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Peterbilt Aftermarket Truck Parts - Complete Buying Guide (Models 379, 388, 389, 567, 579, 587)

Peterbilt Aftermarket Truck Parts - Complete Buying Guide (Models 379, 388, 389, 567, 579, 587)

Peterbilt aftermarket truck parts are non-OEM replacement components built to fit Peterbilt models 379, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587. Common categories include headlight assemblies, bumpers, mirrors, hood vents, hood logos, step assemblies, and lighting accessories. Aftermarket parts typically cost 30 to 60 percent less than dealership equivalents, are legal to use under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, and will not void your truck warranty when installed correctly. Fleet managers, owner-operators, and independent shops choose aftermarket because of price, lead time, and broader inventory. Always verify fitment by model year, VIN, and OEM cross-reference before ordering. Browse Peterbilt-compatible inventory at Evertrust Truck Parts.

Peterbilt Heavy-Duty Trucks in North American Fleets

Peterbilt is a North American Class 8 truck manufacturer headquartered in Denton, Texas, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of PACCAR Inc. The brand has produced heavy-duty conventional tractors since 1939 and is widely used across long-haul freight, vocational construction, refuse, and oilfield applications in the United States and Canada.

Peterbilt's installed base in North America is substantial. Industry registration data places PACCAR (Peterbilt plus Kenworth) at roughly 30 percent of new Class 8 sales each year. That installed base, combined with average truck service lives of 10 to 15 years for line-haul tractors and 15 to 25 years for vocational units, creates persistent demand for replacement body parts, lighting, and trim long after a unit leaves dealer warranty.

For fleet operators, the cost calculus is simple. A truck out of service generates zero revenue. Sourcing a hood, mirror, or headlight assembly through an aftermarket supplier with same-week availability often beats waiting on a dealer back-order.

Peterbilt Model Lineup: 379 / 388 / 389 / 567 / 579 / 587 - Differences That Matter

Understanding which model you own is the first step in ordering the correct aftermarket part. Body panels, lighting cutouts, mirror brackets, and hood profiles changed across generations.

Model Years Cab Style Typical Use Notes
379 1987-2007 Long-hood conventional, classic Long-haul, owner-operator Legacy classic. Body parts and trim still in high demand.
388 2007-2021 Set-forward axle conventional Heavy-haul, vocational Replaced 379 SFA. Shares many cab parts with 389.
389 2007-present Set-back axle conventional Long-haul, owner-operator Modern classic. Most common current-production conventional.
567 2013-present Medium-conventional Vocational, dump, mixer, refuse Shorter hood. Different headlight and bumper profile.
579 2012-present Aerodynamic conventional On-highway line-haul Aero hood. Different mirror and headlight design.
587 2010-2014 Aerodynamic conventional On-highway line-haul Predecessor to 579. Discontinued.

The 379, 388, and 389 share more cab and trim parts with each other than they do with the 567, 579, or 587. Always confirm the exact year of production, because mid-cycle running changes can occur without a model name change.

Most Commonly Replaced Aftermarket Parts for Peterbilt Trucks

Headlight Assemblies (Halogen, LED, With or Without Turn Signal)

Headlight assemblies fail from housing yellowing and UV haze that reduces output, internal moisture from cracked seals, and physical damage from road debris or low-speed collisions. Aftermarket Peterbilt-compatible headlight assemblies are available in halogen, full LED with sequential turn signal, and projector LED with daytime running light strips. LED upgrades typically draw 30 to 60 percent less current than halogen. Verify DOT-compliant and SAE-stamped before installing.

Bumper Assemblies (Chrome, Black, Accident Replacement)

Front bumpers absorb low-speed parking-lot strikes, deer collisions, and curb damage. Aftermarket options include 18-inch, 20-inch, and 22-inch boxed steel chrome bumpers, painted black steel bumpers, and SFA (set-forward-axle) versus SBA (set-back-axle) variants. Confirm tow-pin cutouts, fog light cutouts, and license plate mounting before ordering.

Mirror Assemblies (Heated, Motorized, Chrome, Black)

Mirror failures fall into three buckets: heater element burnout, motor failure, and physical damage from clipping a loading dock or trailer. Aftermarket Peterbilt-compatible mirrors are sold as complete assemblies or individual sub-components. Match by driver/passenger side, heated vs non-heated, motorized vs manual, and chrome vs black.

Hood Logo and Hood Side Air Intake Vents

The hood logo and side air intake vents are cosmetic trim pieces that take a beating from UV exposure, washing, and minor impacts. Aftermarket vents are usually injection-molded ABS or stamped stainless steel, and most install with the original mounting clips.

Step Assemblies

Cab and battery box step assemblies fail from corrosion (especially on units that see road salt), bent treads, and broken mounting brackets. Replacement step assemblies are available in chrome, polished stainless, and painted steel.

Lighting Accessories

This category covers cab marker lights, fender lights, identification bar lights, license plate lights, and auxiliary clearance lights. Aftermarket LED replacements are available in amber, red, and clear/white, with 2-wire, 3-wire, and integrated harness configurations. Confirm voltage and DOT/SAE compliance.

Aftermarket vs OEM Peterbilt-Compatible Parts: What You Save

The price difference between OEM and aftermarket Peterbilt-compatible parts is significant, but price is only one variable. Lead time, warranty terms, and fitment confidence all factor into the buying decision.

Category OEM Price Range Aftermarket Price Range Approx. Savings
Headlight assembly (one side) $400-$900 $150-$400 50-65%
Chrome front bumper $1,400-$2,500 $500-$1,100 55-65%
Heated motorized mirror $600-$1,100 $200-$500 55-70%
Hood air intake vent (pair) $300-$600 $90-$220 60-70%
Cab step assembly $250-$500 $80-$200 60-70%
LED cab marker light (each) $35-$80 $10-$30 60-75%

For a 20-truck fleet replacing roughly two headlight assemblies and one bumper per truck per year, the aftermarket choice can free up $15,000 to $30,000 in annual parts budget. See Aftermarket vs OEM Truck Parts: A Complete Buying Guide.

Your Legal Right to Use Aftermarket Parts (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act 1975)

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enacted by the United States Congress in 1975 and codified at 15 U.S.C. Sections 2301 through 2312, protects consumers from warranty tie-in clauses that would force the use of OEM parts to keep a warranty valid. The Act applies to consumer products and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

The key provision for parts buyers: a manufacturer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket part, unless the manufacturer can prove that the specific aftermarket part caused the failure being claimed. The burden of proof rests on the manufacturer, not on you.

In Canada, the Competition Act and provincial consumer protection statutes provide comparable protections. Practical takeaway: replacing a Peterbilt headlight, mirror, bumper, vent, or step with a quality aftermarket part does not void your engine, driveline, or cab warranty.

How to Identify Correct Fitment by Model and Year

Step 1: Confirm the model and year from the VIN. The 17-character VIN is stamped on the driver-side door jamb and the dashboard. Position 10 encodes the model year.

Step 2: Identify the part subcategory. Is it driver or passenger side, halogen or LED, with or without daytime running light?

Step 3: Cross-reference the OEM part number. Stamped or printed on the original part, on a sticker, or in the operator's manual.

Step 4: Verify connector and mounting hardware. Aftermarket housings sometimes ship without the original connector or mounting bolts.

Step 5: Source from a supplier who can prove non-infringement. Some PACCAR-family designs are protected by US design patents. Reputable suppliers will provide non-infringement assurance on request.

Installation Guidance - DIY vs Shop

Generally DIY-appropriate: Cab marker lights, fender lights, license plate lights, hood air intake vents, hood logo emblem, mirror glass replacement, cab step assembly.

Usually best left to a shop: Complete headlight assembly with wiring harness adapters, front bumper assembly on classic models (heavy steel, two-person handling), aero bumper multi-piece replacement on 579/587, full mirror assembly with heater/motor wiring, hood replacement.

A professional shop will typically charge 1 to 3 hours of labor for headlight or mirror replacement, 3 to 6 hours for a chrome bumper, and 6 to 12 hours for a full hood replacement including paint blending.

Warranty Standard for Aftermarket Parts

Part Category Typical Aftermarket Warranty
Halogen headlight housing 1 year against defects
LED headlight assembly 2-3 years on LED diodes and driver
Chrome steel bumper 1 year on plating, lifetime on structural steel
Heated motorized mirror 1 year on heater and motor
Hood vents and trim 1 year against defects
Step assemblies 1 year against defects
LED marker and accessory lights 1-5 years depending on grade

Warranty terms should be in writing on the supplier's website or invoice. A defect warranty covers manufacturing defects only. It does not cover collision damage, road debris, improper installation, or cosmetic damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aftermarket Peterbilt-compatible headlights DOT-approved?

Quality aftermarket headlight assemblies sold for on-road use in the United States and Canada are DOT-compliant and carry an SAE stamp molded into the lens or housing. The DOT certification indicates that the assembly meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. Off-road-only or show-use lights without the stamp are not legal for highway use.

Will using aftermarket parts void my Peterbilt warranty?

No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, a vehicle manufacturer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket part. For non-mechanical parts like headlights, mirrors, bumpers, vents, and steps, this scenario is extremely rare. Your engine, transmission, and chassis warranties remain in force.

What is the difference between Peterbilt 388, 389, and 579?

The 388 and 389 are classic-style conventional tractors with long hoods and square fenders, sharing many cab and trim parts. The 388 used a set-forward axle and was discontinued in 2021. The 389 uses a set-back axle and remains in production. The 579 is an aerodynamic on-highway conventional with a sloped hood, flush-mounted headlights, and integrated aero mirrors, sharing almost no body parts with the 388 or 389.

How do I match the correct year for my Peterbilt 389 headlight?

Decode the 10th character of your 17-digit VIN to confirm model year, then identify whether the truck has halogen or LED headlights, with or without daytime running lights, and confirm the connector style. Cross-reference the OEM part number from the back of the existing assembly if it is legible.

Are aftermarket Peterbilt parts legal to use?

Yes. Aftermarket parts that meet applicable DOT, SAE, and FMVSS standards are legal to use on any commercial truck operating in the United States and Canada. Buyers should source parts from suppliers who can confirm their inventory does not infringe on any registered US design patents.

How much can I save by buying aftermarket Peterbilt-compatible parts?

Typical savings range from 30 to 70 percent depending on the part category. Lighting accessories and trim show the highest percentage savings. Bumpers and complete headlight assemblies show the largest dollar savings. Across a full fleet annual parts budget, switching to aftermarket for body, trim, and lighting items commonly reduces parts spend by 40 to 50 percent.

Do aftermarket headlights fit Peterbilt trucks the same as OEM?

Quality aftermarket headlight assemblies are dimensionally matched to the OEM housing and use the same mounting points. Connector style and harness pin-out should also match for the listed model and year. Lower-grade aftermarket housings sometimes require minor adjustment at the mounting bracket or a connector adapter.

Can I install Peterbilt aftermarket parts myself?

Yes for most lighting, trim, vents, mirror glass, and basic step replacements, which require only common hand tools. Front bumpers, complete headlight assemblies with harness adapters, and hood replacement are usually better handled by a shop because of weight, alignment, or electrical re-pinning requirements.

Where is Peterbilt made?

Peterbilt commercial trucks are manufactured by PACCAR Inc at the Denton, Texas assembly plant, with some medium-duty production at the Madison, Mississippi plant. Common engine options include the PACCAR MX-11, PACCAR MX-13, and Cummins X15.

How long do Peterbilt aftermarket parts last?

Service life depends on the part category and grade. Quality LED lighting assemblies routinely last 5 to 10 years in normal road service. Chrome steel bumpers can last the life of the truck if plating is undamaged and corrosion is managed. Mirror motors and heaters typically last 5 to 8 years. Hood vents, trim, and step assemblies often outlast the original equipment.

Why Buyers Choose Evertrust for Peterbilt-Compatible Parts

Evertrust Truck Parts is a Canadian aftermarket parts supplier serving fleet managers, owner-operators, and independent shops across Canada and the United States. The Peterbilt-compatible inventory covers headlight assemblies, bumpers, mirrors, hood vents, step assemblies, and lighting accessories for the 379, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587. All parts ship with written warranty terms and a documented returns process.

Operators choose Evertrust for three practical reasons. First, pricing on body and lighting parts typically runs 40 to 60 percent below dealer list. Second, regional inventory means same-week shipping on most catalog items. Third, every aftermarket SKU is sourced from suppliers who can document compliance with applicable safety standards and respect for registered design patents.

Browse the full Peterbilt-compatible catalog at evertrustparts.com/collections/peterbilt, or contact the parts desk for fitment help by VIN.

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