Aries Automotive 4083-2 - Manual (Page 3)

GRILLE GUARD
2014 SILVERADO 1500
Page 2 of 8 8/11/14 Rev2 (DP)
1. Start installation from under the front of the vehicle. Determine if the vehicle is equipped with tow
hooks. IMPORTANT: Tow hooks cannot be reinstalled with the Grille Guard.
Tow Hook equipped vehicles:
a. Remove the factory tow hook from the end of each frame channel, (Figure 1). NOTE: The
driver side tow hook removal is difficult and assistance is highly recommended.
i. Tow hook removal-option 1: Remove the hex bolts securing the driver side of the
bumper to the bracket. Use a short pry bar or large screwdriver to move the tab on
the bumper bracket up and away to clear the hex bolt and slide it out past the
bumper bracket, (Figures 2A, 2B & 5).
ii. Option 2: Remove plastic radiator grille. Loosen and/or completely remove the front
bumper to remove the long hex bolt in the driver side tow hook, (Figure 2B).
b. Reattach the bumper after both tow hooks have been removed and the openings have
been checked for Bracket clearance, (Figure 5). Tighten all factory bumper hardware at
this time.
c. Proceed to Step 2.
Vehicles without tow hooks:
a. Cut out the indented area in both sides of the plastic bumper insert to clear the Brackets
as pictured, (Figures 3 & 4). IMPORTANT: Make several small cuts for best fit. Do not cut
through the top edge of the panel. NOTE: The plastic panel is held in place with several
small screws. The screws at the top corners are difficult to impossible to reach and remove
without damaging the cover with the bumper in place. If you prefer to remove the panel to
cut out the openings, it may be necessary or easier to remove the plastic grille then the
steel bumper assembly with the plastic panel attached to access all of the small screws
and clips.
b. Reattach the bumper and/or bumper insert, (if removed), and grille once openings have
been cut out and checked for clearance, (Figure 5). Tighten all factory bumper hardware
at this time.
2. Select (1) Frame Bracket, (Figure 6). Insert the Bracket through the opening in the plastic
bumper, (Figure 5). Line up the (3) holes in the Bracket with the holes in the end of the frame.
3. Select (1) 12mm Double Bolt Plate, (Figure 7A). Insert the Bolt Plate into the end of the frame,
through the (2) holes in the side of the frame and out through the Bracket. Secure the Bracket to
the Bolt Plate with (2) 12mm Flat Washers, (2) 12mm Lock Washers and (2) 12mm Hex Nuts,
(Figure 7B). Snug but do not fully tighten hardware at this time. Repeat this Step to install the
12mm x 35mm Single Bolt Plate, (Figure 8A), into the remaining hole in the other side of the
frame channel and Bracket, (Figures 8B & 8C).
4. Next, select the driver side Mounting Bracket. Bolt the Mounting Bracket to the bottom of the
Frame Bracket with (3) 8mm x 30mm Hex Bolts, (3) 8mm Lock Washers and (3) 8mm Flat
Washers, (Figures 9 & 10). Do not tighten hardware at this time.
5. Repeat Steps 2—4 to install the passenger side Frame and Mounting Brackets.
6. With assistance, hold the Grille Guard up in position on the outside of the Mounting Brackets. Bolt
the Grille Guard to the Brackets with (4) 10mm x 30mm Hex Bolts, (8) 10mm Flat Washers, (4)
10mm Lock Washers and (4) 10mm Hex Nuts, (Figure 10). Do not tighten hardware at this time.
7. Check the Grille guard alignment with the vehicle. Adjust as required then tighten first the Frame
Bracket hardware then the (6) 8mm Hex Bolts securing the Mounting Brackets to the bottom of
the Frame Brackets. Do not fully tighten the Grille Guard to Bracket hardware at this time.
8. Next, open the hood and remove the plastic cover between the top of the grille and the radiator,
(Figure 11). NOTE: Use a small flat blade screw driver to pop up the center of the plastic clips.
9. Locate the square tube support braces running up at an angle from the top of the frame channel
to the bottom of the hood release mechanism, (Figures 12B, 14 & 15). Select the driver side
Inner Top Bracket and (1) Backing Plate, (Figure 12A). Hold the Inner Bracket up to the bottom