My '98 suffers from a bad case of rust-out like so many do. I have noticed that newer model years, such as 2003, have a heavier internal bumper with a black plastic outer cover. Rather than buy a cheap aftermarket replacement that will likely suffer the same fate as the original, is it possible (read "easy") to swap an '03 type to my truck?

 

Bumpers are interchangeable within both sides of the 2nd generation- the biggest difference is that some have side-impact struts and some do not (does not effect fitment). Fitting a 3rd gen bumper probably isn't even possible.

 

Thank you, I was hoping that was the case. Now to just find one for a good price. Do you know which year switched to the new plastic style?

 

i think it's just a rubber coating over the same steel frame. I can't confirm though. Not sure what trim package/year had what.

 

2001 was the bumper "change"...