Grille emblem removal question

[DEADDACK_33]

Hello fellow Ranger owners,

New member reporting. I took ownership of a gently used 2024 Ranger XLT 2.3L in oxford white a little over a week ago. I've always wanted a Ranger and really dig the current gen. So far, I'm liking it. Very cool truck. I've previously owned a Sport Trac, couple of F-150's, an Escape, and a Mustang.

Anyway, on Friday I took some rock spray on the highway and thankfully there wasn't any damage to the windshield or mirror caps, however, there was a pretty good impact to the grille emblem. Right now the crack is held together with some glue and a small piece of Scotch Tape to keep the broken piece from falling out. It is small and at a glance a person likely wouldn't even notice it, but I know it's there so I can't unsee it. Plus I just got the truck, which makes it even worse.

So, I'm thinking about just swapping the cracked emblem out for a new one. From what I understand, the emblem mounts to a bracket that mounts to the grille. The emblem is held on by three retaining washers (or O-ring retainers, or push-on lock washers, everyone calls them something different) that slide onto three pins on the back of the emblem. The bracket is held on by several clips.

I've read through some of the threads in this section related to grille removal, or emblem removal. Looks like most people remove the entire grille when doing any work behind it. My question is, has anyone been able to remove and then re-install the emblem without removing the grille entirely? If so, any tips or words of advice/caution? Is removing the bracket and then removing the emblem from it a better option? Would love to hear from some people who've done this very thing.

For what it's worth, grille removal looks fairly straightforward, save for the fragile clips along the bottom. But I'm thinking if I'm going to remove the entire grille, maybe I should put one of those cool Raptor grilles on. But I digress. For now, the plan is to replace the emblem.

Thanks in advance!

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[ATestBishop]

I'd recommend removing the grille, it's not too bad just be cautious with the thin lowest clips, not really thinking it's good to do it any other way but sounds like your on it. Now the replacement emblem could be pricey though, even compared to the generic raptor style grille

 

[DEADDACK_33]

I'd recommend removing the grille, it's not too bad just be cautious with the thin lowest clips, not really thinking it's good to do it any other way but sounds like your on it. Now the replacement emblem could be pricey though, even compared to the generic raptor style grille

Thanks for the input. Yes, I think removing the grille is the way to go based on everything I've read and seen in other threads. Luckily I have different trim removers and oddball hook tools that are good for reaching those clips to release them, plus a heated shop to work in, so logistically it's not a big deal. But of course, if I can do the emblem swap without removing the grille, that would be nice.

And yes, you are correct about the emblem being pricey. I contacted my local Ford dealer this morning to price it out. About $115 for the emblem and $5.50 for each retainer, and they come in a 4 pk. So $22 for them. So $137 all in

 

[ATestBishop]

The retainers I didn't research, could you use your originals? If you work top down slow it should be fine, you pull out the "wings" furthest outside's of the grille directly out by hand probably just brace yourself. Yes angled picks and lances whatnot do help release hard to reach clips, I was successful with no damage so I'm confident you'll get it out. Once out just work to release the emblem module clip by clip to slide it out forward

 

[DEADDACK_33]

The retainers I didn't research, could you use your originals? If you work top down slow it should be fine, you pull out the "wings" furthest outside's of the grille directly out by hand probably just brace yourself. Yes angled picks and lances whatnot do help release hard to reach clips, I was successful with no damage so I'm confident you'll get it out. Once out just work to release the emblem module clip by clip to slide it out forward

I would plan to reuse the retainers, but I always like having some spare hardware on hand in case something breaks, or looks like it could break. My rule of thumb is if hardware looks suspect, chuck it and put on new. But with how pricey the little retainers are, I may forgo them and plan to reuse the originals.

For the clips at the bottom, they pull up to release, correct?

 

[ATestBishop]

My recollection is they are low profile and push down, so on re-install the are pushed up by the grille and click to secure. It has been awhile since I saw them close up, if you use a probe and press down and the flex a good bit, that I remember was my clue as to how they released, but it has been some time now. I do remember them being somewhat low profile and somewhat wide

 

[DEADDACK_33]

My recollection is they are low profile and push down, so on re-install the are pushed up by the grille and click to secure. It has been awhile since I saw them close up, if you use a probe and press down and the flex a good bit, that I remember was my clue as to how they released, but it has been some time now. I do remember them being somewhat low profile and somewhat wide

Thanks, appreciate the insight into removing the grille. Definitely something I think I can manage but if I do it I will do it on a day I have lots of time so I don't rush anything and can really take my time with each step.

 

[ATestBishop]

Yep, and I find as you are reaching the finish line, try not to let your guard down to wrap it up, just stay steady because that's a time when I remember I've made errors myself

 

[Cabman1939]

I bought two of these for $20, on Amazon. They are for 2015-2021 F-150. They fit great.

 

[DEADDACK_33]

I bought to of these for $20, on Amazon. They are for 2015-2021 F-150. The fit great.

That does look good. Is it a vinyl decal or an emblem overlay?

 

[Cabman1939]

That does look good. Is it a vinyl decal or an emblem overlay?

It's made of thin stamped aluminum with double sided tape. I'm sure it won't last forever but I really didn't like the blue oval.

 

[DEADDACK_33]

It's made of thin stamped aluminum with double sided tape. I'm sure it won't last forever but I really didn't like the blue oval.

Very cool. It's a nice in-between option. Now I have something more to think about

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