bumper swap, what to expect

[XLoudFN97X]

So I'm about to put my X in the body shop for some body work due to a front end collision. The job should be moderate in difficulty, requiring a bumper (including molding and valance), chrome grill and extensions, and header panel replacement, possibly some reshaping of the front fenders b/c the impact forced them out each about 1/2". But I'd like to swap the chrome bumper/painted molding/plastic valance setup for the fiberglass bumper found on the Limited Edition and Mountaineers. As I understand it, the fiberglass cover goes over a black steel bumper and doesn't require additional molding or valance. I like the one piece fiberglass over the chrome and plastic and will be painting it gold to match the lower half and fender flares. Will the steel bumper and cover replace the chrome/plastic setup without mounting or clearance issues? Will the same fogs fit or should those be considerted? It seems to me like a direct replacement, but if anyone has any experience at all on this issue, it would be useful in the persuasion of these insurance crooks to see things my way and not require "exact replacement parts". I could save a little money and be a little happier if I had all things my way.

Thanks for the help,
~stu

 

[99SportX]

The bumper will bolt right on to the factory frame mounts. The fog lights are different. You will need to get ones made for the bumper. The wiring plugs might also be different, so you might need to get some plugs from the dealer.

 

[XLoudFN97X]

cool, thank you. My fogs are busted anyways so i'm probably just gonna get some PIAA or similar aftermarket fogs. I'll get them after I get the bumper cover so I can see how big a hole I have and I bet the PIAAs dont cost much more than the stock replacements. Thanks again,

~stu

 

[MONMIX]

I am confused.
Are you doing this your self ?

Beased on your discription it is not a DIY job.
The fenders pushed out usually is an indicator that there is core support damage.

 

[XLoudFN97X]

I am confused.
Are you doing this your self ?

Beased on your discription it is not a DIY job.
The fenders pushed out usually is an indicator that there is core support damage.

No, it will be done at a bodyshop, the right way. I am just hoping that, after my insurance estimate and deductible, the shop will let me provide the Limited's bumper & cover and not charge me for the chrome and molding, and plastic valance. Maybe the same for the fogs, I dunno. The fenders btw are only out about a half of an inch should be repairable. The fenders are OK otherwise, alignment is slightly off, of course. She'll be alright.

 

[96limitedX]

the 95-98 limited bumper is actually plastic. not fiberglass.

 

[XLoudFN97X]

the 95-98 limited bumper is actually plastic. not fiberglass.

well that sux, but at least it looks clean.

 

[96limitedX]

well that sux, but at least it looks clean.

why would that suck? it can be hit and it just flexes. unlike fiberglass that cracks and brakes

we are talking about the 95-98 limited bumper right?

if so that bumper only came on 95-98 limiteds. it was never put on a mounty

you will have to get the steel reinforcment. and the reinforcment is not just a normal bumper. i can get pics of the back side if you want?

 

[TTG]

Any idea if I could put a 99-00 limited bumber(the one with the circle lights) in place of my stock 95 sport one? I don't really like it as much

 

[96limitedX]

yeah any 95-01 bumper can go on any 95-01 explorer.

 

[XLoudFN97X]

yeah any 95-01 bumper can go on any 95-01 explorer.

Thats really good to know. I do kinda like the 99-01 bumper with the chromed corner moulding and recessed circle fogs. If I go that route, the reinforcement is different, correct? If you have the pics of behind the bumper available, that would be great. Thanks,

~stu

 

[99SportX]

THe reinforcements are different. You will need a reinforcement for a 99-01 bumper and the bumper cover to do the swap. I have 2 99-01 bumpers covers in my garage, 1 reinforcement, and 1 complete 2000 mountaineer bumper. I am holding on to all of them though.