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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.