TJM bumper removal guidance (1 Viewer)

[CharlieS]

I'm in the middle of removing my TJM T13 front bumper as I return my 200 to a street configuration - my wife wants it "less tarted up" LOL for daily use. (that's fine by me since I have a built 80 for trails now)

So I remember the bolts holding the bumper to the winch cradle being a pain in the backside to install, but I'm finding them all but impossible to remove.

Access is super limited and although I can get wrenches and spanners on the fasteners, I don't have enough swing or leverage to undo them.

I installed it myself, so I 100% know it is doable, but I'll be darned if I remember what combination of tools I used to do it.

Do any of you recall the tricks? Any tips? Words of encouragement?

 

[kcjaz]

I'm in the middle of removing my TJM T13 front bumper as I return my 200 to a street configuration - my wife wants it "less tarted up" LOL for daily use. (that's fine by me since I have a built 80 for trails now)

So I remember the bolts holding the bumper to the winch cradle being a pain in the backside to install, but I'm finding them all but impossible to remove.

Access is super limited and although I can get wrenches and spanners on the fasteners, I don't have enough swing or leverage to undo them.

I installed it myself, so I 100% know it is doable, but I'll be darned if I remember what combination of tools I used to do it.

Do any of you recall the tricks? Any tips? Words of encouragement?

I’ve done this twice and yeah, it’s a bit of a pain. I don’t have any specific tips. I just recall having to reach through the rectangular holes on the front of the bumper and “wedging” a wrench or ratchet/socket and then using a wrench or socket on the other side. I also have long cheater/breaker bars and some lengths of pipe to slip over ratchet handles.

Is your hardware stainless steel? Did you use lube/anti seize on the install?

 

[CharlieS]

Thank you!

I didn't replace the stock hardware, so I suspect it is just typical zinc coated or whatever the basic stuff is, not stainless. It doesn't seem corroded though. I probably used a very small amount of antiseize.

I guess I just need to give it another try.

I'll see if I can figure a way to wedge a wrench inside. Good tip. Thanks!

 

[KLF]

Let me know if you need someone to get that used bumper out of your way...

 

[CharlieS]

Hahaha, if only people were willing to drive to Vermont! That's what usually ends up getting in the way, so I end up filling garage even more full of take off bits and bobs.

 

[KLF]

I'm always willing to drive to Vermont, I love that place. I have a project in Chesterfield NH that I need to check out anyhow...

 

[CharlieS]

Success! Thanks for the encouragement and advice.

I used the "wedge the spanner" technique from @kcjaz. The two bottom bolts I used the spanner on the inside (nut) and the top I used the spanner on the outside (bolt). It would have gone quicker with someone holding the spanner but I made it work. I tried both regular spanners and ratcheting ones and the ratcheting ones seemed to work a little better.

The two top bolts had minimal space to swing a wrench through the rectangular hole in the bumper, so a ratchet with fine teeth worked better to get them loose. Then I switched to a little Milwaukee M12 ratchet to finish the job.

Thanks for the help guys!

And @KLF, drop me a line if you head over this way.