Hey guys, I have an 06 with a rusting front bumper (the metal part with the hooks attached to it). I went to a shop and they said to replace it would be about $500 and it would be a new part. Seems like alot but I see them on enay new for about $400. Is this a difficult task to do and has anyone tried? I have an impact wrench Id like to try to use on it, but dont want to get into disassembling my daily driver if it is a massive task. Thoughts?

 

If I were going to spend that much money on that bumper, I would get the Thor Parts bumper. If the stock look appeals to you, you may find the bumper a little cheaper (Call CJ at Thor Parts, he may have some take offs) if you look around. The replacement is very easy, just remove the bolts from the tow hooks and the bolts underneath for the skid plate. You may have to drill out some little bolts in the tow hooks, I remember that there was a torx fastener in the middle of them that on one bumper was drilled out but on the other it was missing altogether. If you get stuck google H3 bumper removal, lots of threads on it and Schwartzy's has factory pictures and torque specs.

 

Replacing that bumper bar is simple. The new part is about $335, then add shipping which will put you pretty close to $400 unless you steel one off Ebay or Craig's list etc......

When you say "rusting" it is all a matter of degree. If it has some rust on it, pull it off, sand out the rust and re-paint it.

The entire front bumper is held in place by the 4 Tow ring bolts (some later models also had a torx screw threw the center of the tow ring base), and 4 bolts (2 each side) to the frame brace brackets. So disconnect the fog lamp wiring, remove 8 bolts, and it is in your hands. Takes less than 15 minutes.

Then the center metal bumper bar is held to the full assembly with bolts through various clips, remove those with the bumper laying face down and your part is ready to be prepped for a re-paint.

Bumper brace with fog light wire hanging.


Bumper face down on the grass with the bar section removed and all the bolts and clips laying in the center mini grill section of the bumper fascia.


Truck no bumper, and no inner fender.


I repainted my 07 front bumper after bashing a rock with the nose (poor line selection ) with Rust-Oleum Hammered Black, looked like it came that way, matched in great. That was back in the days before my BA Bumper.

 

Thanks guys, I think Ill give it a shot because I really dont have the time to drop it off and leave it at a shop and im sure that $400 could become $600 with these places.

 

What did you do with your old impact bar by chance if you don't mind me asking?

 

Where are you located

 

I'm in new Mexico

 

04-25-2015, 10:56 AM 06RedH3

 

Very good weedhopper, you have noted that this has been an OLD THREAD revival.

 

I want to remove the plastic vent/grate in the bumper to install a 30" Led light bar. Is there a way to do this without dropping the whole front bumper?