I am thinking of replacing my original '99 grille & bumper with the later '05-'07 style.
My question is I have a Xenon front air dam on my '99 now that I would like to retain and swap to the newer bumper.
Anyone know if this is possible?
Will the newer grille and bumper just "bolt on"?
I've seen the ultra-expensive cut-down grilles on Ebay and before I do that I think I'd like to spend the money and just get the '07 bumper to go with the grille but am concerned about the mounting of both pieces....

 

Here's my experience from a week ago:

If you replace the grill and bumper at the same time the fiberglass header panel that the lights and grill bolt to must be replaced. The lower grill attachments won't line up correctly otherwise.

If you put in an 05-07 header panel it will NOT fit with the 99-04 bumper without some serious cutting of the grill, header or bumper. You'll just need to replace everything at the same time. Nothing worse then front end surgery only to find it not fitting, at all. Day light fading, out comes the sawzall. Thank goodness for cheapo junkyard parts.

I don't believe the bottom of the bumpers match. But I can't be for sure on it since I couldn't afford one.

Long story short I ended up cutting the new style grill and header panel to match my old style bumper. I actually like the looks of it.

All things considered, if you're replacing the bumper, lights and grill, just replace the header too and it's all plug and play.

 

I wasn't planning on doing the '05-'07 style headlights just yet as I just upgraded to the '02-'04 ones....
I sold my original grille that had been painted white execpt for the chrome on the outside-kinda looked like the cheap plastic grilles they have on our local ambulances that house special lights and sirens-I didn't like that look-I bought an ALL-CHROME '99-'04 style from an aftermarket company and the SECOND one is now going back as its complete crap and is discoloring right before my eyes.
And before I spend nearly $400.00 for a NEW factory '07 style grille that has been specially modified to fit '99s-'04s I thought I'd just shop around for an '05-'07 bumper and a grille to match USED, then re-sell my nice chrome '99-'04 bumper......
I am also thinking of buying a FACTORY XL grille new and having it chromed myself here in the US so may be it will NOT discolor like the imports did.
Suggestions? comments? we all sure the header panel has to be swapped to put the '07 bumper & grille on?

 

I don't think the xenon air dam will fit the newer bumper.

Why don't you just buy the stock 05 grille and cut it yourself.... it is easily done...

 

OK, So if I get a stock uncut '07 grille and bumper they will fit, but the lower grille attachment points will not line up because of the difference in the header panel? how do the guys that sell the modified '07 grille on Ebay alter the grille to fit the '99-'04 header panel? I've heard of guys using zip ties to hold the lower part of the grille on-is it possible I could do this temporarely? until in a few years I swap to the '07 lights and header panel?? Thanks!

 

Supercab,
I used the XL grill as a cheap upgrade on my truck. I originally had the chromed '00 grill. I'm not sure you can realistically chrome the XL grill. It's just too flexible. Wouldn't the chrome flake off?

Yes. Zip ties are fine and used quite often. It just has to hold down the bottom of the grill. I'm actually using little black bungie cords and it works just as well. I just didn't have large enough black zip ties.

The guys with the modified ebay grill usually jury-rig a screwed on clip system to reuse the old clip points on the 99-04 header. Can't really see it unless you get up real close and inspect it. Works perfectly.

If you search in the superduty forum you'll find directions on how to cut the grill. It's a simple job (MUCH cheaper) and even if you butcher it (I did), it's very hard to actually notice the poor cutting.

You'll be happy with the change.

 

Dan I think I'd be interested in your '00 Chrome grill if you still have it? Please PM me....Thanks! Rick

 

I'd give it to you but the reason I changed the front end was because of deer damage.

The grill and header were toast. The grill caught the whole weight of the deer body. It's amazing the AC cooler wasn't destroyed. It only got banged up.

 

Dan, Wow! What a mess that must have been! Hope no one was hurt...
How hard is it to change the header panel?

 

to all the guys that have done it, where did you get the parts. i want oem parts or parts of oem quality and will pay for it