Replacement grill options - Diesel Forum

JTCox · 12-28-2000, 05:01 PM

I'm afraid of damaging my radiator/trans cooler/and/or AC exchanger due to the fact that my factory grill is large enough to throw a baseball through (almost). What have the rest of you done, if anythig, to better protect the sensitive parts behind that gapped tooth smile? I like the looks of it, so if it's possible to put a screen or piece(s) of expanded metal behind the original grill that would be fine. I have seen some of the fancier chrome guards and was looking for some options and opinions. Any information including where to buy and prices will be appreciated.

HeavyAssault · 12-28-2000, 07:19 PM

Look in TRUCKIN magazine. They have ads for several companies with a variety of grills. Also gives you a chance to see them on the truck before you spend the money.

------------------
1999 F-350 SD CC V10 Lariat 4X4 SB , Centerline Extreme Duty "Cobra" wheels 16.5x9.75, 33X12.5/16.5 BFG AT's, Garmin 12XL GPS, Cobra 148 GTL CB, Pioneer 6X8 Speakers, Seal-Tite truck box........And growing

JTCox · 12-28-2000, 10:45 PM

Thanks for the reply, I notice you've upgraded to 16.5" wheels. I think that was a smart move. It seems that the same size tires are substantially less in 16.5" as opposed to 16". How do you like them? Do the fit well? I don't recall if you have a lift or not, but I bet they would fit on a stock SD anyway. I've read a lot of posts on here about various tire sizes but have yet to read one that came right out and clearly stated what tires fit and what tires don't. My truck has pretty heavy front springs, (x springs, I guess) and sits level. I THINK it would take a 35" tire, but don't dare try it. Seems to me that the 33" ones like yours would make a good set of summer tires.

j-man · 12-30-2000, 06:37 PM

Good reply, Truckin' has great grill options. I put on a Stull grill. I cut out the middle per instructions. It was a pain! If I had to do it again I would buy the whole thing.(Grill and outer shell).

------------------
Justin
2000 Excursion, 4:30 gears, Black on Grey. Tuff country lift w/add-a-leafs, 35x13.5x16 Micky Thompson Baja Claws on 16x9 Weld sidewinder rims. billet grill and lookn'good, added 315/75/16 tires for winter.

[This message has been edited by j-man (edited 12-30-2000).]

2hi4u · 12-31-2000, 06:52 AM

My doing it the eazy way. I'm trading with someone that has an X grill

NoMo · 12-31-2000, 10:32 AM

Wish I knew someone with an Excursion to trade grilles. I'll probably end up buying one from Ford. I like their look better than the inserts.

------------------
2000 4x4 F250 XLT SuperCab SWB- V10, Automatic, 4.30LS, Offroad Pkg, Camper Pkg, OEM Hitch, Tape/CD Player, Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding Rear Window, Privacy Tint, Aluminum rims, 265/75R16 OWL tires, Line-X bedliner
NoMo's site

2hi4u · 12-31-2000, 05:45 PM

NoMo
I would ask around for a few days before ordering one from Ford. That's what I did.

NoMo · 12-31-2000, 07:39 PM

Thanks for the suggestion. I just have to "find" someone with an Excursion. I've considered asking the dealer to trade one off a new X... maybe during a test-drive! JK

HeavyAssault · 01-01-2001, 09:15 PM

I don't have any pictures to send but there are a few in the pic area that show the 16.5 wheels on trucks. I bet you could fit 35's but they might rub under suspension flex. I haven't had any probs and hope to get the X springs to level mine out as well.

------------------
1999 F-350 SD CC V10 Lariat 4X4 SB , Centerline Extreme Duty "Cobra" wheels 16.5x9.75, 33X12.5/16.5 BFG AT's, Garmin 12XL GPS, Cobra 148 GTL CB, Pioneer 6X8 Speakers, Seal-Tite truck box........And growing