Mods to THE BEAST: My 1998 GMC Sonoma Highrider

ProComp front pre-runner and Hi-Lift Jack Mounting

Added 15 October 2000
This page is mainly designed for folks on the ZR2 discussion list, to show what mods I have made to my truck. You can join the discussion list by sending the word "Subscribe" (without the quotes) to mailto:zr2@zr2hr.org.

The Smittybilt Bumper Thumper I had on my truck before I had it lifted wouldn't work on my truck after the lift, so I had to get rid of it and get something else. I decided on a simple pre-runner and ordered the Smittybilt pre-runner. What I got in the mail instead, was the ProComp pre-runner. Since there didn't seem to be any difference between the two, I decided to just use the ProComp.

Despite some rather basic instructions, the installation of the pre-runner was fairly simple. The main problem came from the fact that since it is a "universal" pre-runner, it really doesn't the S-10 very well. Or at least it doesn't fit my Highrider very well. I had to bend the light tabs up a bit for clearance and mount my lights to the tabs BEFORE bolting the pre-runner to the bumper. The fit is so tight that I wouldn't have been able to tighten the bolts for my lights if I tried to do so after bolting the pre-runner on.

The mounting brackets didn't really work well with my truck, so it isn't a bomber fit. The pre-runner is mounted to the bumper via four brackets, two of which are welded to the pre-runner, and two of which are bolt-on L-brackets. The end product is something that is strong enough to support my weight, but not something that I think would really strengthen the front end in an accident. (It might help a little bit.)

1. To perform the installation, pop the hood and remove the front grill. The grill is held on by push brackets, and is very easy to remove.

2. Place the pre-runner on the bumper and line it up to the center of the bumper.
3. Mark or center punch the location of the holes for the welded brackets. You should measure the location of the holes to make sure that they are in the same relative position on each side of the bumper. I found this to be a bit tricky, as there aren't any real distinct center identifying marks on the pre-runner. You need to make sure that you will be able to attach the L-brackets to the front of the bumper when you line the pre-runner up into position.

4. Drill the holes in the top of the bumper.

5. If you want to mount lights to the pre-runner, now is the time to do it. I routed the ground for my lights around to the underside of the plastic covering of the bumper and used the pre-runner bolt hole. Mount the lights then bolt the pre-runner to the bumper.

6. Next, bolt the L-bracket onto the pre-runner, line up the brackets to the front of the bumper, drill the holes and bolt the bracket to the bumper.

7. Replace the grill, and the installation is complete. Here are some pictures of the finished product.

The installation of the pre-runner gave me a good place to mount my new Hi-Lift jack. I locked the jack to the pre-runner by using an 18" length of chain at one end, and a modified chain-link fence bracket at the other end. I encased both in pieces of an old bicycle inner tube to make it look cleaner and to protect the finish of the pre-runner. I also encased the locks in pieces of inner tube to keep them clean and dry.

If you're in the Tucson area, drop me a line and we can go wheelin' sometime.

Speaking of which, if you own a Highrider/ZR2/BlaZeR2, or want to find out more about the best little 4X4's around, check out these great sites:

http://www.zr2.com and http://www.zr2hr.org

There is also a ZR2 discussion group, which is very fun for talking about our special trucks and in getting ideas, help, and useful information. I have learned a great deal from the list. You can join by sending an e-mail to mailto:zr2@zr2hr.org with the word "SUBSCRIBE" (without the quotes) in the subject line.

ENJOY!

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1. To perform the installation, pop the hood and remove the front grill. The grill is held on by push brackets, and is very easy to remove. 2. Place the pre-runner on the bumper and line it up to the center of the bumper. 3. Mark or center punch the location of the holes for the welded brackets. You should measure the location of the holes to make sure that they are in the same relative position on each side of the bumper. I found this to be a bit tricky, as there aren't any real distinct center identifying marks on the pre-runner. You need to make sure that you will be able to attach the L-brackets to the front of the bumper when you line the pre-runner up into position.
	4. Drill the holes in the top of the bumper. 5. If you want to mount lights to the pre-runner, now is the time to do it. I routed the ground for my lights around to the underside of the plastic covering of the bumper and used the pre-runner bolt hole. Mount the lights then bolt the pre-runner to the bumper.
6. Next, bolt the L-bracket onto the pre-runner, line up the brackets to the front of the bumper, drill the holes and bolt the bracket to the bumper.
7. Replace the grill, and the installation is complete. Here are some pictures of the finished product.

The installation of the pre-runner gave me a good place to mount my new Hi-Lift jack. I locked the jack to the pre-runner by using an 18" length of chain at one end, and a modified chain-link fence bracket at the other end. I encased both in pieces of an old bicycle inner tube to make it look cleaner and to protect the finish of the pre-runner. I also encased the locks in pieces of inner tube to keep them clean and dry.