470SNC
03 GX470
The factory recovery point works as a spacer between frame and mount and will need to be removed. Have you tried a breaker bar?
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470SNC
03 GX470
I used an impact gun and it came off easily. I would try soaking it in some pb blaster as well.
Well we got TJM here in Taiwan, but they don't even know this bumper.
It's just a PITA to get anything here, you're so lucky in the States just walk in and buy, life can be so simple...
It's just a PITA to get anything here, you're so lucky in the States just walk in and buy, life can be so simple...
Heat the bolts and surrounding area with a torch, hit the bolt heads with a hammer a couple of times, spray down with PB blaster, repeat. Do this every day for a week, if you have to. The bolts are tight, but they don't require Herculean strength to remove unless they're rusted, in which case the weakest link is going to be spot weld holding the captured nut inside the frame rail. If you break these nuts free, the bolt will just spin freely and you'll have to cut it off and figure out another way to capture a nut in the frame rail. I had to weld up a nut plate and slip it in the frame rail. Even then, it was a huge pain to get everything lined up.
470SNC
03 GX470
I had the same issue, the bolts came loose easy but the passenger side captive nut inside the rail broke the tack weld. I had to use a mini claw grabbing tool and a prybar to wedge the nut in place while I tightened down the bolt. That was a major pain in the ass.
Is there a functional purpose for the six holes in the front of the bumper? Are they there for cooling? Are they there for light installation?
470SNC
03 GX470
They're there for cooling for the radiator, but I'm sure you can put some 6" lights behind the holes, theres plenty of radiator relief.
I don’t have a wealth of tools at my disposal so part of the reason I asked was just because I debated how much time to put into it.
I’ve removed everything save those recover points so I think I’m over the hurdle.
Now that TJM has the product in stock, they’ve been good, but the shipper I’m dealing with is from hell. Ten phone calls, one dumb question after another and still haven’t delivered. You guys won’t have to deal with that, so be grateful..
I’ve removed everything save those recover points so I think I’m over the hurdle.
Now that TJM has the product in stock, they’ve been good, but the shipper I’m dealing with is from hell. Ten phone calls, one dumb question after another and still haven’t delivered. You guys won’t have to deal with that, so be grateful..
Hit a deer Friday and ordered my T17 yesterday from Slee. My shop worked with my insurance company and I’ll be just $158 out of pocket for the repairs, bumper, and winch plate. 
470SNC
03 GX470
looking good, glad you got it installed!
I am so jealous.....that you hit a deer. I am gonna head out right now and hit me a deer! Then I guess I will have to get a new bumper(!) right?Hit a deer Friday and ordered my T17 yesterday from Slee. My shop worked with my insurance company and I’ll be just $158 out of pocket for the repairs, bumper, and winch plate.
View attachment 1562117 View attachment 1562119 View attachment 1562121
And some new venison recipes.
Thanks for the help and advice.
About to start playing with the wiring...so did you simply run the TJM bumper lights as fog lights?
470SNC
03 GX470
Yes sir, ran the two wires for the TJM fogs to the factory fog light wires and then the third wire you splice into the factory turn signal power wire.
@Phil Damon
Phil, can i just purchase the winch plate? 2001 LC with stock front bumper and im just looking for recovery insurance.
@bucfl From my research, the TJM winch plate that works behind the factory bumper is P/N 957MTT1581C. There are inconsistent pictures on the 'net of what exactly this plate looks like, even the TJM website is a little confusing on the matter. There's a MUD thread about it here: OEM Bumper Winch Mount, but no clear pics of the plate itself. Maybe Phil can shed some light on it?
