Bumper replacement help

[Codydrane2001]

Any one ever installed a new bumper for a rusted out one? Just wondering how hard it is swapping out the center chrome piece on the front bumper of a 3rd gen. I just wanna know what I'm getting myself Into if I tear into this. Thanks!

 

[Brilliant]

6 bolts, very easy

 

[MattJakobs]

If you have a hitch, be careful of it dropping when all bolts are out as it has some weight to it. Besides that, easy afternoon job.

Edit: ha you said front

 

[Codydrane2001]

Thanks guys and Yeah I said front can't you replace the front chrome piece as well or is that all one piece?

 

[csp]

It's all one piece.

 

[Brilliant]

Thanks guys and Yeah I said front can't you replace the front chrome piece as well or is that all one piece?

You'll never get anything done sitting on the couch.

 

[NJT4R]

I just did this on a '98. I bought a replacement bumper from Auto Parts Warehouse for $113.30.
If you are rusted, soak all the bolts with WD40 or similar in advance.
1.
Take out the two turn signal lights & unplug the connectors. You'll see two bolts that hold the bumper inboard of the where each lights were. They can be accessed from below too. Remove those.
2. There is also one bolt on each far end side of the bumper. remover those too. These might be tough if they are rusted. Patience rules.
this will allow you to remove the bumper & the attached plastic piece below, all as one unit.
If you are keeping the plastic piece below the steel bumper, there are 8 fasteners that are probably rusted worse than the bolts holding the bumper. replace these 8 with some short bolts/washer/nuts you pick up at the hardware store and bolt them to the new bumper while it is off the truck.
Reinstall is reverse. Spray some WD40 in the light sockets & plug in the lights again.

Probably a 2 hour job depending how rusted the fasteners are.

 

[Scramble]

Easy job unless your bolts are rusted like mine were. I had to cut the bolts off when I changed my rear bumper.