XLT Grill

[Yardbird]

I have a 2000 XLT, Extended Cab, 2.5L and most of the "chrome" is blasted off the plastic grill from all the sand that blows around in Eastern Colorado. I want to replace it with the black honeycomb style. Would it fit and what year/model should I look for in the bone yard to find one?

 

[Kowboy]

From what I can tell, Ranger grills from 98-2000 will fit your vehicle. The honeycomb grill I believe, was for 2001-2003.

 

[stmitch]

Kowboy is correct. The honeycomb grille won't fit without changing other things too.

It is a bolt-on affair, but you'd have to replace the header panel, headlights, turn signals and grille. Its a fairly common front end swap.

You could always try your hand at making the honeycomb insert fit into your current grille surround. Cut the middle out of your current grille, match the shape of the honeycomb insert to your stock grille (it shouldn't be much different) and join the two pieces with your chosen method.

 

[Yardbird]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like more than what I want to get into right now. If I do, what is the header panel. Is that what the radiator bolts onto? I've seen that part called the radiator support.

 

[stmitch]

There is a metal support that runs from one side of the truck to the other, tying the front end together, and supporting the radiator. Its known as the core support, or radiator support, and is welded to the rest of the body structure. It would not have to be replaced for the swap you want to do.

The header panel is a composite (fiberglass/plastic) piece that attaches to the front of the core support. It's what the headlights, turn signals and grille are mounted on. It all bolts together.

 

[XLTsplash]

My Dad had a 2000 Ranger and we changed the chrome grille to a body color grille and added some good looking inserts made be Street Scene. That Ranger was totaled in a accident. And my Dad never took any good pictures of the truck