replacing rear bumper step pad

[moore.m]

I want to switch out my stock step pad with a Denali step pad with the chrome strip. Is there a how-to posted or has anyone done this that can explain it to me? I'm fairly handy but never done things on my automobiles (or had a vehicle worthy of improvement).
I just bought this black 2011 (born on Dec.) Yukon SLT-2 last Jan. and want to add some chrome.

---------- Post added at 03:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:00 PM ----------

forgot to mention, i also have the tow package which looks like it may get in the way...

 

[NathanJax]

you cant just swap it out. the Denali pad is 1/4" longer than your OEM one and will stick out from the rest of the bumper.

You have to get the whole Denali/ (09+) Tahoe LTZ/ Escalade bumper to do that pad

 

[moore.m]

Thx Nathan, i found another thread where a person was able to do so...with vague instructions. Not discounting your stmt but that really does suck if its true, therefore i have ask...are you sure?

http://chevroletforum.com/forum/tahoe-suburban-25/removing-rear-bumper-cover-20682/

Thinking about the cost and efficiencies of mass produced/assembly line vehicles....Would GM really make a bumper different by 1/4" between two vehicles that are so closely alike and essentially the same outside of amenities/engine?

 

[NathanJax]

I'm sure. When I bought mine it had the Denali pad on the Yukon bumper and it stuck out.

here's mine (a LONG time ago)




In your link in that close up pic you can clearly see it sticking out.



I drew a red line were you can see it sticking out...






There are plenty of people who have done the swap to get the chrome (mainly because of a rear end accident more than just wanting the chrome strip) and if you want more assurance, here's a few threads about it...

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48597

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42018

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22669

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33493

 

[moore.m]

thanks nathan, i appreciate all the insight and forum links. This is too bad, i'm going to assume a new bumper, step pad, and chrome will cost more than i was planning. Plus i was looking under the truck and the tow bar really seems to be in the way to access the middle sensors so changing a bumper may be more difficult too.

I saw someone who asked and was told you could paint it??? Did i misunderstand something?

I guess i'll look for chrome running boards and esky side step pads,....maybe the esky/denali chrome roof racks but they seem expensive

 

[NathanJax]

for the Esky/Denali running boards, keep checking eBay and ESPECIALLY Craigslist. They are normally $1100 or so, but can be had for $300 - $500 used. I bought mine on CL for $350 I think.

Same with the Esky/Denali roof rack. I think they are $500-$600 new and can be had for $150 - $300 used. I waited in got mine on eBay for around $150 shipped.

 

[moore.m]

Hey Nathan,
Was looking at ur truck/upgrades and it looks super cool, mind sharing thoughts on some of the links below?
I was looking at adding chrome in general so i am now thinking side chrome on the doors but dont know much about how to get that existing molding off, chrome roof racks, and chrome running boards?

roof racks:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tahoe-Roof-...n|Submodel:Denali&hash=item20deccff07&vxp=mtr

running boards:
http://www.runningboardwarehouse.co...nning-boards-cadillac-escalade-2007-2012.aspx

chrome side molding:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-10-GMC-Yukon-Denali-Chrome-Door-Side-Molding-Covers-/380155784953

Btw, i have wood grain in most all the truck except by the nav, & middle console strip (not the cup holder) but saw your notes say urs is denali wood grain vs yukon wood grain, is there a difference?

 

[NathanJax]

That's the right roof rack, but like I said, you can get it half that price if you wait and search daily for deals.

wrong running boards (if you're wanting OEM) here's running boards for $300 https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pts/4330984924.html (I don't know where you live but some people from craigslist will ship. I had someone willing to ship from Ohio but found some local just before paying him)

wrong side molding (if you're wanting OEM) and that will look TACKY on (I promise). If you want the true Denali/LTZ ones with the chrome strip above it, call Nordstroms. There are plenty of threads on this on here as well if you search.

you can remove your side molding using fishing string and a 3m eraser wheel (plenty of threads on this on here as well if you search)

Yes there is a difference in woodgrains for yukon, denali, tahoe. Yukons don't have a woodgrain around the radio to match. You'd have to get it hydro-dipped or swap ALL your wood for Denali or Tahoe wood.

 

[moore.m]

yeah i thought the side chrome boards was too big.

I liked the roof racks but there is a complaint on that ebay seller by someone who said the racks are not auth gm racks...and quality was lacking so that was worrying me a bit, what are your thoughts with none oem parts that look the part?

I found these running boards but they too look like replica oem parts

http://www.runningboardwarehouse.co...nning-boards-cadillac-escalade-2007-2012.aspx

oh yeah, i have a wood grain center console piece for the cup holders but couldnt really tell if that was a different type of wood grain (except maybe it was slightly darker), but a dealer tech (when getting oil chg) told me it wasnt suppose to be in my suv...

 

[NathanJax]

I like the OEM ones, but that's just me.

My yukon was put together in about 4 months because I had the money to spend and I had the patience to wait for a deal. So if I deal did come up, I could jump on it right away because I had the money ready. Every day i searched CL and eBay for exactly what I wanted, It got repetitive after a few weeks, but like I said, after 4 months it was exactly how I wanted it.