Advice needed on rear bumper replacement

[BrianK14]

So, one of my next projects on my rig will be a rear bumper replacement. It currently looks like this:

Center section needs replacing, side sections are good. Although I will remove and rust protect the side portions on the backside. I also want to replace rusted brackets. For the large, main Y-shaped bumper hanger brackets, there seem to be two part numbers, one for 96-98 model years, and one for 99-02 years. My truck is an 02. But, the 96-98 brackets seem to be much more available and much cheaper as aftermarket parts (while I would normally preach using OEM Toyota parts, I can't justify the expense in this case, especially sense these are not structural parts). So, does anyone know the difference between the early model vs late model rear bumper brackets? Interchangeable? What about the other smaller brackets and the bumper reinforcement? Anyone had a good experience with fit and finish of a particular brand/source of aftermarket brackets?


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[johnbyebye]

I've heard the aftermarket bumpers deteriorate rather quickly. I bought an oem one that I'm having painted to match my trim. Since yours is chrome you should have no problem finding one that is oem. You might want to look into pulling parts of a wrecked one too.

 

[BrianK14]

Bump for more advice

 

[jkoni426]

I got a replacement chrome center section from rock auto that's held up great for a couple years now (knock on wood). Has some sort of film coating on the inside I'm assuming is rust protection. Very minor fitment issues if at all.

 

[badattitude]

I also have 4 years on a rockauto replacement and it still looks good. There were some small fitment issues but not a big deal. Just enough where I had to push or pull to get holes to line up. I did get all new bolts from Toyota. Some of the old ones will break so have a plan for dealing with those. I found lots of AeroKroil penetrating fluid, six-sided sockets, a heat gun (in cycles of heat and cool) and patience loosened most old rusty bolts. Some needed to be drilled out and removed.

I used the same rusty brackets, they hold firm. IIRC - the sides need to come off to get the center.

Keep those black plastic separators between the sides and rear facing bumper, those will be reused. I chose to use anti-seize on the bolts when assembling.