What is involved with removing the rear bumper on a 2010 1500? Looks like I'll have to disconnect the backup sensors and the trailer wiring going to the jacks. Are these just plug and play? What else is needed to pull the bumper off?

Thanks,
Rob

 

There are two bolts hidden behind the license plate

 

So I took a peek under there today in prep for removal later this week. Are there really only six bolts holding the bumper to the hitch? Two behind the license plate and two above each tailpipe?

Looks like all the sensors and trailer wiring harnesses unplug right at the bumper so those should be pretty straightforward.

Thanks,
Rob

 

Curious what bumper you are putting on? I folded mine in half yesterday around a tree and have started looking for a new one that's at least a little stronger than a beer can.

Two I've seen that fit the application but I know nothing about: Frontier and Ranch Hand.

Look forward to seeing your results. Please post anything you learn along the way.

 

Sorry, not replacing it with another. I just need to pull it off to have a little body work done on the box. Scraped it up a bit this winter and it needs to be repainted.

Rob

 

No other feedback on whether the 6 bolts are all there are? I'm just hoping to have all the info I need before I start tearing into it...

Thanks,
Rob

 

There are two bolts behind the plate, and 5 per side holding the bracket to the bumper.

If you lay on your back and look at the corner of the bumper you will see the bracket, there is one bolt in the very outside corner (this one is hard to see), one over tailpipe (if you have dual), and one at the inside edge of the bracket.

The other 2 are vertical facing, and bolt directly into welded on nuts on the bracket.

You will likely also have to remove the plastic step covers, as the 3 bolts per side, are squared bolts, and once loose, you must hold them from the top to keep them in the square hole, to be able to loosen them fully.

 

Thanks gutty. I was under there and saw the bolts you mention. However, it looks like just above each tailpipe is a pair of bolts that would allow the bracket to come off still attached to the bumper. Can it be done that way too, for a little easier removal?

Thanks,
Rob

 

While I am sure it could be done, to remove the brackets along with the bumper may be quite hard during removal and re-installation without the brackets attached to the truck to support it until the bolts are tight.

Basically, you will be trying to hold the bumper up and level, line up the holes that mount the bracket the frame, then get the bolt through and tighten it.

 

Perfect. That's the type of inside info I'm looking for. :-) To make sure I don't do something stupid!

Rob