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Original price was $874.95. Current price is $526.00.Includes grille guard and mounting hardware
Grille guard may interfere with forward-facing cameras or sensors
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: SEMI-GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Material: Blank
Color: Black
For the conqueror in every truck, Jeep or SUV owner, the ARIES grille guard offers the tough, trail-ready look you demand. It begins with a one-piece frame of 1/4" thick welded plates and 1-1/2" mandrel-bent tubing for a solid build. Each one is made with a vehicle-specific design for a better fit, easier install and more secure mounting. The side brush guards are custom-bent to contour to the profile of your vehicle, while the mounting brackets are positioned for a no-drill application. This means pre-existing factory holes are used to ensure optimum fitment and less vibration. This particular custom grille guard fits specific years of the Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 (see application info to verify). The ARIES grille guard also makes it easy to customize the look of your vehicle. Not only does the crossbar have two pre-drilled holes for mounting aftermarket LED lights, but many of our grille guards are also available in two finish options -- polished stainless steel or semi-gloss black steel. The stainless steel grille guard is made with 304 stainless, being high in nickel content and truly resistant to rust and corrosion. This option comes with a mirror-like polished finish for a definitive shine. The semi-gloss black grille guard is made with high-strength carbon steel for added strength. It features a tough, dual-layer E-coat and black powder coat finish to protect against rust, scratches and the elements. All ARIES grille guards also come with rubber stripping along the risers to protect the frame against scuffs and scratches.

Explore ARIES products at TowUniverse for top-tier grille guards, side bars, nerf bars, headache racks, and more. Upgrade your vehicle with ARIES today!
ARIES is a fast-paced marketer and innovator of truck, Jeep, SUV and CUV accessories. From automotive enthusiasts to professional builders, our products are built for the champions of individualism, innovation and attitude.
We offer the perfect combination of unique style and durable construction, specializing in custom-fit grille guards, bull bars, side bars and running boards, as well as Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator accessories.
ARIES products are made vehicle-specific for a custom fit, and they are available for a wide variety of makes and models sold in North America.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
3 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 - 2001 | Dodge Ram 1500 | Excluding Sport |
| 1994 - 2002 | Dodge Ram 2500 | Excluding Sport |
| 1994 - 2002 | Dodge Ram 3500 | Excluding Sport |





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Yes, the ARIES 5042 1-1/2-Inch Black Steel Grille Guard, No-Drill, Select Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 (Part #BBDR5042) is designed to fit the 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500.
The ARIES 5042 1-1/2-Inch Black Steel Grille Guard, No-Drill, Select Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 (Part #BBDR5042) fits the following vehicles: 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500; 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500; 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 3500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The ARIES 5042 1-1/2-Inch Black Steel Grille Guard, No-Drill, Select Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 (Part #BBDR5042) fits 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 models. The 2002 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The ARIES 5042 1-1/2-Inch Black Steel Grille Guard, No-Drill, Select Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 (Part #BBDR5042) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the Curt 5042 grille guard is designed for 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 models. It is also compatible with 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500-3500 models.
No. The Curt 5042 is designed for 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 models only. For 2002 and later 1500 models, you will need a different grille guard.
No. The Curt 5042 is designed for 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500-3500 models only. For 2003 and later models, you will need a different grille guard.
The kit includes: 1 grille guard, 2 top clamp brackets, 2 bottom brackets, 2 spacer plates, 2 edge covers (pre-installed), 2 10-1.5mm × 40mm hex bolts, 2 10-1.5mm × 30mm hex bolts, 2 12-1.75mm × 120mm hex bolts, 4 10mm × 30mm OD × 2.5mm large flat washers, 4 10mm × 20mm OD × 2mm standard flat washers, 2 12mm × 37mm OD × 3mm flat washers, 4 10mm lock washers, 2 12mm lock washers, 4 10mm hex nuts, and 2 12mm hex nuts.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill two 7/16" holes through the lower bumper cover to mount the bottom tabs of the grille guard. The manual specifies that you mark the hole locations after centering the grille guard on the vehicle, then temporarily remove it to drill.
Yes, assistance is recommended. Step 6 specifically states "With assistance, lift the Grille Guard up to the vehicle" to align the top mounting tabs with the top clamp brackets.
The manual does not provide a specific tool list. Based on the fasteners used, you will need wrenches or sockets to fit 10mm and 12mm hex bolts and nuts, a drill with a 7/16" drill bit, and removable tape (such as masking tape) for marking. A measuring tape is also needed to locate the 22-3/4" marks on the bumper.
First, measure to locate the approximate top-center of the front bumper and mark it with removable tape. Then measure outward from center 22-3/4" along the top edge in both directions (toward driver and passenger side) and mark those spots. Slide the smaller slot on the bottom of each top clamp bracket over the edge of the steel bumper, slide the plastic cover into the middle slot, and line up the center of each top clamp on the 22-3/4" marks.
Yes. You must remove the driver side factory body bolt from under the front of the vehicle and replace it with a 12mm × 120mm hex bolt, 12mm lock washer, and 12mm flat washer, which pass through the bottom mounting bracket and spacer. Repeat this process for the passenger side.
1. Verify all parts are present. 2. Mark the bumper center and 22-3/4" points on each side. 3. Install top clamp brackets on the bumper. 4. Replace driver side factory body bolt with 12mm × 120mm hex bolt assembly and snug (do not fully tighten). 5. Repeat for passenger side. 6. With assistance, lift the grille guard and line up top mounting tabs with top clamp brackets. 7. Bolt grille guard to top clamp brackets with 10mm × 40mm hex bolts and snug (do not fully tighten). 8. Center the grille guard side to side and mark the two bottom mounting hole locations on the bumper cover. 9. Remove grille guard and drill two 7/16" holes. 10. Reinstall grille guard and bolt bottom tabs to bottom brackets with 10mm × 30mm hex bolts and snug (do not fully tighten). 11. Close hood to check clearance and adjust as necessary. 12. Tighten all hardware evenly.
The manual requires you to snug (but not fully tighten) hardware at multiple stages so you can adjust the grille guard position for proper centering and alignment before final tightening. This allows you to slide the grille guard side to side, check hood clearance, and verify that the guard is level and centered on the vehicle before permanently securing all fasteners.
Before drilling, you must verify that the bottom brackets line up with the back of the air dam and the lower tabs on the grille guard. This is critical to ensure proper fitment and avoid drilling in the wrong location.
You must drill two 7/16" holes through the lower bumper cover in line with the bottom mounting tabs of the grille guard.
After bolting the grille guard to the top clamp brackets (snugged but not fully tightened), carefully slide the grille guard side to side to center it on the vehicle. You may need to loosen the top clamp hardware to allow movement. Once properly centered, verify that the bottom tabs are against the lower bumper cover. Stand back from the vehicle to check that the grille guard is centered and level, and adjust as necessary before final tightening.
After installation, slowly close the hood to check for clearance and fit of the grille guard and brackets, and adjust as necessary. Once properly aligned, tighten all hardware evenly. Remove any protective tape used during installation. The manual recommends doing periodic inspections to ensure all hardware remains secure and tight.
Wax the grille guard after installation. Regular waxing is recommended to add a protective layer over the finish. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives, as these could damage the finish. For stainless steel finishes, aluminum polish may be used to polish small scratches and scuffs, and mild soap may be used to clean. For gloss black finishes, use only mild soap to clean. Perform periodic inspections to ensure all hardware is secure and tight.
Slowly close the hood to check for clearance and fit of the grille guard and brackets. Adjust as necessary to ensure the hood closes properly without interference. This is an important safety check before final tightening of all hardware.
The Curt 5042 fits 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 and 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500-3500 models.
Yes. You must drill two 7/16" holes through the lower bumper cover for the bottom mounting tabs.
Yes, assistance is recommended to lift the grille guard and align it with the mounting brackets.
Yes. You must remove the factory body bolts from both the driver and passenger sides and replace them with 12mm × 120mm hex bolt assemblies that mount the bottom brackets.
Before drilling, verify that the bottom brackets line up with the back of the air dam and the lower tabs on the grille guard.
Wax the guard after installation and regularly thereafter. Do not use abrasive polish or wax. For stainless steel, aluminum polish may be used for small scratches; for gloss black, use only mild soap.
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