Pre-Runner Grille Guard Install on Dodge RAM

By Armordillo® | Premium Truck & SUV Accessories – Armordillo4x4 | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to install a pre-runner grille guard on a Dodge RAM 2500 or 3500, including mounting, wiring the LED light bar, and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer

To install a pre-runner grille guard on a Dodge RAM, mount the guard to the frame using the provided brackets, then wire the LED light bar with a relay and fuse. Use a second person to align the guard before tightening all bolts.

Why Frame Mounting Matters

A pre-runner grille guard on a Dodge RAM 2500 or 3500 needs to attach to the frame, not just the bumper. The frame provides the strength to handle off-road impacts and the weight of the guard itself. Most kits, including the ARMORDILLO ARX Series, include brackets that bolt directly to the frame rails.

If your truck has a factory front bumper with sensors or cameras, check the clearance before you start. The guard should not block the sensors or interfere with their operation. If it does, you may need relocation brackets or a different guard design.

LED Light Bar Wiring Basics

The LED light bar on a pre-runner grille guard needs a dedicated circuit with a relay and fuse. Tapping into an existing wire can overload the truck's electrical system. Use the battery as the power source, a switch inside the cab, and a relay to handle the current draw.

Seal all connections with heat-shrink tubing and use a grommet where the wiring passes through the firewall. This prevents shorts and keeps moisture out. If your guard comes with a light bar pre-installed, like the ARX Series, the wiring is still your responsibility.

Installation Steps

Gather Tools and Parts: You'll need a socket set, torque wrench, drill with metal bits, wire strippers, crimpers, heat-shrink tubing, and a wiring kit with relay and fuse. Check the kit's instructions for any specific tools. Have a second person available for lifting and aligning the guard.
Prepare the Truck: Park on a level surface, chock the rear wheels, and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove any factory tow hooks or brackets that might interfere with the guard mounting. Take photos of the original bracket positions for reference.
Dry-Fit the Guard: With help, hold the guard in position against the frame and align the mounting brackets. Do not tighten any bolts yet. Check that the guard sits level and does not contact the grille or bumper. Adjust the guard's position before drilling any holes.
Drill Mounting Holes (if needed): If the kit requires drilling, mark the holes with a center punch, then drill pilot holes before the final size. Deburr the edges and apply rust-preventive primer to exposed metal. Use a drill stop to avoid damaging the frame.
Mount the Guard: Bolt the guard to the frame using the supplied hardware. Tighten all bolts gradually in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. Torque to the manufacturer's specification. Re-check all bolts after 100 miles of driving.
Wire the LED Light Bar: Run the power wire from the battery through a fuse to the relay, then to the light bar. Connect the relay trigger wire to a switch inside the cab. Ground the relay and light bar to a clean metal point on the frame. Test the light bar before reassembling the grille or trim.
Test and Adjust: Reconnect the battery and test the light bar. Check that the guard does not vibrate or rattle at idle and that the hood opens fully. Adjust the light beam angle if needed. If the light bar flickers, check the ground connection first.

Product Spotlight

ARMORDILLO® ARX Series 2019-2024 Dodge RAM 2500 3500 Pre-Runner Grille Guard w/ LED Light Bar: The ARMORDILLO ARX Series Pre-Runner Grille Guard is constructed from heavy-duty A36 steel and finished in a corrosion-resistant black powder coat. This steel construction provides the strength needed for serious off-road protection, and the powder coat helps resist rust in harsh conditions.
ARMORDILLO® ARX Series 2019-2024 Dodge RAM 2500 3500 Pre-Runner Grille Guard w/ LED Light Bar