Rear Bumper Removal Step-by-Step Process and Guide for the (2-door and 4-door) 6th Gen Ford Bronco

You might need to remove the rear bumper on your Bronco for many reasons. Maybe you’re installing a new aftermarket bumper, perhaps you’re just installing a new hitch receiver, or maybe you have a custom project that you want to tackle.

Whatever the reason, it’s always helpful to have a few photos referring to the bolt and harness locations that need to be removed before pulling off the rear bumper.

Removing the rear bumper is simple and can be done with basic shop tools.

Tools Needed

• 13mm Socket
• 18mm Socket
• 3/8″ or 1/2″ Drive Ratchet
• 3/8″ or 1/2″ Breaker Bar (optional)
• Loctite (for reinstalling)

Step 1. Unclip Driver Side Wiring Harness

Start by removing the license plate light wiring harness connected to the bumper on the driver side of the Bronco. Depending on your trim level, you may have more than one connector.

Step 2. Remove Two 13mm Bolts

There are two 13mm bolts on the backside of the bumper. They are both connected to the body mount sheet metal flange on the passenger and driver sides.

Step 3. Remove Four 18mm Bolts

There are four 18mm bolts directly underneath the bumper holding the bumper and the double shear recovery points in place. You need to remove four bolts (two on each side). When you pull the bumper off, the recovery points will stay connected to the bumper via a plastic plush clip. You can save these for reinstalling the recovery points and bumper and then add new clips or dispose of them. They are not needed for reinstalling.

Step 4. Support Rear Bumper

To remove the bumper, wiggle the center of the bumper up and down while pulling out. The bumper should break free of the frame, and you can pull it straight off.

The easiest way to remove the bumper would be with a helping hand. With one person on the driver’s side and another on the passenger side, you should easily be able to pull the bumper straight off and set it aside.

Since I was removing the bumper by myself, I decided to prop up one side with the Pro Eagle Jack while I pulled the other side off the frame and out completely.

If you have a helping hand, you can skip to step 6.

Step 5. Pull Back on the Rear Bumper

While one side of the bumper is supported on your jack, pull the other side directly out. With the help of a jack, you can support one side while holding the other.

Step 6. Set the Rear Bumper Aside

Once the bumper is off the cross member, you can grab it by the center and set it to the side.

Step 6. Loctite for Reinstalling

When reinstalling your bumper, it’s important to remember the blue Loctite on the four (4) bolts holding the bumper and double shear recovery points on.

Step 7. New Plastic Clips (Optional)

Once the bumper has been re-assembled, you can add new plastic clips. I believe this step is a bit pointless and unnecessary as they’re only meant to prevent the recovery points from dropping when you remove the bumper. To each their own on this one.

Final Thoughts

That’s it. This is a straightforward process.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we will install a new hitch receiver for towing and recovery purposes.