RAM® 1500 to 2500 Bumper Swap - 4th gen HD Front End Conversion!

If you own a RAM® 1500 and you’ve ever parked side by side with a 2500 / 3500, you have probably noticed something on the 1500 just doesn't flow as well, and something just doesn't look as beefy and clean, even though the truck body is the same.

After standing there for a little bit, you notice all the additional plastic on the 1500 bumper and differences in shape that give it this appearance!

So the big question is, does the RAM® 2500 front end / bumper fit on a 1500?

Yes it does! Let's dive right into it.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the swap, from installation to the additional parts needed for a seamless fit. 

 

So why am I still reading this, can't I just buy the bumper and bolt it right on?

Not quite, but almost!

Even though the cab/body is the same, the 1500 and 2500 frames are different. This means that you can't just bolt a 2500 bumper on to a 1500 using stock brackets.

This is where Northspec Built Bumper Conversion Brackets come in. These adapters allow for a secure, factory-style fit, while allowing you to complete the swap without any custom fabrication. This way, the swap can be done bolt-on, in a driveway with basic hand tools!

Alex wanted to do this swap on his personal 2018 RAM® 1500, and after tons of research on the topic, he decided this HAD to be a product, so he developed the brackets, started spreading the word, filming content, and sharing his knowledge on the topic.

 

This swap works on ALL 4th gen body style RAM® 1500 trucks from 2009 - 2018, including 2019 - 2024 CLASSIC (also known as "DS") models. Yes, this includes 4th gen Rebel & Warlock.

 

Your options (what you need):

Option #1 (easiest / cheapest way to swap):

• 2010 - 2018 RAM® 2500/3500 OE / OEM bumper
• 2009 - 2012 RAM® 1500 grille
• 2010 - 2018 RAM® 2500/3500 headlight filler panels or 4th gen 1500 Warlock/Rebel headlight filler panels
• Northspec Built Bumper Conversion Brackets

Option #2 (full 2500/3500 front-end swap):

• 2010 - 2018 RAM® 2500/3500 OE / OEM bumper
• 2010 - 2018 RAM® 2500/3500 grille (has to be paired with the hood below)
• 2010 - 2018 RAM® 2500/3500 hood
  
• 2010 - 2018 RAM® 2500/3500 headlight filler panels or 4th gen Warlock/Rebel headlight filler panels
• Northspec Built Bumper Conversion Brackets

Optional add-ons:

• 2010 - 2018 RAM® 2500/3500 plastic inner fenders (gives you full wheel well coverage)
• 2010 - 2018 RAM® 2500/3500 plastic bumper valance (sits at the bottom of the bumper)
• Aftermarket accessories like an LED bar or bumper grille for the bumper cut-out

With the Bumper Conversion Brackets, no stock brackets are required! All you need is the bumper shell. The brackets bolt right to the 1500 frame, and to the 2500/3500 bumper.

 

Why can't I run a 2013 - 2018 RAM® 1500 grille?

Technically you can, but it will not look the best. 

The 2013 - 2018 and Classic RAM® 1500 grilles have bevels at the bottom corners. These bevels will leave big gaps, and will not look factory.

If you are doing the swap in stages, and you have a 2013 - 18 / Classic grille currently, you could run this grille in the meantime, until you swap it out for the 2009 - 12 1500 grille which has the rounded corners (not beveled edges). 

The 2009 - 12 1500 grille will bolt right on to a 2013 - 18 / Classic 1500, with minor modifications. 

 

Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

Doing the swap is a relatively easy process with the Bumper Conversion Brackets, having an extra set of hands is ideal. Here’s how to do it:

Installation Steps:

• Remove the factory bumper, grille and any plastics from behind the bumper that will get in the way of the new 2500 / 3500 bumper
• Bolt on your new headlight filler panels (skip this step if you have a Warlock / Rebel which already has them)
• Bolt on your grille
• Bolt your Bumper Conversion Brackets to your new bumper (8 bolts), leave all bolts hand tight to allow for adjustment at the end
• Locate the factory mounting points (frame horns) on your Ram 1500
• Mount the entire assembly (bumper with brackets) on to the truck (8 bolts). If you have a 2013 - 18 / Classic 1500, you will need to drill x2 7/16" holes to run all 8 bolts
  
• Ensure everything is properly aligned before fully tightening all bolts. Having a friend hold the bumper in place while you tighten helps big-time!
• Trim your plastic inner fenders above the bumper with a blade knife or oscillating tool (unless you are running 2500/3500 plastic inner fenders)
• If you choose to run 2500/3500 plastic inner fenders, you will need to trim them around the upper control arms
• Take a step back, and admire the new look!

 

Fine-Tuning & Adjustments

If the bumper sits slightly misaligned, loosen mounting points and re-adjust. The slotted mounting holes allow for vertical and horizontal adjustments. If the bumper was shipped to you and/or it is an OE replica, it is not un-common to come across warpage and un-true mounting surfaces. In this case, most body shops end up using washers as spacers to achieve perfect fitment, although the best method is to pull the bumper back off and make any bends / adjustments at the source.

 

Final Thoughts

If you are planning your next big mod, do the 2500 bumper swap. The process is simple, requires minimal tools, and gives your truck a major transformation!

Click here to shop for brackets!