How does brush guard/bumper come apart?

[CRB357]

I need to remove the two "wings" or the guards that go around the lights and wrap around the side. I want to repaint them and tighten them. Does something remove from the bumper part? How does this thing go together? Here is a pic of the type I have. Also does anyone know what style this is called?

 

[ERover82]

Those brush guards are usually called damage amplifiers for good reason. Anyways they usually mount with the same four bolts as the bumper to the frame.

 

[CRB357]

Thanks. Is it possible to remove just the "wings" that are attached w/o removing the middle part that is bolted to the frame?

 

[Tugela]

Thanks. Is it possible to remove just the "wings" that are attached w/o removing the middle part that is bolted to the frame?

An angle grinder should do the trick.

 

[scottsdalerrc]

yea, you'll be cutting them off if that's your intent.

 

[CRB357]

The driver side one is loose, how do I tighten it then? I see the little tab where it wraps around, but it is loose where it goes into the middle part. I was thinking that maybe those "bumper" things had like a cover that was removable exposing a bolt or something.

 

[Levi]

The driver side one is loose, how do I tighten it then? I see the little tab where it wraps around, but it is loose where it goes into the middle part. I was thinking that maybe those "bumper" things had like a cover that was removable exposing a bolt or something.

Are you sure it's not rusted out? My DI guard rusted apart in that spot and it was hard to tell beneath the plastic coating. Thankfully it was bad enough not to cause too much extra damage when my wife slid into a car.

 

[helievacpilot]

Your going to have to remove the plastic "covers" to actually see how they are attached. Then go from there.

 

[CRB357]

Here is a video of what I'm talking about. I guess it really isn't loose where it comes out of the middle bumper part. Just that little mounting tab on the side. I'm still taking it off though to have it sand blasted and powder coated.

https://youtu.be/E08sz4Rnnv0

 

[group captain mandrake]

The last truck I bought had one of those things on it. The first thing I did was remove the whole thing. It was addition by subtraction.

 

[CRB357]

Why?

 

[Devildog01]

Because they are garbage and serve no purpose other than making your "rig" look cool. Anything other than a hit from a butterfly will fold that thing into your hood and headlights totalling your truck. ( for insurance purposes) That is a "brush guard". And by brush they mean small bushes and branches. If you are not going to wheel off road or have a winch then you are fine. They are shit steel,shit welds and shit powdercoat/paint. They are just for that overlanding look and somewhere to put your hella 500's

 

[CRB357]

Ok, thanks man. I plan to add a winch, I guess that means a new bumper too.

 

[Devildog01]

It's your best bet. Anymore aftermarket d2 bumpers are few and far between but well worth the money if you continue offroading.

 

[best4x4]

Yeah my D1 came with the center brush bar without the hoops, and when I leaned on it the thing tilted backwards. I was like oh man those bolts sure are loose.... Actually it had collected water on both sides near the bottom and was completely rotten. Removed that POS before it fell off and hurt someone.

Tactical Rover, ARB, and TF make some sweet D1/D2 bumpers.

Honestly from the sound of it I wouldn't doubt if it's rusted or a weld has broken loose.

 

[seventyfive]

find an RTE blade bumper.

unless you own/operate a cattle,ranch you have no reason to need a bull bar. unlike the majority of people, I actually am an expert regarding armor so take my advice.

Seriously though, a brush or bull bar will or can cause damage that can be avoided. Years ago I had a yahoo snatch me into a tree, a very big tree. Even though I held my fist out the window, laid on the horn, and yanked my parking brake up he kept snatching me...right into the tree. I hit the tree, it yanked his rear end up, and bounced my truck to the right over a foot. The rte bumper bent back far enough to dent the sheet metal BUT rebounded back as if nothing happened. The bumper is bent a tiny bit. IF it had a bull bar it would have caused a lot more damage.

But if you absolutely need the tactical look or something flimsy, go the terrafirma, arb, or tactical rovers route.

 

[K-rover]

But if you absolutely need the tactical look or something flimsy, go the terrafirma, arb, or tactical rovers route.

Thats bullshit!

Ive had my Tactical Rovers bumper for 3yrs now. Its tough as nails.. Last December I had to winch a stock D2 up a hill he had no business being on. I had my winch line out to a snatch block then down to his bumper. As I was winching him the front of my truck was coming off the ground. The bumper never moved an inch. I have put that bumper through its paces more than once and I would put money on it being as strong as any any RTE bumper.

 

[ERover82]

Tactical Rovers, RTE, TJM, and SafariGard, are quality bumpers. The latter two are only available used however.

 

[ERover82]

The other option is get rid of the brush guard, mount your lights to the stock bumper, and get a hidden winch mount.

 

[CRB357]

I'll see how it goes. Right now it is just an exploration vehicle. Maybe add hidden winch just in case. I initially thought I could add the cable for the CDL, but apparently the 03-04 doesn't have that option. So my hardcore wheeling plans have taken a hit there.