I am trying to install a new bumper that we got for Christmas. I cannot seem to get the old bumper off. The bolts are rusted in place. Put some PB on and off for the last 5 hours. Bolts will not budge. Anyone have any recommendations on how to proceed? Man I want my new bumper on!!!

 

May sound stupid, but have you tried tightening the bolts just a tad bit to get them moving? Use a brush and remove as much rust as you can from the bolts. You may have to leave them soaked overnight before they may budge on you. I've even used a mallet to hit the bolt side or nut side a little to help break it up. Also try using some type of heat to the bolts, but have to be careful doing so. This may help expand the nut and allowing it to break free some of the rust inside.

 

Dam man that sucks. Its been like 3 years since I put mine on. I had it a month before that eyesore was in the dumpster. I don't think they are threaded you might be able to get a breaker bar in there with a pipe to break it loose. Sometimes if you tighten the bolts then try to loosen them sometimes that works. or you could heat them up with a torch just make sure you wipe all the PB blaster up the best you can. Last resort you can get creative with a cutoff wheel. Sorry to hear your having such a hard time. Post pics when you get the new bumper on.

 

Heat the bolts with torch.

 

Thanks guys. I will continue to utilize the tighten untighten method. So far nothing. Still soaking in PB and I am checking about every 30 min. So far nothing. What a drag. I do not have a torch so I do not have that option today. Will keep trying tho. I love all the videos on removing a stock bumper. The videos show popping off the plastic clips for the skid plate. I can tell you that they just don't pop off. Then, one , two, three and four bolts with a wrench and the bumper is off. Not in my case. It's a drag!

 

$5 propane torch at the Home Depot will be ur best friend.

 

What are you using to loosen the bolts? A 1/2'' ratchet may not be enough. Try a breaker bar or slide a piece of pipe over the handle of your ratchet. Be careful applying a lot of pressure to the tools. I have had sockets and wrenches slip under there and injury is a possibility. I believe the nuts are locking stover nuts which can be tough to remove. If all else fails a local shop shouldn't charge more than a couple of bucks to hit them with an air gun.

 

Just get yourself a good breaker bar as stated above. I have a hollow pole from my old jack that fits nice over my 1/2 ratchet thats around 20" long and its been my best friend over the years.

 

Monkey fist it

 

Thanks to all. Will be getting both a torch and breaker bar. I will let you know how it pans out. I appreciate the help!