So, after a front-end impact a while back, I just got my CRD back from the body shop. They do impeccable work and I'm very happy with their output. I did, however, notice a difference in spacing/tolerance between the plastic grille and the bumper cover. Looking back at historic photos, the gap is noticeably less in years past. I want to figure out if it's:
1) just really clean and I'm noticing it becuase there's no longer the little black foam liner behind the grille (Mopar doesn't make it anymore).
2) the grille is different and doesn't come down far enough
3) the bumper cover (which is NOT the same mopar part that was there originally, it's the one that has the tow-hook holes molded in) somehow doesn't come UP enough.
4) something in the front core support which might be adjustable slightly.

Some background, the repair involved a new bumper cover, new steel crossmember (bumper), new radiator/light/grill support frame (molded plastic), new hood latch structural strut (goes from bumper to upper radiator support.

As far as I know, neither the upper or lower radiator support frames were touched. The Driver's fender took some damage and was replaced along with the structural bumper.
after photo:
Carnage photos: http://kj.polter.net/pics/20130925_carnage/

Dan

_________________

2005 Silver CRD Limited
245/75R16 GoodYear Duratracs
Fumoto drain | ProVent CCV Filter
Stanadyne FM100 filter | Cummins fuel pump
GDE Eco | SEGR | BoulderBars | FrankenLift | Frankenskids

I think it looks pretty good. I hit a deer at 60 mph. Did a lot more damage as it spun and took out the passenger front & rear door. We ( insurance adjuster, body man and myself) missed the hood damage as the bug deflector did not break but its head must have kinked the front hem on the hood. Still looking for good used hood to repair along with bumper skin. Every thing else is new or 000 used.

I agree it looks good. Wish mine was silver.

_________________
05 liberty Sport Black CRD,GDE trans tune, Stant 13519 thermostat , Samco Hoses, Weathertech mats, segr, K &N filter ,2nd gen fuel head, 2.5 inches lift, JBA A-arms, Roof rack,
99 Camaro Silver LS1 heads, loud mouth, fast as hell and just as fun!!!
It was stock when I got it but now It's mine!!
You only love it if you change it!!

It may be a slight difference due to how the shop aligned them. But looking to mine, that didn't seemed touched, looks similar. I used a 1/2 extension to give you an idea.

_________________
2005 kj CRD, samco, suncoast tc, provent, Kennedy lift pump, GDE ECO full torque, 2nd gen filter head, 245/70/16 a/t tires, mopar light bar, fumoto oil valve, OEM Skid Plates, ARB Front bumper and HD OME, tru cool LPD47391 40k GVW tranny cooler (stock cooler delete), FF Dynamics e-fan and shroud, rocker arms replaced, HDS2 190F thermostat.

That front grill just snaps on, so if it's low/high it's because they have moved the brackets inside that it snaps to.

_________________
Silver 2006 KJ 2.8L CRD Limited:
GDE ECO Tune / Fumoto Valve / E-Tecno GX3123 7v Glow Plugs / 2nd Gen Fuel Head / Mishimoto RED Hoses / Rockers/Lifters @ 114k / Hayden FC + 11 Blade Nylon / Sears P1 Battery / Transgo 45RFE-HD2 Reprogramming Kit / Timken Front Bearings