Front End Swap: Tahoe to Yukon

[Booyahzman]

Hey all,


I've been in the search for the perfect Yukon for awhile now, but have yet to see it. However, I've seen several Tahoe's that fit my budget and everything else except for that Yukon (Denali) front end I love. So, my next thought is to get a Tahoe ('03) and switch the front end to a Yukon Denali (also '03). The questions are:

What all parts do I need to replace? I have an idea of what all parts, but anyone know of an actual list of parts I would need (do I need the Core Support?) I've also read about replacing the "frame horn" but have no idea what that is exactly

Assuming I do all the work minus the painting myself, what should this expect to cost?

Would there be any drilling and/or welding involved? Or is it a straight bolt across parts?

I've tried searching various forums (tahoeYukon, GMFullsize, etc), but couldn't find a complete straight answer. So here I am asking the experts, and if one day I actually do end up doing this project I will definitely put together a full write-up online so others can benefit.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MrJuanderful]

I'll start you off.For what you are talking about,the major pieces are hood and fenders and bumper.The hood and fenders are different because of the way the headlights french into the surrounding pieces vs.the Tahoe.I don't have experience with the swap,but I have to believe that many of the support pieces and brackets are slightly different.

I too prefer the Yukon/Denali front end,I just found a clean Yukon about a month ago.I also wanted a that Denali look,but didn't want the 6.0 engine or all wheel drive.And,of course,since it is used you have to think color,condition,price,etc.

My advice,with what you are thinking,is spend more time on this site looking at all the stuff that can be done to these trucks.There is so much you can change or alter,whether it be grille,bumpers,hoods,wheels,etc.,etc.,both between factory stuff,aftermarket,swapping stuff from different years,from Escalades or pickups,that you can come up with a special and unique combo that you will like better than a Denali.

 

[fiatdale]

Everything will swap right over. Youll need hood, fenders, bumper, grille, headlights, park lights, and headlight mounting panels. As far as the bumper goes, the brackets for the chevy / gmc are different (the bumper side of the brackets, not the truck side). With some patience you can do it pretty easily, but if you've never messed with body panels and getting gaps correct (which can be a pain in the ass on this body style, especially the hood / fender gap), you may want to have a body shop do it. Not to mention, the fenders and hood will have to be cut in (paint the inside /underside), and then put on the truck to continue painting / blending.

All in all its an easy conversion, but to make it right, Id recommend a shop do it.

As far as the frame horns go, they did switch in 2003 to a different horn (from 01-02). The horns are welded on. You would need to torch the old ones off and install the new ones with bolts.(GM includes this with the horns. Core support is exactly the same. Hood hinges are also the same.