GMT400 Accessories – The Ultimate Guide

GMT400 Accessories: Upgrading Your Classic Chevy/GMC Truck – The Ultimate Guide

The GMT400 platform holds a special place in the hearts of American pickup truck enthusiasts. Manufactured between 1988 and 2000, this generation of Chevrolet and GMC trucks set the standard for design, durability, and performance. Due to its popularity and versatility, the GMT400 has become a favorite platform for customization among truck aficionados. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the best GMT400 accessories available, helping you transform your classic Chevy or GMC truck into the ultimate expression of your personality and passion.

GMT400 Upgrades and Performance Parts Buyers Guide

Exterior GMT400 Accessories

A. Custom Grilles

One of the easiest ways to make your GMT400 stand out from the crowd is by upgrading the front grille. There are several GMT400 accessories on the market designed to give your truck’s front end a unique look.

1. Billet Grilles: These custom grilles are made from high-quality aluminum, giving your truck a polished, modern look. Billet grilles come in various finishes, including chrome, black, or powder-coated colors to match your truck’s exterior.
2. Mesh Grilles: Featuring a diamond or hexagonal pattern, mesh grilles give your GMT400 a sleek, aggressive appearance. They are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum and are available in a variety of finishes to complement your truck’s style.
3. LED Grilles: Make your truck stand out even more with an LED grille. These grilles come with built-in LED light bars or accent lighting, offering both style and functionality for your GMT400.

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B. Bumpers and Bull Bars

Upgrading your truck’s bumpers is another way to enhance its appearance and increase its off-road capabilities. Here are some popular GMT400 accessories for bumpers:

1. Off-Road Bumpers: These heavy-duty bumpers are designed to protect your truck’s front end from damage during off-road adventures. They often feature integrated winch mounts, D-ring shackles, and additional lighting options.
2. Heavy-Duty Bumpers: Made from thick steel or aluminum, these bumpers provide maximum protection for your GMT400 while giving it a rugged, tough appearance.
3. Winch-Ready Bumpers: For truck owners who plan on using their GMT400 for off-roading or work purposes, a winch-ready bumper is a must-have accessory. These bumpers come equipped with a built-in winch mount, making it easy to install a winch for recovery or towing.

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C. Headlights and Taillights

Upgrading your GMT400’s headlights and taillights not only improves the truck’s appearance but also enhances its visibility and safety. Consider these GMT400 accessories for lighting:

1. LED Headlights: Replace your truck’s outdated halogen bulbs with bright, energy-efficient LED headlights. These aftermarket headlights offer improved visibility, a longer lifespan, and a modern look.
2. Projector Headlights: Projector headlights use a lens to focus the light beam, providing a more precise and even distribution of light. These headlights are available with halogen, HID, or LED bulbs.
3. Smoked Taillights: Give your truck a stealthy, custom look with smoked taillights. These aftermarket taillights feature a dark-tinted lens that complements the overall appearance of your GMT400.

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D. Tonneau Covers

Protect your truck bed and cargo while enhancing its aesthetics with a tonneau cover. There are several types of GMT400 accessories available for tonneau covers:

1. Soft Roll-Up Covers: These covers are made from durable, weather-resistant fabric and can be easily rolled up to access the truck bed. Soft roll-up covers are an affordable option that provides basic protection for your cargo.
2. Hard Folding Covers: Hard folding covers offer superior security and protection for your truck bed. Made from durable materials like aluminum or fiberglass, these covers fold up in sections, allowing you to access your cargo while keeping it secure.
3. Retractable Covers: These high-end tonneau covers feature a retractable design, allowing you to easily open and close the cover with a simple pull. Retractable covers offer excellent security and a sleek, low-profile appearance.

Interior GMT400 Accessories

A. Custom Seat Covers

Protect your truck’s upholstery and add a touch of personal style with custom seat covers. There are various materials and designs available for GMT400 accessories in this category:

1. Leather Seat Covers: Give your truck’s interior a luxurious upgrade with leather seat covers. These covers are available in a range of colors and stitching patterns to match your desired look.
2. Neoprene Seat Covers: Ideal for truck owners who frequently encounter wet or dirty conditions, neoprene seat covers are water-resistant and easy to clean. They are available in various colors and patterns to suit your style preferences.
3. Camouflage Seat Covers: For the outdoors enthusiast, camouflage seat covers add a touch of rugged charm to your truck’s interior. Choose from various camo patterns, including Realtree, Mossy Oak, and more.

B. Dash Kits

Enhance your GMT400’s dashboard with a custom dash kit. These GMT400 accessories are available in several materials and finishes to complement your truck’s interior:

1. Woodgrain Dash Kits: Add a touch of classic elegance to your truck with a woodgrain dash kit. These kits are available in various wood finishes, including walnut, mahogany, and cherry.
2. Carbon Fiber Dash Kits: For a modern, sporty look, consider a carbon fiber dash kit. These kits feature a high-quality carbon fiber pattern that adds a touch of sophistication to your truck’s interior.
3. Brushed Aluminum Dash Kits: Brushed aluminum dash kits offer a sleek, industrial appearance for your GMT400’s dashboard. The metallic finish adds a touch of refinement to your truck’s interior.

C. Floor Mats and Liners

Protect your truck’s carpeting and add a touch of style with custom floor mats and liners. Here are some popular GMT400 accessories for floor protection:

1. Carpet Floor Mats: These plush, custom-fit floor mats protect your truck’s carpet while adding a touch of luxury. They are available in various colors and can be embroidered with your choice of logos or designs.
2. Rubber Floor Mats: For heavy-duty protection, consider rubber floor mats. These all-weather mats are durable, easy to clean, and offer excellent protection against spills, dirt, and debris.
3. Custom Logo Floor Mats: Personalize your truck’s interior with custom logo floor mats. Choose from a wide range of logos and designs, including sports teams, automotive brands, and more.

Shop GMT400 Floor Mats and Liners on Amazon

D. Storage Solutions

Maximize the storage space in your GMT400 with these practical and stylish storage accessories:

1. Underseat Storage Boxes: Make use of the space under your truck’s rear seat with an under seat storage box. These boxes keep your belongings organized and hidden from view.
2. Behind-the-Seat Storage Racks: Add additional storage space to your truck’s cab with a behind-the-seat storage rack. These racks are designed to hold tools, equipment, and other essentials securely in place.
3. Console Organizers: Keep your truck’s center console neat and organized with a console organizer. These GMT400 accessories feature compartments and slots to hold items like phones, wallets, and sunglasses.

Performance GMT400 Accessories

A. Air Intake Systems

Improve your truck’s performance and fuel efficiency with an upgraded air intake system. Here are some popular GMT400 accessories for air intake systems:

1. Cold Air Intakes: These systems draw in cooler air from outside the engine compartment, resulting in increased horsepower and torque. Cold air intakes also improve throttle response and fuel efficiency.
2. Short Ram Intakes: Short ram intakes replace the restrictive factory airbox with a more direct and open air filter. This allows for increased airflow, resulting in improved engine performance.
3. High-Flow Air Filters: Upgrading to a high-flow air filter allows your engine to breathe more efficiently, leading to better performance and fuel economy. These filters are reusable and easy to clean, making them a cost-effective upgrade for your GMT400.

B. Exhaust Systems

Enhance your truck’s power and sound with an upgraded exhaust system. Consider these GMT400 accessories for your exhaust:

1. Cat-Back Exhausts: These systems replace the stock exhaust components from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tip, resulting in improved exhaust flow and a more aggressive sound.
2. Axle-Back Exhausts: Axle-back systems replace the stock exhaust components from the rear axle to the exhaust tip, offering a more aggressive sound and a slight increase in performance.
3. Headers: Headers replace the factory exhaust manifolds, allowing for more efficient exhaust flow and improved engine performance. They are available in various materials and finishes, including ceramic-coated, stainless steel, and chrome.

C. Suspension Upgrades

Improve your truck’s handling and ride quality with suspension upgrades. Consider these GMT400 accessories for your suspension:

1. Lift Kits: Lift kits raise your truck’s ride height, providing more ground clearance and the ability to accommodate larger wheels and tires. These kits are available in various heights and configurations, depending on your desired look and off-road capabilities.
2. Lowering Kits: Lowering kits reduce your truck’s ride height, providing improved handling and a sportier appearance. These kits typically include lowering springs or coilovers, as well as other components to maintain proper suspension geometry.
3. Air Suspension Systems: Air suspension systems allow you to adjust your truck’s ride height on the fly, providing the ultimate in customization and versatility. These systems often include air springs, compressors, and digital controllers for precise adjustment.

D. Tuning and Programmers

Unlock your truck’s full potential with performance tuning and programmers. Here are some popular GMT400 accessories in this category:

1. Performance Chips: These plug-and-play devices alter your truck’s engine management system, providing improved horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency.
2. Handheld Tuners: Handheld tuners connect to your truck’s OBD-II port and allow you to upload custom tunes or choose from pre-programmed options. These devices often include additional features, such as data logging and monitoring engine parameters.
3. Custom Tuning Services: For those seeking the ultimate in performance, custom tuning services offer personalized tuning solutions tailored to your truck’s specific modifications and desired performance goals.

Off-Road GMT400 Accessories

A. Off-Road Lighting

Enhance your truck’s off-road capabilities and visibility with off-road lighting. Here are some popular GMT400 accessories for off-road lights:

1. LED Light Bars: These powerful, energy-efficient light bars provide bright, focused illumination for off-road adventures. They are available in various sizes and configurations to suit your truck’s specific needs.
2. Spotlights and Floodlights: Add focused or wide-angle illumination to your truck with spotlights and floodlights. These lights can be mounted on the front bumper, grille, or roof for maximum versatility.
3. Rock Lights: Illuminate the ground beneath your truck with rock lights. These small, durable lights are mounted on the undercarriage and provide increased visibility when navigating rough terrain.

Shop GMT400 Off-Road Lighting on Amazon

B. Skid Plates and Underbody Protection

Protect your truck’s vital components from off-road damage with skid plates and underbody protection. Here are some popular GMT400 accessories in this category:

1. Front Skid Plates: These protective plates shield the front of your truck’s undercarriage from rocks, debris, and other hazards encountered during off-roading. They are typically made from heavy-duty steel or aluminum for maximum durability.
2. Transfer Case Skid Plates: Protect your truck’s transfer case from potential damage with a skid plate specifically designed for this purpose. These plates are essential for off-road enthusiasts who want to ensure their truck’s drivetrain remains intact during challenging terrain adventures.
3. Fuel Tank Skid Plates: Prevent punctures or damage to your truck’s fuel tank with a fuel tank skid plate. These plates are designed to provide an additional layer of protection for your truck’s fuel system during off-road excursions.

C. Winches and Recovery Gear

Be prepared for any off-road situation with winches and recovery gear. Here are some essential GMT400 accessories for off-road recovery:

1. Electric Winches: A winch is a must-have accessory for off-road enthusiasts. Electric winches provide the pulling power needed to recover your truck from difficult situations, such as being stuck in mud or navigating steep inclines.
2. Recovery Straps and Snatch Blocks: Recovery straps and snatch blocks are essential tools for off-road recovery. They allow you to safely and effectively pull your truck out of difficult situations without causing damage to your vehicle or the environment.
3. Hi-Lift Jacks: A Hi-Lift jack is a versatile tool that can be used for lifting, winching, clamping, and spreading. This essential off-road accessory is perfect for changing tires, recovering stuck vehicles, and performing other off-road tasks.

Shop GMT400 Winches and Recovery Gear on Amazon

Wheels and Tires

Upgrade your truck’s wheels and tires to improve its appearance, performance, and off-road capabilities. Consider these GMT400 accessories for wheels and tires:

A. Custom Wheels

1. Off-Road Wheels: Designed for maximum durability and performance, off-road wheels are built to handle the rigors of off-road driving. They are available in various styles and finishes to complement your truck’s appearance.
2. Street-Performance Wheels: These wheels are designed for on-road performance and style, featuring lightweight construction and eye-catching designs. Street-performance wheels are available in a range of sizes, materials, and finishes.
3. Classic Style Wheels: For truck owners who want to maintain a classic look, there are wheels available that mimic the original GMT400 style. These wheels often feature a vintage design and are available in various finishes, including chrome and polished aluminum.

B. Tires

1. All-terrain Tires: These tires offer a balance of on-road performance and off-road capability, making them a popular choice for truck owners who use their GMT400 for both daily driving and weekend adventures.
2. Mud-terrain Tires: For maximum off-road traction, mud-terrain tires feature aggressive tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls. These tires are designed to handle mud, rocks, and other challenging terrain with ease.
3. Performance Street Tires: For truck owners who prioritize on-road performance and handling, performance street tires offer improved grip, cornering, and braking capabilities. These tires are designed for use on paved surfaces and are not intended for off-road use.

Conclusion

The wide range of GMT400 accessories available allows you to customize and upgrade your classic Chevy or GMC truck to suit your specific needs and preferences. From exterior and interior enhancements to performance and off-road upgrades, the possibilities are virtually endless. As you consider which accessories to invest in, be sure to evaluate your truck’s primary use and your personal style. To help get you started, we’ve provided links to recommended retailers and resources for further information on GMT400 accessories.