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How Standard are external parts?

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Old 09-23-2011, 08:58 AM
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Default How Standard are external parts?

First post here, hopefully this is the right place to ask.

I recently purchased a 2011 GC Limited, and love it. I've got a few little additions I'd like to make, though. Nothing major, but I'd like to get steps to make it a little easier for my wife to get in and out, and a hitch, as I didn't opt for the tow package, but might want one down the road.

I've priced side rails and what I've seen is a little rich for my taste. I'm not much of a car guy, however, and I wonder if I can save some dough by picking up parts at a junkyard or otherwise used.

I get the impression that external parts like this may be somewhat standardized, but I don't really know, and wouldn't be sure what to look for. Any tips?
Old 09-23-2011, 09:00 AM
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Moved to Grand Cherokee Tech.
Old 09-23-2011, 02:30 PM
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Do not bolt, screw, and glue junk yard parts to a 2011 Grand Cherokee! Bite the bullet and buy the proper parts or do without until you have the cash.
Old 09-24-2011, 12:06 AM
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(oops, double post. Sorry)

Last edited by nongenre; 09-24-2011 at 12:09 AM. Reason: Deleting a post I meant to edit.
Old 09-24-2011, 12:08 AM
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Well, that's not really what I'm asking about, though. I definitely am not looking to kluge something on that doesn't belong there. Whole point of the post, in fact.

What I don't know is if items like this come in standard sizes. Pretend I find a step not specifically branded for the Jeep - but it's a price and/or style that I like - are there measurements or something I'd check to determine a fit?
Old 09-28-2011, 10:42 PM
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Sorry to bump, but I figured I would give this one more shake to see if there's an answer out there.
Old 09-28-2011, 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by nongenre
Sorry to bump, but I figured I would give this one more shake to see if there's an answer out there.
Check on google or amazon. The fact that it's a whole new body style I wouldn't trust anything from a JY on it or rather anything from too earlier a year. But they most likely make aftermarket parts that you can find out size and etc and match up with possible earlier pickup trucks, vans etc. The hitch should be fairly the same as most vehicles, but the side rails you might also have to look to see if there are pre drilled holes on your rig. Sorry for lengthy response just trying to be as exact as I can be at 12am lol
Old 09-28-2011, 11:02 PM
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Maybe the basic step bars/nerf bars could be cut down to fit and some of them might even have caps you could remove/install on the ends. The most important parts are probably the vehicle specific brackets to mount them to the body. If the bars are curved this could make things worse, and if they have the step plates then they may not be in the right spot too.

Do some looking around on the internet, maybe a google search. I dont know what style you want or price range but there are plenty of options around $200 or less.
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