Picked up my bumper from NCFJ today
This thing is seriously stout. I couldn't be happier. To help anyone else out who is planning on this bumper I figured I would put together an install writeup.
The only problem with this bumper is it isn't on my FJ...
First off, go out and buy a M12x1.25 tap. They can be difficult to find (ask me how I know). If you have the time order it and have it ready. You will need this to clean out your bolt holes. Even the holes that had bolts in them were a pain to deal with.
Start off by removing the 10mm screws on top of the bumper.
Remove this clip on the right of the plastic housing by using a flat head screw driver to pop the center up, then pull the clip out.
Remove the 10mm screws on the bottom of the bumper.
Don't forget the 10mm screw under the bumper wing. While you are down here remove the 17mm bolts holding the recovery point. You may need a breaker bar or longer ratchet for the 17mm bolts. They can be a real pain.
Use your M12x1.25 tap to clean out the holes from the recovery point bolts. There are two tapped holes under the exhaust that will look exactly like the holes from the recovery point. Clean these holes with your tap as well. You can see mine have a lot of gunk in them...stupid PA winters...
Pull the trim piece from the side to pop the clips. It is easier to start towards the bottom of the trim by the mud flaps. Note the red arrow. This is pointing to a white clip. On the other side of this clip is the connector to the backup sensor. Be sure to disconnect the cables prior to fully removing the trim. Do this for each side.
Remove the 17mm bolts holding the hitch to the frame. You may want to remove the lower bolts first to prevent dropping the hitch on your head.
Laugh at the stupid piece of foam
Disconnect the wire from the back of the sensor and remove the pop pings holding the wire to the inside of the trim. Slide the clip away from the sensor.
Push the sensor out of the bumper from behind.
Reinstall the sensors on the new bumper.
Time for a test fit. Make not of any holes that may not line up and adjustments that may need to be made. A grease pencil is helpful for this.
I really like the steps on the side.
Time to trim down the old plastic! I used a folding box knife that I heated with a butane torch to cut the plastic. This helps with making nice clean cuts. Here you can see my first cut of the passenger side. I cut big the first time and noted what needed to be trimmed.
Trim the opposite side. Again, here is another example of my cut line.
Relocate the trailer wiring plug. This will prevent it from getting smashed when you test the clearance of that nice new bumper you installed
There are two parts to the bracket. The upper bolt is 12mm. I reused this one to mount the lower part of the bracket. Also note the bolts to the tabs on body. These bolts can be loosened to adjust the tabs to line up with the holes to the bumper.
Remount the bumper and take it for a field test!
Linear Mode
