I hit a deer with my 02 2500 a few weeks ago,
Destroyed left light fixtures, full grill and broke trans oil cooler.
Ordered parts from local wrecking yard (Mr R's in Buffalo, Wy, their listed in eBay, pull parts and ship. Check em out). Oil cooler got new.
Any way, supposedly 1999 thru 2007 ate all the same so easy match
So vet all parts and they fit perfectly. . . Except when I try to put the bumper back on. . . The new grill comes down about 2 inches too far for bumper to go back in. It bolted/snapped back on like it was made for it, but it's too long for the bumper to fit.
Any ideas how to make it fit?

This is what it looks like wo bumper

Bumper sitting in position.

 

The GMT800 series (I have a 2006) had some trim levels that had "body cladding", and it impacts the grill and headlights that are compatible with the vehicle. I didn't realize this recently until I was looking for replacement headlights for my 2006 fogged up headlights on Amazon. I wonder if this is what you are running into. I.e. are there two different grill heights for that year truck....

EDIT: I am looking at carparts.com and one thing I notice is that the grill for the 2002 Silverado 2500 fits the 2001 and 2002 Silverado 2500 and 3500. But NOT other year models. So that idea of all years from 1999 to 2006 being compatible may be wrong. 2007 certainly would be different, as the GMT800 platform ended with 2006.

 

That would sure explain it. Now I need to find out when year/model the grill came from.
Thanks!!