I've been looking at swapping out the grille on my 01 with the 05's, but is that the only other grille that is a straight swap or can I go with an even newer model grille

 

You will have to cut the bottom of the 05 grille to fit. The only other way is like I did do the whole 05 conversion, 05 header panel, lights, grille, bumper.

 

How much did that run you?

 

I searched around for the best deals like EBay if you don't care about having expensive "factory" parts. They are considered replica since they aren't "ford" but look the same check out picks of my truck on my profile.

EBay:
Harley Davidson edition headlights - $160

Partsgeek.com:
Black 05 grille no emblem - $70
05 header panel - $100
05 bumper face bar - $200
05 bumper impact strip - $100
05 bumper brackets (4) - $100
05 fog lights - $80
Total - $800 plus paint for bumper

All about what I payed not exact might be able to find all the parts cheaper if you shop around.

 

Looks good man. I've seen an 01 or 02 excursion have the grille swap, but they pulled the old one off and put the 05 grille on. It was like a 1 min video. Didn't say anything about cutting though...

 

You have to trim about an inch off the bottom for it to fit with the stock bumper I know I tried haha, that's why I decided to buy the 05 bumper because you have to for the grille to fit. You can buy precut 05 grilles for 99-04 trucks just make sure it is or you would have to cut it if its not.

 

Oh ok. Thanks man