Dee Zee DZ503245 - Manual (Page 4)

GRILLE GUARD
09-ON DODGE RAM
Page 2 of 6 12/30/08 Rev2(DP)
Nuts. NOTE: On some vehicles, it may be easier to assemble the two-piece bracket on the
vehicle. Snug the hardware but do not tighten at this time.
B. Remove the hex nuts on the two lower factory bumper bolts, (Figure 2A). Insert the
assembled Mounting Bracket up from behind the bumper and align the holes in the Mounting
Bracket with the bumper bolts. Attach the Bracket to the bumper bolts using the factory hex nuts
and snug but do not tighten the hardware, (Figure 2B).
For models with tow hooks:
A. Remove the (2) hex nuts holding the front of the tow hook to the back of the bumper,
(Figure 3A). Select the driver side Lower Mounting Bracket and hang it from the tow hook
mounting studs, (Figure 3B). Attach the Lower Mounting Bracket to the two studs using the
factory Hex Nuts. Snug the hardware but do not tighten at this time.
4. Repeat Step 3 for the passenger side Mounting Bracket installation.
5. Moving to the top of the grille opening, open the hood to access the mounting location for the
Upper Support Brackets, (Figure 4). Remove the headlight mounting screw and insert the Upper
Support Bracket between the steel radiator core support and the headlight housing, (Figure 5).
Reinstall the factory hex bolt and snug but do not tighten at this time. Repeat this step for the
passenger side installation.
6. Lay the Grille Guard face down on a clean surface on the ground in front of the vehicle. Secure
the Grille Guard to the outside of the Mounting Brackets using one 12-1.75mm x 35mm Hex Head
Bolt, (1) 12mm Lock Washers, (2) 12mm Flat Washers, and (1)12mm Hex Nut per side to act as
a hinge in the location pictured in Figure 6. With assistance, rotate the Grille Guard up to line up
with the Upper Support Brackets and insert (4) 12-1.75mm x 35mm Hex Head Bolts, (4) 12mm
Lock Washers, (8) 12mm Flat Washers, and (4)12mm Hex Nuts into the remaining holes in the
Mounting Brackets. Use (2) 8mm x 20mm Button Head Allen Bolts, (4) 8mm x 24mm OD x 2mm
Flat Washers, (2) 8mm Lock Washers and (2) 8mm Hex Nuts to fasten the Upper Support Bracket
to the Grille Guard, (Figure 7). IMPORTANT: Slowly close the hood to check for clearance
between the hood and the Upper Support Brackets. Adjust as necessary then snug but do not
tighten the hardware.
7. Stand back from the vehicle and check to see that the Grille Guard is centered and level on the
vehicle and adjust as necessary. IMPORTANT: Once properly aligned, tighten only the hardware
securing the Mounting Brackets to the truck. Do not tighten the hardware on the Grille Guard.
8. Remove the Grille Guard but leave the Mounting Brackets on the vehicle.
9. Next, hold the splash guard up to the bumper cover and align it with the mounting points. Mark the
location of the Mounting Brackets onto the back of the splash guard, (Figure 8). Cut an
approximately 1/2" wide by 4" long slot in the splash guard as pictured in Figure 9. NOTE: The
size of the slot is an estimate only and may vary due to different factory designs for the splash
guards and front bumper covers. Also, additional cutting may be required to clear the Support
Bracket on vehicles equipped with tow hooks. Hold the Support Bracket in location to check for
clearance and cut as required. IMPORTANT: To maintain the integrity of the splash guard, do not
cut the slot any larger than necessary. Do not cut through the front or back edges. It is
recommended to make several small cuts and check the fit often for a clean installation.
10. Once the final cuts have been made, reinstall the splash guard using the factory hardware. Use
the included (2) 6mm x 20mm Allen Bolts, (4) 6mm Flat Washers and (2) 6mm Hex Nuts to
replace the rivets if required, (Figure 10).
11. Once the splash guard is in place, install the Lower Support Brackets.