eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

Click Here
How To

How to Fix the Rear Bumper on a Ford Ranger

Contributor
By Jeffrey Caldwell
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
Ford Ranger XLT
Ford Ranger XLT
LylaClae - creativecommons.org

The rear bumpers on pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger tend to be one of the most abused parts of the vehicle, and after years of collisions with trailer couplings, dents from parking lot mishaps or simple rust, the rear bumper can quickly become an eyesore as well as a safety hazard. Luckily a quality used rear bumper can usually be obtained from an auto salvage yard and is quite simple to install.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

    Removal of a Rear Bumper

  1. Step 1

    Locate the bolts that connect the rear bumper brackets to the frame. Spray these bolts with a penetrating oil such as WD-40.

  2. Step 2

    Disconnect the wiring connector from the license plate light.

  3. Step 3

    Remove the bumper bracket to frame bolts. Make sure you have an assistant supporting the bumper.

  4. Step 4

    Remove the bolts that connect the bumper brackets to the bumper.

  5. Inspecting and Replacing Your Bumper

  6. Step 1

    Inspect the damage on your bumper and bumper brackets. Except in cases of very light damage or unless you are just doing a simple repainting, it will usually be more cost effective to obtain a replacement bumper from an auto salvage yard. The tools and metalworking skills required to straighten a bumper are beyond the average amateur mechanic.

  7. Step 2

    Once you have acquired a replacement bumper, begin by attaching the bumper brackets.

  8. Step 3

    Park the vehicle on a level surface.

  9. Step 4

    Have an assistant support the weight of the bumper, while you start but do not tighten the bumper bracket to frame bolts.

  10. Step 5

    Place a level on top of the bumper. Check that the bumper is even from left to right.

  11. Step 6

    Use a measuring tape to check the gap between the bumper and the tailgate. It should be even.

  12. Step 7

    Tighten the bumper bracket to frame bolts.

  13. Step 8

    Connect the wiring connector to the license plate light.

Tips & Warnings
  • Use an anti-seize compound on the bumper fasteners to ease disassembly next time.
Resources
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

Local Listings
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Cars Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Cars
eHow_eHow Cars