Z71 Bumper on LTZ Sub?

[RoverDon]

Hi - First post on here and I tried to search but Z71 is too short of a term so couldn't find anything.

So, my 2010 LTZ bumper has a few cracks in it and the lower damn got torn off a few winters ago. I would love for something with more clearance as we drive our Suburban up in the snow country a lot during the winter. I know they are made of plastic but it didn't take much to deform the front end.

Or if anyone knows of a lighter steel bumper option I would love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance for any help.

-Don

 

[fiatdale]

It will mount just fine, but keep in mind that the Z71 has different fog lights (same plug), absorber, and will stick out on the sides where it meets the fender, because its made to fit with fender flares. Not sure if you are going to piece together a Z71 bumper or buy one complete.

 

[RoverDon]

It will mount just fine, but keep in mind that the Z71 has different fog lights (same plug), absorber, and will stick out on the sides where it meets the fender, because its made to fit with fender flares. Not sure if you are going to piece together a Z71 bumper or buy one complete.

Thanks - I was thinking of getting the pieces over the winter. And having it painted to match the LTZ's body color. I'll see how much the lights are as well - I forgot to put that in my tally. Good to know they are the same plug.

I was using the parts.com site as a guide: https://www.parts.com/index.cfm?fus...Chevrolet-Suburban 1500-LT-V8-5.3- Liter-FLEX

I would love to get one complete but doing a search on car-parts.com - there aren't any Z71 bumpers near me.

 

[fiatdale]

Its going to cost a ton. Youll need the bumper, skid plate, center piece, lower brackets and absorber. And like I said, it wont look right because it will stick out past the fenders unless you put the flares on it. Too bad you arent closer, I have 3 good covers right now.

 

[RoverDon]

Its going to cost a ton. Youll need the bumper, skid plate, center piece, lower brackets and absorber. And like I said, it wont look right because it will stick out past the fenders unless you put the flares on it. Too bad you arent closer, I have 3 good covers right now.

Thanks for the insight.

I heard the flares are expensive and rather spend that money on new wheels at some point.

Would a steel winch bumper be better option? I just am looking for more clearance and something that doesn't fold up when pushed against a snow pile.

 

[fiatdale]

It all depends on what look and function you want. IMO a steel bumper will make the 07+ SUV's look like shit, but thats my opinion. The Z71 bumper will give you clearance of about an inch more. Why not level the thing. Would be much cheaper than piecing out a Z71 bumper.

 

[RoverDon]

It all depends on what look and function you want. IMO a steel bumper will make the 07+ SUV's look like shit, but thats my opinion. The Z71 bumper will give you clearance of about an inch more. Why not level the thing. Would be much cheaper than piecing out a Z71 bumper.

Very good points - thanks

Look and function: I want it to look stock but have the front end not buckle so easily.

I haven't seen a front steel winch bumper that looks all that great. If I was building a trail rig maybe... And I don't want to add an extra few hundred lbs up front.

I will look into leveling. Didn't think it was possible with the air/auto setup but will search it. I also need to put it on ramps and take a good look - maybe I can fabricate something out of 14g to replace the plastic lower?

 

[fiatdale]

Is it the lower bending in that concerns you? If so, think about adding a reinforcement to where the bumper cover mounts to the rebar - the two 10mm bolts underneath. Maybe a bar that goes across and possibly a truss on the rebar extensions to prevent them from bending backwards?

I've driven through some crazy snow with mine, and driven up on curbs being lowered and none have caved the bumper cover in.