Anyone run without the "bumper cover" & air deflector?

ftwhite · July 26, 2022

I am rebuilding my front bumper because like rock beats scissors, trailer hitch beats bumper. (ie: I slid into the truck in front of me on the trail). These bumpers fold up easy by the way.

First, the names they give these components are deceiving. For example, the metal/chrome insert on the lower plastic "bumper cover" (which itself doesn't cover the bumper) is called the "skid plate". I am doubtful that this piece will do anything to help with skidding against anything. Maybe some light branches and tall grasses.

What I am wondering is: has anyone left the lower two plastic pieces on the front bumper off for extended periods? Or run with aftermarket bumpers that don't have these lower pieces (more pre-runner/ old truck look)? Basically, they seem to be air dams and some road debris protection of the suspension components. I like the look without them, and assume I will lose some gas milage, but do I also expose the running gear to more snow/slush/spray/bugs/rocks? does it matter, or just wash off?

Also: bonus points for anyone who knows what "Underbody Brackets" (GM (23212858)) are for? Their part description says, "Helps align and secure various components" but nothing is attached and nothing seems "aligned". They're the two cups welded to the bottom of the frame rail (see picture).

HoosierZ · July 26, 2022

I’ve been running mine since 2016 with those pieces removed. I built a tube framed skid plate to fill the opening between the tow hooks and swapped the flimsy splash shield for the optional GM aluminum skid plates. The fender liners hang below the bumper, so I trimmed about 2” off of them. Even with a 2-1/2” lift and aggressive 285/65/18 E rated tires, I still average 18 mpg commuting to work and I’ve seen low 20s mpg on highway trips at 55-60 mph.

asilverblazer · July 26, 2022

13 hours ago, HoosierZ said:

I’ve been running mine since 2016 with those pieces removed. I built a tube framed skid plate to fill the opening between the tow hooks and swapped the flimsy splash shield for the optional GM aluminum skid plates. The fender liners hang below the bumper, so I trimmed about 2” off of them. Even with a 2-1/2” lift and aggressive 285/65/18 E rated tires, I still average 18 mpg commuting to work and I’ve seen low 20s mpg on highway trips at 55-60 mph.

Looks good.

ftwhite · July 27, 2022

Looks awesome! I’ll look into the aluminum skid/splash. Liners are a good point. Not real good with welding and fab work yet, so I might have someone local plagiarize from your pictures some. Thanks for photos and very nicely done.

HoosierZ · July 27, 2022

15 hours ago, ftwhite said:

Looks awesome! I’ll look into the aluminum skid/splash. Liners are a good point. Not real good with welding and fab work yet, so I might have someone local plagiarize from your pictures some. Thanks for photos and very nicely done.

Thanks! I posted a thread when I built it titled “2016 Silverado bumper filler” in the 2014+ mods section. The photos probably won’t work on your end since they were posted thru Photoshop when it was still free. I grabbed a couple screenshots for you. One is a drawing with dimensions and the other is the plastic filler panels around the tow hooks.