NEW Lexus GX470 Grill
A new Lexus Gx470 grille is a great way to transform the front end of your vehicle and can significantly enhance its appearance and give it a modern touch. In this article, we'll explore a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade the front end of your Lexus GX 470 with a Trail Runner Customs grille upgrade. With the help of some basic tools and the right instructions, you can achieve a sleek and stylish look for your 2003-2009 Lexus Gx470.
Step 1: Prepare for Installation
To begin, gather a few simple tools for the job. These include a ten millimeter socket, pliers, and a screwdriver. These tools will be used throughout the installation process. The grille upgrade is a direct replacement, so no cutting or drilling is necessary.
Step 2: Remove the Factory Grille
Start by popping the hood of your vehicle using the interior hood latch located inside the driver's door. This will release the hood, allowing you to lift it.
Once the hood is open, you'll find the hood latch that connects the grille to the hood. Locate the two bolts holding the hood latch in place and use a ten millimeter socket to loosen and remove them. Carefully lower the latch and let it hang from the hood.
Next, shift your attention to the bolts securing the factory grille onto the hood. These bolts are situated across the top and bottom of the grille and can be identified by their small silver nuts. Use the ten millimeter socket to loosen and unscrew all of these bolts. They should come off easily, and you may be able to remove them by hand once they're loosened.
As you remove each bolt, make sure to keep them safe, as they will be reused during the installation of the new grille. It's important to retain the original hardware for a proper fit.
After removing all the bolts, you can gently lift the factory grille straight back and it should slide out easily. Set the old grille aside for now.
Step 3: Prep the New Grille
Take a moment to examine the old grille and identify the rectangular bolts located on its upper section. These bolts need to be removed and preserved, as they will be reused for the new grille. While most of the rectangular bolts can be pulled out easily, some may be rusted or difficult to remove. In such cases, replacement bolts are provided with the new grille.
Carefully remove the rectangular bolts from the old grille, ensuring that you have all of them accounted for. As you extract each bolt, set it aside for later use.
Now, turn your attention to the new grille. Flip it over to reveal the underside where the rectangular bolts will be installed. You have a choice between using the OEM bolts that came with the grille or the replacement bolts provided. For optimal fitment, it is recommended to use the OEM bolts, but the replacement bolts can be used if necessary.
Insert the rectangular bolts into the designated slots on the new grille, aligning them with the corresponding holes. You may need to apply some pressure and give them a slight wiggle to ensure a secure fit. It is important to have all the bolts in place for proper installation.
Lastly, apply the adhesive seal provided with the new grille to create a flush seal between the top of the grille and the hood. Peel off the adhesive backing and carefully place it along the lip of the top of the grille.
Step 4: Install the New Grille
Begin by raising the new grille to the front of the vehicle. Take note of the metal bolts on the grille and ensure they align with the corresponding holes on the hood. Carefully slide the grille into place, making sure all the metal bolts fit snugly into the holes.
Once the grille is seated properly on the hood, it's time to attach it securely. Retrieve the nuts that were used to remove the factory grille and hand-tighten them onto the pegs of the metal bolts. Start by loosely tightening the nuts, allowing for adjustment of the grille before final tightening.
At this stage, take a moment to ensure the grille is properly aligned and centered. Pay attention to the overall fit and positioning. Once you are satisfied with the placement, you can proceed to tighten the nuts using a ten millimeter socket wrench. Be cautious not to overtighten, as this can cause the rectangular bolts to spin and make it challenging to properly secure them.
Carefully tighten each nut, gradually moving from one to another. This will ensure an even distribution of tightening and a secure attachment for the new grille. Double-check that all the nuts are tightened to a snug but not overly tight position.
Step 5: Finalize the Installation
At this point, you are finished with fastening the grille. You can now replace the hood latch and close the hood. We also provide lights for the grille, and the wiring process can be found in another article.
Conclusion:
Transforming the front end of your Lexus GX 470 with a Trail Runner Customs grille upgrade is a relatively simple process that can elevate the style of your vehicle. By following these step-by-step instructions and using basic tools, you can achieve a refreshed and modern appearance. Enjoy the updated look of your vehicle and revel in the compliments it will undoubtedly receive on the road.