'99 LTD Bumper removal guidance

[maine runner]

'99 LTD Bumper removal DONE w/Photos

In attempting a Hella DE foglight install, ( see this thread ) I broke a key bolt that is underneath the top front bumper trim piece.I need to remove the trim to replace the bolt.

I see screws under the grill, is there anything else to remove?

While I see a Yotatech thread on how to remove the grill and headlight housing is there more to remove? I want to be prepared before I start.

 

[maine runner]

Would taking off the entire bumper be easier? I see how to do that.

For all you ARB et al. guys who have replaced your bumper, can you jump in?

Anyone?

 

[maine runner]

I pulled the grill and headlights, removed those screws (were clips also) and am still faced with how to get the trim piece off.

It appears the trim piece is attached to a metal part and that is attached the larger bumper piece.

I am now looking at just ripping the damn bumper of the truck.

Sheesh, all for a stupid broken bolt.

I guess there are not many 99-02 limited guys who have messed with their bumper.

Can ANYBODY help.

 

[KellyJ]

I pulled the grill and headlights, removed those screws (were clips also) and am still faced with how to get the trim piece off.

It appears the trim piece is attached to a metal part and that is attached the larger bumper piece.

I am now looking at just ripping the damn bumper of the truck.

Sheesh, all for a stupid broken bolt.

I guess there are not many 99-02 limited guys who have messed with their bumper.

Can ANYBODY help.

I tried looking while I was under neath replacing the fogs and couldn't figure out any way to get access to the other side of that bolt. You could try PMing Rock Slide, I know he replaced his 2002 Sport's front bumper with either a TJM or ARB.

Also maine, thanks for the detailed email you sent the other day. I checked back to the Hella DE post a few days ago and saw your post on it and tried to respond but kept getting an error message. The install went pretty well, the only thing that I have noticed is that the brackets shake a little over really rough road, and the OEM switch will still control the lights, so I wouldn;t even bother installing the supplied switch. I learned this out the hard way, but I still like the look of the switch installed, even if it doesn't do anything haha. But I'm sure there is someone on here who can help you out. Good luck

 

[quazaryn]

Try this

Recently I swamped my 97 original bumper to 99 newer one. And I know exactly what's involved. You really need to remove the whole bumper in order to get access to all the bolts that hold that plastic top. Even if you would have get lucky and got all the bolts out, you the plastic clips will still hold the top part in place unless you cut them from bellow which I guess you don't want to do. Just an idea instead of removing the bumper I would try to do something to make that fog bracket fit on the next bolt to either side. Try do a little extension to the next bolt. Do not remove the nut if is rusted, instead spray some lube and add another nut that will hold your extension.

 

[maine runner]

quaz -

Thanks for the info.

I presume the white plastic clips can be removed or are they a one time thing?

My nephew (mechanical master genius) is coming over today to pull the bumper so we can work on it inside. Good day to do it, 9 degrees outside.

If we get stuck, I will look into going off another fastener. Thanks for that suggestion.

 

[quazaryn]

yes of course once you get all nuts off you will be able to pull plastic trim lose and the clips should stay intact. Another potencial issue you are facing is that the bolt that broke is actually inbeded into the plastic mantel so I don't think you will be able to replace it, unless you buy whole new top. If I were you. I would do the mod with extension.

 

[maine runner]

It's DONE

Well, after 5 hours of work by my master mech nephew, and me giving him a hand, the bumper was pulled, original broken bolt fixed, OEM fog lights removed and the Hellas installed and bumper reinstalled. Only 3 smaller bolts broke (in the trim backer) during removal of the trim piece. They were replaced by carriage bolts with the heads grounded down slighly.

Gotta wonder at the engineering of the bumper. Sheesh. While not hard to get it off, removing the top trim piece is a bit of a PITA.

For the sake of others, took these photos.

Working in
Bumper Removal:

Bolt/Fastner Pattern:

Master Bumper Slayer:

We took the truck to a warehouse to aim the lights and after we were done, WOAH. Nice.

Lesson learned: Don't start a mod in February when it's 12 degrees with 3' of snow on the ground. Not the best time to be working outside.

Thanks Quazaryn, you helped alot!

 

[quazaryn]

Hey no worries

Yeah I know the taste of that fierce winters, I used to live in Ontario for some years, there used to be "fix it yourself" garage with hoist you could rent it by hours. It came pretty handy. In any case good to see you over with it.