections.

How in the hell do you get those to come out?

 

[JCJ4290]

I think it's the same clips as what holds the grille to the truck. Just force. I know it's all plastic and it's not the best to put too much force on, but that's Ram. So there should be one hole nearly center (I can't remember if there's a bolt there or not) and the rest are clips that attach to the outer grille. Push from the outside in after you've cleared the three holes on the top, the one in the center just mentioned, and the two towards the center of the crosshair.

 

[JCJ4290]

And don't think I'm not trying to figure out how to get those wheels. Had a few unexpected expenses come up, so as soon as I can figure out what my black stockers are worth to make up for it, I'm gonna pull that trigger if they aren't gone by then.

 

[Exhausted]

I just did this and it's freaking easy
You need a plastic pry bar

 

[Copperhead7310]

In the picture below, the clips I am concerned with are the small black ones that appear to hold the shrouding around the grille insert area. (red arrow)

Does that whole shrouding piece have to come off to get to more hidden clips to get the inserts out ? Am I over thinking it?

I'm just really particular about my stuff and I dont want to break anything. I have the upper grille support off (8mm bolts) I just want to swap my Big Horn / Sport inserts into the Express grille surround to go body color.
Thanks.

 

[Copperhead7310]

And don't think I'm not trying to figure out how to get those wheels. Had a few unexpected expenses come up, so as soon as I can figure out what my black stockers are worth to make up for it, I'm gonna pull that trigger if they aren't gone by then.

It's no problem man. IF you do decide to get them, I'll not only meet you half way but I'll go with you to the tire store to get them mounted. If there's anything about the wheels you're not happy with then the deals off. We go have a burger and a beer, shake hands and no hard feelings.

I just wanted you to know I had never had tires mounted on them so all I can go on is an assumption they're true. There is less weight on them than I have on my new 14 Big Horn, in fact I had considered swapping one of them out and put it on my truck. They are as good if not better than the ones I am running.

I could have easily represented them differently, just not how I roll. I still have them if you want them.

 

[Copperhead7310]

Here's a better picture. I see the clips that are blue on the express grille, chrome on the BH grille of course .. but my question is are there more of these blue / chrome larger clips under the shrouding?

 

[InspectGWS]

...but my question is are there more of these blue / chrome larger clips under the shrouding?

Yes - there are more clips under both shrouds...after you remove the 8 mm bolts, those two shrouds un-clip relatively easily (plastic clips), and then you can literally go left to right and pop loose the clips your red arrow is pointing to with a flat head screwdriver...

Another thing - I have no real idea what those shrouds actually do...I put mine back after replacing my grille inserts, but they appear to be fairly useless and actually block a lot of air from coming into the grille...

It took me about an hour and a half total to replace my inserts...

 

[Copperhead7310]

Got it replaced and I am really liking the difference. Dont get me wrong, the Laramie / Big Horn grille looks good too but in my opinion its a little too much chrome. I like the Express trucks too but on the Blue Streak Color it's just too much blue .. again, just me.

The truck was a bit dirty in the pic, I'll post a better one in a little bit. .. I think it looks a little more subtle and clean.

 

[BlownGP]

..

Another thing - I have no real idea what those shrouds actually do...I put mine back after replacing my grille inserts, but they appear to be fairly useless and actually block a lot of air from coming into the grille...

It took me about an hour and a half total to replace my inserts...

Looks like to me it directs air flow into the radiator.


Grill looks good copperhead

 

[TRXHemi]

Sweet set up sir.... I want to get those inserts for my Black Express also.... and of course, paint them black! But I like those better than the honeycomb....

Anyone want to trade?? LOL

 

[Copperhead7310]

Here's a little better picture of it cleaned up. Im really liking it. I think the chrome inserts add just enough to tie in the bumper, a little chrome in the grille emblem too.

Just not so much bling .. but it looks a little sportier too (no pun intended)

You guys know what I mean by the truck looking more 'RAM'ish' than 'Dodge'ish' ?