Enhance Your Semi Truck Bumper with a Flip Kit
Hereâs how they work: the kit uses an air cylinder to raise and lower your bumper with a simple switch. No more crawling under the truck or dealing with heavy lifting. Just clean, controlled movement when you need it. Theyâre built for long-lasting reliability and easy operation. Pick your stroke length, pick your diameterâweâve got options to match your truck and your setup. Want it to lift fast and hold strong? Thatâs exactly what these are made for. No more wrestling with your bumper. Just hit the switch and let the air do the work. Heavy-duty. Clean look. Easy install. These pair perfectly with Peterbilt 359 grille guards and deer guards. Get your rig dialed in with a flip kit thatâs made to fit your 359 like a glove.Frequently Asked Questions About Peterbilt 359 Bumper Flip Kits
Will these bumper flip kits fit my Peterbilt 359?
Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kits are designed to fit select Peterbilt 359 trucks, with many kits fitting model years 1967 through 1987. Exact bumper flip kit fitment depends on your truck?s model year, frame configuration, bumper style, front-end hardware, bumper brackets, and any aftermarket modifications.
Before ordering a Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit, inspect your existing bumper mounting configuration, bracket condition, bolt pattern, and frame rail mounting points. If your Peterbilt 359 has custom bumper brackets, a modified front end, an aftermarket bumper, or previous repair work, minor adjustments may be required during installation.
What does a Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit do?
A Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit raises the front bumper by repositioning or ?flipping? the bumper mounting setup. This creates a higher bumper position and can improve front-end clearance for steep driveways, loading docks, uneven yards, and certain off-road or jobsite conditions.
Bumper flip kits are often used on Peterbilt 359 trucks to create a more aggressive custom look while improving approach clearance. The exact final bumper height depends on the kit design, bumper style, bracket geometry, and the truck?s existing front suspension and front-end setup.
How much ground clearance will a Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit add?
Most Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kits raise the front bumper approximately 6 to 8 inches, depending on the specific kit design and the truck?s current bumper position. This added clearance can help reduce bumper scraping on steep entrances, uneven pavement, loading docks, and rough work areas.
After installing a bumper flip kit, check bumper height, approach angle, headlight aim, license plate visibility, and local bumper-height rules. Some states may regulate bumper height or front-end equipment placement, so verify local requirements before using the truck on public roads.
Can I install a Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit myself?
Many Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kits can be installed with basic mechanical skills, standard hand tools, and safe lifting support. Typical installation may take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the truck?s condition, bumper weight, bracket design, bolt condition, and whether drilling or minor adjustments are required.
Because the front bumper is heavy and awkward to reposition, a helper, bumper jack, lifting support, or shop stand is strongly recommended. Professional installation may be a better choice if the bumper brackets are rusted, the frame holes are damaged, the bumper is unusually heavy, or the truck has custom front-end modifications.
What tools are needed to install a Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit?
Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit installation usually requires standard hand tools such as socket wrenches, combination wrenches, a drill with metal bits, and possibly a grinder for minor bracket or hole adjustments. Common wrench sizes may include 3/4-inch and 7/8-inch, depending on the hardware used.
You may also need penetrating oil for old fasteners, a torque wrench, safety stands, clamps, measuring tape, and replacement hardware. If new mounting holes are required, measure carefully and follow the kit instructions before drilling into the frame rails or bumper brackets.
Do Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kits include new brackets?
Most Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kits include new bumper mounting brackets designed for the raised or flipped bumper position. Original bumper brackets are usually not reused because the bumper angle, mounting geometry, and final position change after the flip kit is installed.
Before ordering, check the product listing to confirm whether the kit includes brackets, bolts, washers, nuts, spacers, and installation instructions. Some kits may include all required hardware, while others may require separate hardware depending on your bumper style and truck configuration.
Do I need to drill new holes to install a Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit?
Some Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kits may use existing frame rail mounting points, while others may require drilling new holes for the raised bumper position. Whether drilling is required depends on the kit design, the truck?s frame rail layout, the bumper style, and the condition of the existing mounting holes.
If drilling is required, the kit instructions should identify the correct hole locations. Always confirm alignment before drilling, and avoid enlarging or modifying frame holes unless the kit instructions call for it. Trucks with custom bumpers, previous repairs, or worn mounting holes may require additional adjustment.
What hardware may be needed for a Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit?
A Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit may require heavy-duty mounting hardware such as brackets, grade 8 bolts, washers, lock washers, nuts, spacers, and frame fasteners. If the existing bumper hardware is worn, rusted, stretched, or damaged, it should be replaced during installation.
Grade 8 bolts are commonly recommended for heavy front bumper mounting applications because they provide higher strength than standard hardware. Always match the hardware size, length, thread type, and strength rating to the kit instructions and bumper mounting requirements.
What is the difference between chrome and stainless steel Peterbilt 359 bumpers?
Peterbilt 359 bumpers used with bumper flip kits may be available in chrome-plated steel or stainless steel. Chrome-plated steel bumpers provide a bright mirror-like finish and a classic show-truck look, usually at a lower upfront cost than stainless steel.
Stainless steel Peterbilt 359 bumpers, often made from 304-grade stainless steel, naturally resist corrosion and require less maintenance than chrome-plated steel. Chrome bumpers need regular cleaning and polishing, and they may rust if the chrome chips, cracks, or wears through. Stainless steel usually costs more upfront but can be more practical for trucks exposed to harsh weather, road salt, or frequent commercial use.
Will a Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit affect headlight alignment?
A Peterbilt 359 bumper flip kit can affect headlight alignment if the bumper, light mounts, or front-end accessories are repositioned during installation. After installing a bumper flip kit, check the headlights, driving lights, fog lights, turn signals, and marker lights for proper position and visibility.
If headlights or auxiliary lights are moved, raised, or blocked by the new bumper position, they may need to be adjusted to maintain safe beam alignment. Improperly aimed lights can reduce nighttime visibility and create glare for other drivers.
