As more and more trucks from 99-02 get up there in miles I expect this to be a common issue, if it isn't already. The armrests on the leather buckets ...

As more and more trucks from 99-02 get up there in miles I expect this to be a common issue, if it isn't already. The armrests on the leather buckets are not recoverable and must be replaced. GM uses a process where they inject the foam into the leather casing making it very difficult if not impossible to remove the old cover and most of the time the foam is destroyed in the process.

This is very easy with only simple tools and limited auto knowledge.

So here is the process for replacing them with a new or used one you were able to source from eBay.

1. Use a quality leather conditioner and massage the leather on the seat near the armrests. This area needs to stretch to be able to access the clip that holds the armrest on and with the age of these vehicles the leather could be dry. Might want to repeat this step as necessary until you feel the leather is conditioned enough to stretch a little.

2. Stretch the seat leather carefully over the metal to expose the clip and armrest mounting point. The clip will look like a C with exaggerated ends that will have a rubber band on it. DO NOT remove this rubber band as that step is not necessary.

3. Take a pick or small screwdriver and slide the clip up out of the locking position. The rubberband will hold it in place (took me an hour to find my drivers side clip after I removed the rubber band and subsequently lost the clip down the seat).

4. Slide the old armrests out. Use some dielectric grease on the new ones post to prevent squeaks and slide it into place. Use a small screwdriver and push the clip back into place. Push the armrest in to ensure the clip has seated.

5. Move the armrest up and down a few times to ensure function and lack of noise. Carefully replace the seat leather and enjoy your new armrest.

Sorry for the lack of pictures as it is very tight in there and none of mine turned out. As with every project, you do this at your own risk and I take no liability for this guide. If you feel there is something missing, please reply and I will add it to the first post.

Hopefully if someone needs to do this, they will read the directions one time through first and understand them. The "(took me an hour to find my drivers side clip after I removed the rubber band and subsequently lost the clip down the seat)" part seems like it could be a bit frustrating.

Good write-up. Hope it helps someone out!

this needs to be posted in the how-to section

nevertheless, good write-up man. i will be using this since my arm rests are pretty shot

It originally was, but for done reason it was moved.