Picture from when I first bought the truck but gives you an idea of the grill. Looking to pull it off and paint it but its my daily driver. Think I can go a period without it on. Probably not, eh?

 

I would look for a 3 day weekend, or do it on vacation..
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If you remove the entire grill assembly, you are also taking out the shutters and ambient temp sensor. The ambient temp sensor throws a CEL and also affects the AC not always running. So it would be preferable to not do so...

However, it will not cause damage. You will need Forscan to clear the codes after.

 

Best option is to find a spare grille to swap in while you send yours out. Could have some cracks or breaks or whatever, doesn't need to be perfect for a temp install

 

Only damage would be to the radiator or A/C coil - whatever's on the front side. The grille acts as some form of bug and rock deflection - it's not perfect (things do get through) however running an open maw could subject your rad to extra ingestion of road debris.



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