I've seen a video showing that you can just yank the upper grille out. I've also the more proper way of taking the bumper cover off and removing things gently. Then there video of taking the lower grille out gently by removing the lower "pan" (can't remember the name of the piece right now) and using a pick tool or something to release the tabs. I'm wondering if it's possible to just yank the lower grille out like they do for the upper grille and if so, will it damage anything? I want to still be able to use the lower grill afterwards.

 

It has been a while since I did the lower grill swap. It isn't difficult to get the bumper cover off so that is what I would recommend. Better to keep your paint safe and do it right.

 

No, you cannot remove the lower grill with the simple yank like the upper. You have to release the lower from the inside before removing it.

 

Well I broke one clip while trying to release from inside and then I put various screw drivers and pick tools in between to separate and then pulled from outside. That seemed to work. No other broken clips. Now I hope the grille will stay in place with one broken clip. I will try some plastic weld to fix the clip but will be prepared for adding some body tape when I reinstall.

 

You'll be fine with just one broken clip. If your concerned, you can put silicone on the backside where the clip slides through.