How to Install Steel Craft HD Grille Guard - Black on your Silverado

REMOVE CONTENTS FROM BOX AND VERIFY ALL PARTS ARE PRESENT. READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CUTTING MAY BE REQUIRED. ASSISTANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. INSTALLATION MAY INTERFERE WITH FRONT MOUNTED SENSORS. 

1. Open the hood and remove the cover between the top of the radiator and the grille, (Figure 1). Remove the hardware attaching the grille at the top and bottom.

2. Determine if the vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, (Figure 2). IMPORTANT: Tow hooks cannot be reinstalled with the Grille Guard.

Tow Hook equipped vehicles:

a. On 2014-15 models, from behind the bumper, release the clips and hardware to remove the plastic body panel, (facia), on top of the bumper between the bottom of the grille and the top of the bumper, (Figure 3). On 2016-on models, temporarily remove the grille.

b. Loosen the factory bumper bolts attaching the bumper to the inner bumper bracket bolted to the end of the frame, (Figure 4). IMPORTANT: It is not necessary to remove the bumper, only loosen the hardware enough to rotate the bumper to remove the long hex bolts from the tow hooks.

c. Once tow hooks and hardware have been removed, tighten all factory bumper hardware. On 2014-15 models, reinstall the facia panel. On 2016 models, reinstall the grille but leave loose.

d. Proceed to Step 3.

Vehicles without tow hooks:

a. Cut out the indented area in both sides of the plastic bumper insert to clear the Brackets as pictured, (Figures 5 & 6). IMPORTANT: Make several small cuts for best fit. Do not cut through the top edge of the panel.

3. Select the driver side Mounting Bracket, (Figure 7). Insert the Bracket through the opening in the bumper, (Figure 8). Trim the plastic as required to clear the Brackets.

4. Line up the holes in the Bracket with the holes in the end of the frame for the tow hook, (Figure 8). Select (1) 12mm Double Bolt Plate, (Figure 9). Insert the Bolt Plate into the end of the frame, through the (2) holes in the side of the frame and out through the Bracket, (Figures 9 & 10). Secure the Bracket to the Bolt Plate with (2) 12mm Flat Washers and (2) 12mm Nylon Lock Nuts. Snug but do not fully tighten hardware at this time.

5. Repeat Step 4 to install the 12mm x 35mm Single Bolt Plate, (Figure 11), into the remaining hole in the other side of the frame channel and Bracket, (Figures 12 & 13).

6. Next, select the driver side Mounting Bracket. Bolt the Mounting Bracket to the bottom of the Frame Bracket with (3) 8mm x 30mm Hex Bolts, (3) 8mm Lock Washers and (3) 8mm Flat Washers, (Figures 14 & 15). Do not tighten hardware at this time.

7. Repeat Steps 3—6 to install the passenger side Frame Brackets.

8. Move up to the front of the vehicle. Carefully tilt the grille forward to access the area directly in front of the radiator, (Figure 16). NOTE: Use a block of wood to hold the grille tilted forward while installing the Top Brackets.

9. Locate the square tube support braces in front of the radiator running up at an angle from the top of the frame channel to the bottom of the hood release mechanism. Select the driver side Inner Top Bracket and (1) Backing Plate, (Figure 17). Hold the Inner Bracket up to the bottom of the brace tube with the Backing Plate over the top. Bolt the Brackets together around the square tube with (2) 6mm x 25mm Hex Bolts, (2) 6mm Lock Washers and (2) 6mm Flat Washers, (Figures 17 & 18). Leave loose at this time.

10. Repeat Step 9 to install the passenger side inner Top Bracket and Backing Plate.

11. With assistance, hold the Grille Guard up in position on the outside of the Mounting Brackets. Bolt the Grille Guard to the Brackets with (4) 10mm x 30mm Hex Bolts, (8) 10mm Flat Washers, (4) 10mm Lock Washers and (4) 10mm Hex Nuts, (Figure 19). Do not tighten hardware at this time.

12. Check the Grille guard alignment with the vehicle. Adjust as required then tighten first the Frame Bracket hardware then the (6) 8mm Hex Bolts securing the Mounting Brackets to the bottom of the Frame Brackets. Do not fully tighten the Grille Guard to Bracket hardware at this time.

13. Select the driver side Outer Top Bracket, (Figure 20). Insert the Outer Bracket through the grille and up to the Inner Top Bracket assembly, (Figures 21 & 22). Slide the inner Bracket assembly up or down the tube to match up with the Outer Top Bracket. Bolt the Outer Bracket to the top of the Inner Bracket with (2) 6mm x 25mm Hex Bolts, (2) 6mm Lock Washers and (2) 6mm Flat Washers. Leave hardware loose at this time.

14. Line up the outer bent end of the Top Bracket with the hole in the Grille Guard upright. Attach the Outer Top Bracket to the upright with (1) 8mm x 25mm Button Head Bolt, (2) 8mm Flat Washers and (1) 8mm Nylon Lock Nut, (Figure 23).

15. Repeat Steps 13 & 14 for passenger side Top Bracket installation, (Figures 23).

16. Level and adjust the Grille Guard and fully tighten all hardware. IMPORTANT: Adjust the position of the Top Brackets so that they cannot come in contact with the plastic grille, (Figure 22).

17. Reattach the grille and reinstall the top plastic cover.

18. Do periodic inspections to the installation to make sure that all hardware is secure and tight.

To protect your investment, wax this product after installing. 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 that could damage the finish.

For stainless steel: Aluminum polish may be used to polish small scratches and scuffs on the finish. Mild soap may be used also to clean the Grille Guard.

For gloss black finishes: Mild soap may be used to clean the Grille Guard.