Took off rear bumper and holes for bolts are rusted away/broken. What to do?

[nalbertasr5]

As mentioned in the title, I took my bumper off to do some maintenance in preparation of adding in a new offroad bumper. In doing so, most of the bolts broke and the holes they go into have rusted away on the side bumper areas. The back seemed to fare a little better. Doesn't look like it would be safe to reattach the bumper with all the bolts and holes corroded away on the rear side of the bumper area.

Since I was looking at getting an offroad metal bumper anyway, would it be possible to just weld one to the frame and forget about the bolts and rusted body? Anyone done this?

 

[weekendclimber]

I had this happen to the bolts on the nut-strap to the tow hitch:

Had to sawzall those off.

Also, some of the rear section of the bumper bolts snapped off on the removable bracket, and some of the side sections were stuck on pretty good. Most, if not all, after market bumpers mount directly to the rear frame, so it's not too much of a big deal if the body mounted bolts are toast.

I'm going to be putting some of the old bolts back on that would connect the brackets for the side bumpers. Those bolt holes go through the body and would be and entry point for water or dust, so having them in there will prevent that. Specifically, these two next to the rear pressure vent:

 

[nalbertasr5]

I had this happen to the bolts on the nut-strap to the tow hitch:

Had to sawzall those off.

Also, some of the rear section of the bumper bolts snapped off on the removable bracket, and some of the side sections were stuck on pretty good. Most, if not all, after market bumpers mount directly to the rear frame, so it's not too much of a big deal if the body mounted bolts are toast.

I'm going to be putting some of the old bolts back on that would connect the brackets for the side bumpers. Those bolt holes go through the body and would be and entry point for water or dust, so having them in there will prevent that. Specifically, these two next to the rear pressure vent:

But seriously, wow thanks for the quick replay and pics. This is what mine looks like. so the bumper basically bolts all the way into the frame so the body isnt a huge issue? Think it can still work? I could just cut off the ugly rusty spot

 

[weekendclimber]

But seriously, wow thanks for the quick replay and pics. This is what mine looks like. so the bumper basically bolts all the way into the frame so the body isnt a huge issue? Think it can still work? I could just cut off the ugly rusty spot

Yeesh, so glad they don't salt the roads here in the PNW (sorry to be negative Nelly on that).

I would definitely want to cut that off and repair it best I could. That whole area is open to the inside of the cab, so you could cut it above the pressure vent and patch it to keep the cab sealed up. Most of the after market bumpers would cover up to the bend in the sheet metal above that vent. So, as long as it was a plate bumper instead of a tube bumper, that area would be covered.

To answer your question: yes, not a huge issue for after market bumpers as nearly all (note the caveat, so confirm with the outfit you purchase it from) bolt to the frame where the tow hitch would bolt up. This is opposed to the stock bumper, which is entirely attached to the body.

Additionally, be sure to consider getting Sonoran Steel solid rear body mounts as well when going aftermarket on the bumper (I'm not a paid representative, I swear). Maybe you know, but when flexing off-road your new bumper will most likely contact that area due to the frame and body moving independently with the non-solid OEM rear body mounts (they're squishy).

 

[nalbertasr5]

Thank you so much for the help! This should solve my problem! Thank you! I am always so impressed with how helpful people on here can be

 

[weekendclimber]

Thank you so much for the help! This should solve my problem! Thank you! I am always so impressed with how helpful people on here can be

No problem! I was literally in there this weekend noticing that those holes were open and I'm getting ready to put on a 4xInnovations from [MENTION=76968]traxman25[/MENTION] this coming weekend, so thought I throw out some of what I was seeing while my mind is fresh. Cheers