Rrloren

Need to replace my rear bumper and was trying to get the old rusted ones off and find a lot of rusted bolts. I see total of 14 bolts to be removed . When removing the bumper does the trailer hitch need to be removed also?
Am I better off using a sawsall to cut off everything or should I get a welder to burn off the bolts? What have you guys done?

pvdh286

Heres a couple of options, soak a couple of days with penatrating oil and use a impact, or the easy way, use a torch, bolts are cheap, there should be 4 bolts on each side, the hitch stays on the trk.

Racer9

Yeah, just 6 bolts, 3 each side, on the frame. Sounds like you're trying to take all the bracket bolts off. Just remove it at the frame. Don't forgrt to unhook the lic plate lights.

Geico266

I need a rear bumper also. Where did you get your & how much? Anyone else have a good source for after market bumpers?

Rrloren

Mine has 2 bolts each side to the frame, 2 ea. side from the top of bumper to a bracket on frame and 6 total on the underside of bumper bolted to a lip fused to my hitch bar.It was the second bumper on the truck maybe they put a few extra in. I got most loose but some are impossible to reach with a socket or a wrench.
I may try cutting access holes into the bumper with a sawsall to reach these , if not I'll Have to get someone with a torch.
Geico , I haven't yet bought the new one but there are a bunch on e-bay the cheapest out of Ky. for about $290 delivered , includes brackets.

Racer9

Must have changed a lot since '96. Mine only had 6 total.

Red3quarter

No the hitch does not need to be taken off to remove the bumper.

Rrloren

Thanks guys. You were right , there were 3 bolts each side and with an 18mm deep socket the bumper can be off in a few mins. Man ,I was making a simple job very complicated, thanks again.