[Noob question] Z71 front bumper swap to regular bumper, fog lights an issue?

Hey dudes,
Newbie here, first thread. Not new to car enthusiast forums though - over 10 years on corvetteforum.com with over 10,000 posts, looking forward to starting a groove on here. I am eyeing a blk/blk 2008 Tahoe Z71, I love the silver interior over the wood and the gauges are sweet. Only issues I have is the silver in the middle of the bumper, square fog lights, and absence of the lower plastic shroud.

With as many of these on so many models, finding the "regular" stuff should be a breeze. Will the non-Z71 front bumper snap on with no problems, along with lower plastic shroud? Are the electrical connections for the fog lights the same, just plug n play. Hahaha, I have it mapped out in my head like it is a walk in the park. I know from experience of messing with my other GM monster for years, it is never that easy... anyway, can't wait to start modding my first truck! I did a search on the forum and that it can be cumbersome to find Z71 trim parts. Also, my search found that the Z71 may have different fenders, so curious as to how that can look with a non-Z71 bumper.

I might go the LTZ route and have the interior pieces painted or CF covered, but I think it will be cheaper the other way and I will get the gauges and bad arse suspension.

Sorry, I know lots to read, but I am getting close to taking the plunge.

Thanks dudes

Welcome to the forum, hopefully somebody answers your question.

Must be a tough question.

Any reason I should get a 2009 over a 2008, except for warranty timing?

I have a 07 z71. The silver grew on me. I've seen the silver painted black too might be easier.

sent from my thunderbolt

I prefer the z71 bumper over the stock bumper. Flows with the lines on the truck better

Google pics of the Z71. You'll see that the bumper lines up with the stick-on fender flares that come only on the Z71. Put on a regular bumper, and it looks like it'll come short of the fender flares.

Personally, I don't like fender flares on these trucks at all. Liked them on my '02 Z71, but I think it's a bad look on these otherwise-clean trucks.

So, unless you also love those fender flares and the sides steps (and since you already don't love the bumper), I'd forget the Z71 and just get an LTZ (and mod that).

Yeah just get an LTZ. I really like the z71 should of gotten that or a 4x4 yukon.


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Ok, I see the beefier flares now, thanks. I didn't notice it staring at two black ones in person side by side a couple days ago in the sun, probably because of the black and they were parked pretty close to each other. well, I like the idea of having fender flares. Gives it more of a beastly stance. I remember noticing the side steps, which I liked.

can the lower plastic shroud from a non-Z71, bolt on to a Z71? that will give the face the vertical depth I am looking for

No the lower plastic shroud will not bolt on (unless the front valence is modified). The Z71 has outer lower winglets versus the one piece.

Humy said:

well, I like the idea of having fender flares. Gives it more of a beastly stance.

Click to expand...

To each, his own. I think the fender flares on these are way too busy, and I don't like that "rocked forward" look of them, either. But, then again, that's why I got an LTZ and not a Z71.