Installing 14-18 GM step bumper on 07 Classic Duramax

[taws697]

Figured I’d do a small write up on a bumper install I did a little while back. I really liked the idea of steps in the bumper on the 14+ trucks. (I recently noticed that early avalanches have them also.) The fact that you can still utilize them while hooked to a trailer and without lowering the tailgate is nice in my opinion.

So, I tracked down a new takeoff bumper from a 2018 1/2 ton locally. Paid $150 for it complete with brackets, license plate lights, harness, trailer plug, etc. I was looking for a 1/2 ton bumper specifically because I noticed that the HD ones had a raised section at each end of the top step. I didn’t care for how it looked.

I couldn’t find a lot of info on the swap. I read that 1/2 ton to 1/2 ton it was a direct swap, but was unsure about mine being an older 3/4 ton. I removed my bumper and started hanging the new one. The new 1/2 ton brackets bolted right to the frame of my truck, but they hung the bumper about 3inches too low. I did more research on 15-19HD trucks and determined they would not work either.

I decided to graft the new 1/2 ton brackets onto my original brackets. After tracing everything out and cutting apart the brackets, I welded everything back together. Then I sandblasted and painted them.

Click to read more...

 

[taws697]

After the brackets were done, I bolted everything up and was finally happy with the placement on the bumper. The license plate harness plugged right into my plug. The trailer connector harness also plugged right in to the new bumper setup. The only issue left was the hitch receiver. 99-07s used a receiver that bolts to the bottom of the bumper for support. The new bumper had nothing to bolt to. So I wound up buying an aftermarket receiver that solely mounts to the frame. (The first 2 pics are the old receiver.)

 

[taws697]

Overall, I happy with how it turned out. I find myself using the steps pretty often. Figured I share Incase anyone else was looking to do the same thing. Let me know what you guys think!

 

[RICH17]

Looks good

 

[Stink Star]

I like it. Looks stock and unless you were really paying attention nobody would notice it

 

[Bub]

That looks good man. I believe if you remove the cover where the mirror arms attach you can add a few washers to the top bolt if you wanted them parallel to the ground.

 

[EmersonHart13]

I love the GM Bumper steps. Great addition!

 

[CMNTMXR57]

Nice!

 

[taws697]

I like it. Looks stock and unless you were really paying attention nobody would notice it

Thanks, I agree.......I think most people don’t realize it’s a newer bumper.

That looks good man. I believe if you remove the cover where the mirror arms attach you can add a few washers to the top bolt if you wanted them parallel to the ground.

Thanks, I’ve been meaning to do that modification to the mirrors

I love the GM Bumper steps. Great addition!

Thanks! They are handy for sure

 

[CMNTMXR57]

Still trying to figure out where those mountains are in WeGo.

Is that bumper a little wider than the OEM? It looks like it overhangs each side a little to help accomodate those steps.

 

[taws697]

Still trying to figure out where those mountains are in WeGo.

Is that bumper a little wider than the OEM? It looks like it overhangs each side a little to help accomodate those steps.

Check out this thread I made about heading out west:

Recent western tour with the camper

Hey guys, figured I’d do some documenting of a trip I recently took out west with my wife, sister, and brother in law. My wife and I had been wanting to visit Zion National Park in Utah for a while. Unfortunately, I was only able to get 11 days off of work so we crammed a lot in! The trip wound...

www.thechicagogarage.com

The bumper fits up tight against the body even on the bedsides, but it does hang out a little more due to the steps.

 

[Yaj Yak]

Very nice