Aries Automotive 4084-2 - Manual (Page 3)

GRILLE GUARD
2014 GMC SIERRA 1500
EXCLUDES DENALI
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 only enough 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 bolts through the tow hooks, (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 lower portion of 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. 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 with the bumper in place
without damaging the cover. 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 and grille, (if removed), once openings have
been cut out and checked for clearance, (Figure 4). Tighten all factory bumper hardware
only at this time.
2. Select (1) Frame Bracket, (Figure 6). Insert the Bracket through the opening in the driver side of
the plastic bumper, (Figures 4 & 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
channel, through the (2) holes in the side of the frame and out through the Bracket. Secure the
Bracket to the Double 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 Grille Guard 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). Snug but 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.
Use a small flat blade screw driver to pop up the center of the plastic clips. NOTE: On some