Bumper swap

[residue]

My girlfriend’s explorer (a 96) has a bent front bumper. And instead of just swapping for a new one or trying to straighten the one she has I was wondering if anyone's attempted or successfully swapped bumpers from a newer model one.

Essentially I want to go from this

To this

Is it a simple bolt on?

 

[MONMIX]

the only issue might be in the fog light wireing.
Other than that it is just four 18mm bolts.
Note however this is an assembly change, not just a cover.

 

[*96*X]

assembly change? I want to do the same, i thought it would be fairly easy?

 

[residue]

so i'll need the reinforcements as well?

 

[RedRover]

Bump...

I want to know as well.

The second of those to front ends came on certain eddie bauers and were painted to match the fenders which means they are smooth from the factory. I want to have a more (not total) monotone look and am refraining from painting my stock bumps ('98 like the first picture) because of the texture. So I ask the same is it straight swap or not? and also which models had the second bumper smooth and painted from the factory?

also.. (another bumper mod idea)

Is there a dye I could use to turn the plastic on my bumper from the OEM ugly grey/slate color to a nice black???

 

[*96*X]

do yall have a diagram of this swap, this would expain things alot better. i still dont understand

 

[MONMIX]

Bumper and cover need to be swapped.

Most junkyards will only sell them as such.

It is an easier way to go about it.

 

[Garth]

Some of the guys that did this swap a few years back said that the its not a simple bolt up for 97 back X's. They said theres a slight difference with the mounting points and thus you may need to make a adapter bracket to make it work. Do a search, I did get the information off this site.

 

[residue]

for example, what else would i need besides this?

oh and does it need to be painted? i dont really see the upper gold part on the 2nd pic i posted?

 

[jasonb]

you'll also need new wheels and tires for that look

that one above is a sport trac or 01+ sport. i think they mount different.

 

[MONMIX]

Alright I am confused.
It would be quite an undertaking to swap a second gen for a third.

 

[99SportX]

http://www.bumpers.com/DressedBumpers/DressedFord.html
Click on the Explorer Sport 360* view. This is all that you need to do the swap. Nothing will be used from your older bumper except maybe the nuts.

 

[Fish Man]

hmm only $250 from there! i really want one...wonder if i can just grab one from the junk yard for cheaper?

 

[99SportX]

hmm only $250 from there! i really want one...wonder if i can just grab one from the junk yard for cheaper?

You could get one from the junk yard, and it would be cheaper. However, the bumpers.com ones are new. They just have minor defects that caused the factory to not use them on vehicles. The defects aren't even noticeable.

A bumper at my local salvage yard is $200. The condition is to be desired, but if you paint it, it will look good. I'm sure they're some bumpers that are in great condition at the salvage yards. There would be no shipping costs either

 

[Fish Man]

hmm sounds like i might want to consider the salvage yard option, thanks for your help!

 

[leetz]

Dang I'm Thinkin about buying one of those bumpers look nice.

 

[Fish Man]

has anybody every ordered from bumpers.com? im thinking about jsut getting a pre-painted one from them...

 

[99SportX]

I haven't, but I have read threads where others have. Somebody on another site bought one, and he was very happy. It was perfect. Hopefully someone can chime in with a personal experience.