Blazer bumpers

[MountaineerTom]

Here's a question some may be able to help with.

 

Some '98-'99 Blazers (maybe other years as well) have different style bumpers.  Some look like the pic below with a step built into the bumper, some don't have the lower step part.  It sort of looks like a roll pan, but has a step pad accross the entire top of the bumper.  (If anyone knows what bumper I'm talking about, can you post a pic of one, or post a link to where the pic is?)  Does one bumper go with a certain trim level or depend on if it's on a 2WD vs a 4x4?  And more importantly, is the one in the second pic solid metal, or is it a plastic/fiberglass cover that covers the actual "bumper"?  And, are the two bumpers a direct swap?

 

[Frank S]

Huh,learn something new every day.

 

I always thought that the one in the picture was the standard and only bumper available since the "refreshing" in '98.

[MountaineerTom]

I may be wrong, but I thought I seen some on some of the "newer" looking Blazers.  I'm trying to find a pic.

 

But, even if it's earlier than the current styling, would that bumper still fit on a '99?

[mcali17]

Yes, this is true. The 1995-1997? had the straight bumper. I had a 1996 Jimmy and it had the old rear bumer style without the step. And it was not a cover, it was all metal. I know this becuase we dropped it when we were installing the tow hitch and dented the end. I don't know if you can swap it, but if I remember correctely it was only held in by four bolts. The four bolts you had to remove, slip the trailer hitch in and replace the four bolts.

[MountaineerTom]

And it was not a cover, it was all metal.

Thanks.

???   Hmm.  I was hoping it was a plastic painted cover over the actual metal part of the bumper.  The reason I ask is, we're wanting to put a Performance Accessories 2 inch body lift on Elwood's Blazer (the one in the pic above) and it says to drill a 7/8 inch hole in the rear bumper, after lifting it with the brackets, so you can still access the winch to lower the spare tire.  I kind of hate to drill into the painted steel bumper because I'm afraid of the paint flaking off later on down the road.  Plus, from our first look at the current bumper, it looks like it would have to be drilled right in the bend area where the step curves into the wall part, where the original hole aready is.

[Frank S]

Well if it's any help,I drilled into my front painted bumpaer to install the pre runner bar I had a few years ago before I went with the winch and grill guard and it hasn't chipped.

 

You'll probably be ok with the drilling just take your time with it.

[MountaineerTom]

Thanks Frank.  The ultimate decision will be Elwood's, since it's his Blazer.     I still think it may be an awkward angle to drill a hole in, if the hole goes where we are thinking it goes.  ???

[RyanbabZ71]

also the pre 99s had trim on the side of the rear bumper which you can see in the pic you posted Tom.  My moms doesnt have this.  kinda looks better in my opinion

[MountaineerTom]

also the pre 99s had trim on the side of the rear bumper which you can see in the pic you posted Tom.  My moms doesnt have this.  kinda looks better in my opinion

That is a '99 in the pic I posted.  It's Elwood's.