Rugged Ridge | Grille Insert, Black | 11401.32 | Fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK

While I think it looks good, that wasn't my reason for buying it. I wanted a barrier for airborne objects; I don't usually have a lot of problems with birds, bugs, rocks etcetera. It's possible I'll rarely have that problem, but I'd rather have it, and not need it, than need it and not have it. It will take me years to pay my Jeep off, I think it should be protected as much as possible.It looks good, it's contoured ~ I'm happy with it.

It was easy thanks to all the reviews giving tips. Because I have the black inserts prior to this one and wanted to keep them I had a few more steps then others. Before installing the metal insert I had to pop off the 7 black inserts. After removing the seven I installed this insert (used zip ties to prevent raffling) and then I had to bend the metal insert away from the grill in all locations that my previous inserts snap on for it to fit more flesh. It’s a little time consuming, but if you like a look you work for it right?

Received the item in a box that was not taped and slightly opened, the screw package was close to falling out - 0 starsItem bent, possibly during shipping, bent at an angle across the center giving it a twist and looking like a hockey stick - another 0 starsNo styrofoam to protect the item during transit or inside another sturdier box - 0 stars(Once I get my phone back to working, I'll post pics)Product itself - 4 starsNow, I was able to bend it back, roughly into shape without it breaking or any paint cracking. As with other reviews, I'm not to sure about not having a 3rd bar or some sort of strap to hold the center. Install was simple enough. I did not like having the nut sitting on top of grill so I measured the depth onto the radiator cross member and drill into it using a step-bit, allowing me to install with the screw head on top of the grill. This also gave me a little room for adjustment as needed as JKs are sorta funky on the front alignment of hood, grill etc.I like the looks and time will tell if it's durable. I may pull it back off and figure out how I want to put a bracket of some sort in the center. At the very least, it'll protect the cooler and radiator more.

I wanted something to protect the radiator behind the grill bars, I did not like the look of the plastic inserts. I had seen versions where folks buy y metal screening and just zip-tie it to the grill bars, I wasn’t quite at that point yet and then I found this by Rugged Ridge. Looks great in black, mounts very simply and solidly, no whistles or noise that I came hear while going down the road. Very happy with this product.

My 2011 Rubicon JK came with a mesh grille when I purchased the Jeep, but at one of the maintenance visits, the grille disappeared. I finally purchased this product online and am so happy I finally did. It was easy to nstall (minor drilling). It took me about 1.5 hours. I recommend this product.

The good: well made mesh screen that looks good.The bad: installation is lacking. Kit comes with two curved L shaped brackets and allegedly some nuts and bolts (mine lacked the nuts and bolts). Some minor drilling is required. The brackets do not conform to the shape of the grille and they interfere with reinstallation. The middle of the grille insert is unsupported. It took me about 30 minutes to do the install after I dug up some nuts and bolts. To be blunt, I probably would not order this again simply because of the lack of attention paid to the installation.

If you need an insert just stop looking and buy this one. Installation takes less than 30 minutes and the results look as good as anything else your going to look at. I didn't use zip ties the provided hardware works just fine if you just think about what you're doing. Install it with the idea that the spring tension will hold the grill against the fascia. So install it so that pressure will be exerted against the grill using the supports.And as far as people getting upset that the screw on the top causes the front grill to bow up where it rests against the plastic liner... you and your mechanic will be the only people on the planet to notice the 1/6 of an inch flex bulge that you can ONLY see when the hood is open.

Completed, it looks great! Hides the nasty radiator well, and the insert matches the screen vents in my AEV heat reduction hood. The retaining bars needed a bit of bending in order to press it down enough to have the drilled holes not hit an edge. Also, I followed the advice of another review here, and used zip tie squares to secure the screen down in the middle. Wish I had taken a pic, as I put two, one each on either side of the middle vent, but in the middle rather than the end as in this last pic that was from the other reviewer. This takes a bit of finesse… slip the zip tie thru the square, and then, pressing the screen down, reach fingers from the front vent and work the tie thru the screen holes and zip snuggly. I feel doing it in the middle (from top to bottom) should help keep it secure from rattling.