99-05 grill only conversion question

[7.3powerstroke99]

In the conversion write up he trimmed the grill to make the conversion work. My question is if it would work to grind and shape the section of the bumper that blocks the 05 grill, instead of cutting the grill allowing the entire grill to stay entact, This way when I can afford to build the winch bumper I want I will still have a complete grill to build around.

I have been looking over the stock bumper and the mounting setup up and as far as I can see it looks like it would work without a problem and it would look alot better.

What are your thoughts?

Heres a link to the conversion thread:
Cutting an 05 grill to fit a 99-04
Thanks

[7.3Leader]

I think I've read it works but you have to trim the bottom part of the grill.

[7.3powerstroke99]

Originally Posted by 7.3Leader

I think I've read it works but you have to trim the bottom part of the grill.

You still need to trim the grill if you trim the part of the bumper that normally meets the grill?

[lizardking7750]

I'm pretty sure the 05 grille mounts on the bottom are in a different location than the the older style. By this I mean the header panel on your truck will have the lower grille mounts higher than the 05 style.

[7.3powerstroke99]

Originally Posted by lizardking7750

I'm pretty sure the 05 grille mounts on the bottom are in a different location than the the older style. By this I mean the header panel on your truck will have the lower grille mounts higher than the 05 style.

Yeah it will...im just wondering if Ill have enough clearance for the whole grill by grinding off the bumper where the stock one meets with the stock bumper temporarily so I can keep the entire grill instead of hacking it, that way when I fab my winch bumper I can make it look stock with the 05 grill.