Front Bumper Question

[Steelkilt]

Since getting my 98 Suburban back in October I've been trying to figure out what purpose is served by the two rectangular holes in the front bumper on either side of the tag mount. I saw them described as air intake holes but I'm still wondering what they do. Any information would be apppreciated.

[DmaxMaverick]

Air passing through the holes is deflected up and through the cooling stack by the air dams (plastic "ramps" behind the holes). They add to cool ram air available to the cooling stack, and why it is important to not block them, or move/remove the air dams behind them.

[Robyn]

I always wondered why the new body dtyle needed them and the old style rigs 82-91 Burbs etc. did not have any special stuff to run air through the stack.

The old Body style was like a flying barn I guess. :D

Robyn

[Steelkilt]

Air passing through the holes is deflected up and through the cooling stack by the air dams (plastic "ramps" behind the holes). They add to cool ram air available to the cooling stack, and why it is important to not block them, or move/remove the air dams behind them.

thanks. one of the ramps is missing, now i'm thinking i should replace it.

[Subzilla]

On a side note, check out these bumpers with built in fog lights for the 73-80 body style at LMC truck parts. http://www.lmctruck.com/ICATALOG/CC/full.aspx?Page=78

Looks kinda cool! Not sure why it doesn't fit thru '87, though. Is there a difference?

[DmaxMaverick]

On a side note, check out these bumpers with built in fog lights for the 73-80 body style at LMC truck parts. http://www.lmctruck.com/ICATALOG/CC/full.aspx?Page=78

Looks kinda cool! Not sure why it doesn't fit thru '87, though. Is there a difference?

The frames are different. 1988 was a transition year for 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks. It was actually 1987.5 (January 1987, or there abouts) when the GMT 400 tooling began. The bumper should also fit up to 1991 older body Suburban, full size Blazer/Jimmy and some 3500's (crew cabs, IIRC).

[Subzilla]

No, the description says it will fit up to 1980, not 1987.

[DmaxMaverick]

The ads also shows up to 87, apparently not the ad you referred. 80-82 were also transition years, but I wasn't aware the frames changed. Perhaps it doesn't fit the sheet metal?

[arveetek]

73 to 80 front ends are different than 81 to 87 (91). The front fenders, hood, grill, bumpers, etc. are all different shape. The front frame horns are slightly different as well. That ad shows a 73 to 80 bumper with round lights, and then a 81 to 87 bumper with square lights (which is just the stock 81 to 82 bumper).

All bumper listings, whether stock or aftermarket, have separate listings for 73 to 80 and then 81 to 87.

Casey

[MTullis]

I would like to pick up on this thread that I found by searching (sort of new to this site, btw). I have a 94 K2500 Suburban and am considering mounting a warn "classic" winch bumper with 12K winch that is coming from a 1990 Chevy truck (pic attached). I have read that GM switched to this platform for trucks in 88 and then to Suburbans in the 1992 model year. Does this sound right?

So I'm assuming this bumper set up will fit my 94. If anyone has experience with this type of bumper, I'd appreciate any comments.

I'm also wondering about the air intake issue. Warn used to offer optional air scoops for this bumper style, but they are no longer making them, as it is an obsolete product number, they told me. I am going to try to track one down, but if I can't find one, I wonder if something could be fabricated.

I appreciate any ideas or suggestions.

Thanks,

- Mark