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How difficult is it to install aftermarket bumpers?

gentlemanbronco

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There was a thread previously on the difficulty of installing the modular front bumper and it seemed like a real pain, possibly because of the skid plates.
Are all aftermarket bumpers going to be this difficult to install? Just curious.
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lethaljake

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There was a thread previously on the difficulty of installing the modular front bumper and it seemed like a real pain, possibly because of the skid plates.
Are all aftermarket bumpers going to be this difficult to install? Just curious.

Cant imagine all of the aftermarket options would be a pain and require much. Keep in mind, adding a winch, lightbar etc... is only going to complicate things. I know as well on these trucks, the intercooler location could play a role as well.
 

TX_Bronco77

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Manhandling the sheer weight of "offroad" bumpers is the hard part.
That was my first thought, install wouldn't be that bad but getting in place to tighten everything would.
 

goalie

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Depends on who makes them in my experience. On my jeeps I've had some that go on pretty easily, exluding the weight, which is always something to keep in mind. I've also has some be a total nightmare (looking at you smittybuilt). One I had to take to my friends machine shop and heavily modify/weld parts of it together (still looking at you smittybuilt, never again). On even the best ones, keep weight in mind, especially once you add a winch.
 

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RagnarKon

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Well... that depends.

If you get a direct bolt-on bumper—it is super easy—minus the part where you feel like you need 6 hands actually put it on.

But sometimes bumpers require fabrication work to assemble, sometimes they require you to cut into the factory body panels or skid plates. Sometimes you have to weld on new mount points to the frame, etc. etc.
 

jlj4660

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Installed Best Top Hard Rock Series bumpers on my 06 Rubicon. Was not hard, If you know someone with a transmission jack helps with the weight
 

SolidSnake

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many of the bumpers say it's a direct bolt on so I am guessing they can't be that difficult. I was wondering this myself since I eventually want to replace my rear bumper
 

mmcsween21

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Am i crazy to think that the Modular Bumper option is the best deal at only $825 upgrade on the order? Seems like min rate is going to be near $1300 for after market.....which i guess is essentially a $500 convenience fee to not slow your order down by another year?
 

jbacchi70

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Am i crazy to think that the Modular Bumper option is the best deal at only $825 upgrade on the order? Seems like min rate is going to be near $1300 for after-market.....which i guess is essentially a $500 convenience fee to not slow your order down by another year?
No, not crazy, and I feel the same way. I kick myself every day for not upgrading to the mod bumper. I had NO IDEA how expensive the after-market bumpers would be, and I still think the factory steel looks the best. The only after-market bumper I like at this time is the DV8 - which is actually affordable.
https://dv8offroad.com/products/oe-...w-profile-front-bumper?variant=39546931904583
 

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Silver-Bolt

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It is going to vary from one brand to another. I don't see the Bronco requiring any body trimming for aftermarket bumpers. Some may requiring the drilling of holes for extra mounting points. I have done a few ARB fronts and Expedition-1 rears solo. The weight is manageable but would certainly be easier with another set of hands. Nothing I would consider as a difficult project.
 

zane8stacks

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as others have said its more awkward than difficult. for me i had a harder time installing my lightbar and winch to the bumper as i had to modify to fit my knock off light bar. i also installed lightbar first and then couldnt reach back bolts of winch to torque so i had to uninstall light bar and go again.

Actually getting the bumper on the bronco was 2 people on each side holding in place, and 2 people in front lifting level and reaching through bumper to start threading bolts. the bumper wasnt even that heavy at 160ish with winch installed. it was just an awkward weight, and making sure hands werent in the way when lining it up.

if you are relocating ACC with a new bumper i would set aside a good portion of the day to do it ans that is what slowed me down the most.
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