K2xx GMC 2500 Swap how to

2003 SSEi · August 6, 2020

Ok Members,

Here is the all inclusive way to swap a GMC K2xx 1500 front bumper to a 2500 Front Bumper. This is for the Sierra only, the Silverado is/may be different.

First lets start with what IS needed the part numbers if applicable.

HD Grille (PN Varies )

HD Bumper assembly (PN varies)

HD "headlight fillers"( GM list's them as 'Top Cap Assembly)

--------LH PN 22831429 Paintable

--------RH PN 22831430 Paintable

HD headlight filler brackets ( GM lists them as Fascia Bracket assembly)

--------LH PN 23451021

--------RH PN 23451022

****I will also mention the Front bumper to inner Frame support brackets. I got them with my 2500 bumper when I purchased it, so I used them, and they work and fit great. Im sure but cant say for certain if the 1500 bumper for frame supports can be made to work.

Once all the swap parts are acquired, then you can begin modifying the parts on the current truck

The 1500 Bumper mounts have to be used. I attempted to try and use the 2500 brackets and the mounting holes are in the wrong location, as well as it makes the bumper sit way too far forward away from the truck,

As for the 1500 modifications, the 3 mounting holes will need slotted so the bumper brackets can sit lower to accommodate the additional height of the new bumper. Reinstall the brackets and drop them down until they hit the frame. ***** I spaced my brackets up a bit off of the frame. I felt the gap between the headlight fillers/grille, and the bumper was too much. with a little spacing you can get the gap nice and tight*****

I also used 3 additional washers behind the brackets to space the bracket away from the frame. With out the additional spacing the bumper sat too close and didn't align in the wheel well

Once the frame brackets are situated, you can move onto the fascia brackets. they are a simple swap, unbolt the 1500 and swap them for the 2500 brackets

Now install the headlight fillers onto the fascia brackets that were just installed. The headlight filler assembly's will also use a bolt location from the 1500 grille that the 2500 does not use.

Now its time for the bumper. Install the bumper onto the frame brackets. The 1500 brackets will only allow the Upper hole closest to the grille to be used for attachment. The Bumper will fit pretty tight onto the brackets. As I said earlier I was able to use the 2500 Inner bumper to frame brackets , they were the correct length, and shape to fit around the frame Mounts

The last big modification is the fender well trim. The 1500 trim is much longer as shown by the blue tape line. The trim needs cut on the bottom of the tape to align with the headlight fillers

When it’s all said and done the top pic is the OEM 1500 Denali and the Bottom is the 2500 Denali Swap (yes I know the fog lights aren’t in but I was excited to take a pic)