Aries Automotive 5058-2 - Manual (Page 3)

GRILLE GUARD
09-2013 RAM 1500
Page 2 of 6 6/4/12 (DP)
c. 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 4).
NOTE: On some vehicles, it may be easier to assemble the two-piece bracket on the vehicle. Install the
Upper Frame Bracket first, then bolt the Lower Frame Bracket to the bottom as previously described.
d. Install the driver side Lower Support Bracket with the bent end toward the front of the vehicle,
(Figure 3). Bolt the Support Bracket to the inside of the Lower Mount using the top round hole in
the Lower Mounting Bracket with the included (1) 12mm x 35mm Hex Bolt, (2) 12mm Flat
Washers, (1) 12mm Lock Washer and (1) 12mm Hex Nut, (Figure 4).
e. Attach the flat end of the driver side Bracket to the frame with (1) 12-1.5mm x 30mm Special Fine
Thread Hex Bolt, (1) 12mm Flat Washer and (1) 12mm Lock Washer, (Figure 4). IMPORTANT:
The hole in the bottom of the frame is fine thread. Only use the 12-1.5mm x 30mm Hex Bolt
provided in the hardware kit. Snug but do not tighten all hardware at this time.
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 5).
b. Select the driver side Lower Mounting Bracket, (Figure 6). Hang the Bracket from the tow hook
mounting studs using the factory Hex Nuts, (Figure 7). Do not tighten hardware at this time.
c. Bolt the flat end of the driver side Support Bracket to the inside of the Lower Mounting Bracket
using the second round hole from the top, (Figures 6 & 8). Use the included (1) 12mm x 35mm
Hex Bolt, (2) 12mm Flat Washers, (1) 12mm Lock Washer and (1) 12mm Hex Nut.
d. Attach the bent end of the Support Bracket to the rear tow hook bolt. Loosen the rear mounting
bolt for the tow hook. Insert the slotted end under the head of the factory bolt, (Figure 8).
e. Snug but do not tighten all hardware at this time.
4. Repeat the appropriate Step 3 for the passenger side Mounting Bracket installation.
5. Move to the top of the grille opening and open the hood, (Figure 9). Remove the driver side inner headlight
mounting screw. Insert the driver side Top Bracket between the radiator support and the headlight housing,
(Figure 10). Reinstall the factory hex bolt and snug but do not tighten at this time. Repeat this Step for the
passenger side Top Bracket installation.
6. With assistance, hold the Grille Guard up to the outside of the Mounting Brackets. Bolt the Grille Guard to
the Brackets with (6) 12mm x 35mm Hex Bolts, (12) 12mm Flat Washers, (6) 12mm Lock Washers and (6)
12mm Hex Nuts, (Figure 11). Do not tighten hardware at this time.
7. Line up the driver side Top Bracket with the (2) threaded inserts in the bottom of the headlight guard tube.
Bolt the Bracket to the inserts with (2) 8mm x 20mm Button Head Allen Bolts, (2) 8mm x 22mm x 1.5mm
Flat Washers and (2) 8mm Lock Washers, (Figure 12). Repeat this Step to attach the passenger side Top
Bracket. Do not tighten hardware at this time.
8. IMPORTANT: Slowly close the hood to check for clearance between the hood and the Top Brackets.
Adjust as necessary then snug but do not tighten the hardware.
9. 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 lower
frame Mounting Brackets to the truck. Do not tighten the hardware on the Grille Guard.
10. Remove the Grille Guard but leave the lower Mounting Brackets on the vehicle.
11. Next, hold the splash guard up to the bumper cover and align it with the mounting points, (Figure 13). Mark
the location of the Mounting Brackets onto the back of the splash guard. Cut an approximately 1/2" wide by
4" long slot in the splash guard as pictured in Figure 14. 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. 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 of the cover, (Figure 14). Make several small cuts first and check the fit
often for a clean installation.
12. Check the fit and reinstall the splash guard using the factory hardware. Use the included (2) 5mm x 15mm
Allen Bolts, (4) 5mm Flat Washers and (2) 5mm Lock Nuts to replace the rivets if required, (Figure 15).
13. Re-install, level and adjust the Grille Guard as described in Step 7. Tighten all hardware.
14. Do periodic inspections of the installation to make sure that all hardware is secure and tight.