Can I bolt up an 81+ bumper to a 73-80 truck?

[dremu]

I know the trim is different, but will a later-model bumper bolt up to an earlier truck, i.e. is the hole pattern the same? (My trucks and my parts are not in the same place, or I'd look myself /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif)

-- A

 

[big83chevy4x4]

the frame horns are different,
the 81 and up is like C channel cut on a angle, the bumper bolts to the brackets, and the brackets bolt to the frame
the 73-80 the frame is rounded in the front and the bumper bolts directly to the frame, no brackets.

i think they might bolt up but not sure, never tryed to put one on the other /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

You could probably do it, but you'd have to cut the frame rails.

 

[dyeager535]

Bolt pattern for the bumper is different, but can't recall if thats only on the front or not.

I believe the 81+ bumpers front and rear have each pair of bolts on each side inline vertically, whereas at least the fronts of the previous trucks have them offset.

 

[mrk5]

I put bumpers from my old '75 onto my '84. I had to use spacers on the bottom center set of bolts and the bottom bolts on the outer set didn't line up at all. Same story front and back.

This is the opposite of what you're looking to do, but maybe it will help.