Grille guard

[JEK10]

Hello,
First diesel truck. 2021 Ram 1500 Ecodisel. Would like to put a steal front bumper grille guard combo or grille guard on for extra protection in N. Georgia mountains. Seems everything I’m finding will not work with the ecodiesel. I’m not very mechanical in the auto realm but can fix your body if needed (I’m medical Flight Nurse/Paramedic). Something about the airflow intake for engine cooling. Can someone please help me?

 

[John Jensen]

IMO the Ranch Hand is the best looking combo guard and bumper but the Rancher has the best mounting system. They both have units for 2019+ HDs, I thought they had for the 1500 as well. I have a Rancher Guard on my 2020 HD, love it

 

[CAVEMANN]

I don't think the fact that it's an ECODIESEL matters at all.

 

[John Jensen]

I don't think the fact that it's an ECODIESEL matters at all.

It does make a difference as the 1500 tow hooks are different and mount differently than the HD tow hooks.

 

[CAVEMANN]

He asked about a 2021 ECODIESEL 1500 AND A GASSER, not an ECO & an HD. I answered based on the info provided, maybe the 21 is different but I don't think the 2017 era trucks matter across the 1500 platform.

 

[John Jensen]

He asked about a 2021 ECODIESEL 1500 AND A GASSER, not an ECO & an HD. I answered based on the info provided, maybe the 21 is different but I don't think the 2017 era trucks matter across the 1500 platform.

Okay.

 

[JEK10]

IMO the Ranch Hand is the best looking combo guard and bumper but the Rancher has the best mounting system. They both have units for 2019+ HDs, I thought they had for the 1500 as well. I have a Rancher Guard on my 2020 HD, love it

Must bumper and grill guards state “exclude Ecodiesels”. Some thing about the Intercooler. Do you know of any?

 

[John Jensen]

Must bumper and grill guards state “exclude Ecodiesels”. Some thing about the Intercooler. Do you know of any?

No, haven't looked, no need, already have one on my2016 Eco and one on my 2020 HO.
Was just trying to help, apparently my help didn't fit your questions.

 

[John-The-Baptist]

I got a “late” start in and to this thread (as it is presently May 2024.)

I am still posting anyway, just in case some “future” RAM 1500 (Diesel) people may need some help.

I purchased the Westin Westin HDX Grille Guard (and Winch) from www.westinautomotive.com

MOST Grille Guard makers do NOT like you to install their products on an EcoDiesel (including Westin).

BUT - I DID INDEED get the Westin HDX Grille Guard (and Winch) installed (this is the part number: 57-93975A).

Westin ALSO gave me the very same warning ⚠ (as I have the EcoDiesel 2023 Limited).

But (I was stubborn so) ordered it anyway. To make a LONG….story, short - it DID INDEED mount.

BUT (one caveat), you cannot installed the secondary bracket (that supposedly) is a “Load” piece (there just isn’t any or enough room, due to [as noted] the Diesel Intercooler getting in the way.)

But, when everything was installed it seemed very stout & firm, to me I also installed the:

1) Westin Superwinch
2) Two 10 inch Lightbars (from Westin), which mounted on the Bar.
3) Westin Tow-hooks
4) Parking Sensor relocation kit.

All is well except for the #4 (sensor relocation) - as it seems that the RAM computer is somewhat now “confused” - but I think this just a matter of moving the sensors around, till it [they] get back in “Sync.”

Other than that - everything else went Smooth as Butter

PS/BTW/FYI - I don’t believe that this [the Grille Bar or Winch will in any way “interfere” with the airflow, as the Winch has a very small cross-section.

Plus, there is still an area, just below the winch tray, where air can readily flow to the intercooler Then the last curiosity (and big question) is WHY in the heck is Westin not supporting the EcoDiesel installation, for the HDX Guard?!?

My guess is that it is an issue of “Liability” - as in, they don’t want to be sued, for the small (but “key”) support (or core) bracket not being able to be installed (with the EcoDiesel).

So their solution? - to not support the EcoDiesel, entirely! Lastly, in my opinion, if the main bracket can be installed, then I am SURE that some type of Engineering solution can be found (for adding another [different] core support), Right?!? (That is, if they had smart enough engineers, to figure it out).

My two cents