Is there anything I need to know about putting a t-17 bumper on...Any helpful hints? How long should it take? Will my factory skid plate work? Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

This is one of the easiest things I've done to my truck. It's a real piece of cake and the directions are simple enough.

I'd check to make sure you have all the right parts. I was missing some bolts, and had two passenger side rubber gaskets to go between the front bumper and the sides. Had to drive around with one backwards for a weeks until they sent me the right one.

Also, if you have the limited style flares, you might want to not tighten down the sides until the bumper is on the car. With mine 100% level with the top, I got some vibrations that would bang into the limited flares and it was really annoying. Lowering them about 1/8" stopped them from hitting.

Last, you'll need something to trim the plastic lining that hangs down after installing it. I used a dremel myself. You can see what I'm talking about in my Avatar. it's hanging down from the side of the bumper.

Bill

 

and yes the factory skid plate works fine. It doesn't mount to the bumper.

 

PB blast old bolts first
TJM bolts right up, and no matter what you do it will appear to be slightly off on one side if you have the factory flares.

yes it will work with the factory skid.
takes about 3 hours or so, depending on how much help you have.

take pics and post here quickly

 

oh yeah, you'll have to trim these too, just use a regular box cutter, or if your really exact, use a straight edge with the box cutter

 

It is real easy Chris, if you want to take the side supports off then the battery and airbox needs to be removed. I just cut them and later took the bolts out when I made my optima battery tray. You can leave them but the look like crap. You are probibly done by the time you have read this. I jnow this chick in the Elk that could use a cheep bumper exactly like yours if not the box is perfect for storing your old bumper.

 

one other thing that they don't specify...when you lift the bumper up onto the brackets, the ones on the bumper both go inbetween the ones on the car. It'd really help to have someone help you lift it into place, though I've don't it myself both times. It's just kind of a pain to get it wedged between the two brackets on the car.

 

I'm sure it is easy enough.... Can't wait to get home and start on it..