I must be missing something simple. Why can't I seem to get the bolt holes to line up for this bumper on my 88. It looks like I would have to place the mounting tabs right where the body bushing is to get the lower holes to line up with the front frame holes? Any quick suggestions? Thanks.

 

I think it does go under like you're saying. Are there any instructions on TG website?

 

Nope, no instructions. Emailed them to see if they get back to me this week. Just doesn't make sense, I have never seen anyone else say they had to remove bushings to install one of these. Maybe they sent me the wrong bumper.

 

Yeah, I just went out and looked at my 88. I built my current bumper but I had an old Smittybilt on it at one time and I just made that attachment point the same. You are correct that it goes on top. Sounds like it was jigged up wrong when they made it or like you said, the wrong bumper.

After looking at your pics again, it may be the correct bumper with those tabs welded on in the wrong spot. Looks like an easy fix but, TG needs to make it right. Let us know how it all turns out.

 

I am still dealing with this issue with Trail-Gear. In the meantime, is there anyone with this style trail-gear bumper that can take a pic for me similar to this pic below? Does anything with this body bushing or body mount seem not stock?

 

Final update. You need to have a welder and other tools if you buy this bumper. I had to grind off the tabs and reweld them in a slightly different location and rework the bolt holes. Overall I am happy with the outcome but it did require a bit of fab work. Trail Gear customer service is useless.

 

Thanks for updating your thread. It sucks that you had to cut, weld and grind on a new bumper. I've had pretty good luck with most of my TG parts but I have had to fight with them on two items I had problems with. After a lot of frustration, they made it right. I'm sure they get a lot of complaints of their products that are self inflicted by the buyers, but they seem to treat everyone that calls as stupid. They should at least send you a shirt or something.

 

When I got my bumper I had similar issues. I ended up returning it and ended up having to make my own that I didn't have time for. The plate that bolts to the front of the frame was pushing up against the body core support--hard. They should have a spacer that brings it out so it doesn't rub or fold it right. Some of the holes were off a bit to where you had to elongate them (already had a huge hole for the bolt) to get them all started. The quality control just didn't seem to be there like it was in the past. Was also hitting the grill where the winch plate sits. Really?? you couldn't design this to avoid cutting the crap out of the plastic grill?? Just not what I expected from a 20+ year old company. Bumper wasn't cheap either for what you get