Bumper Removal and Tow Hook Paint

[HouseofBoyd]

Decided to remove and paint the tow hooks on our Gladiator. Tried to put together a step by step for anybody else who wants to take on this task. Not terribly hard with the right tools and time....and temp, unfortunately, I picked the coldest 2 days we've had all winter. I've got a total of about 11 hours spread over a 2 day period in this project. There was some cursing, some bleeding and a little drinking involved.

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[Jimmij]

Great write up

 

[Jake]

I like how you have “OVERLAND” printed in red on your skid plate. Looks great.

 

[whiteglad]

If you want to add a tow hook on the right rear, it is available in red: 68334733AA. The rear hooks can be installed/removed without removing the bumper. The stock bolts are grade 9.8, 40 mm long, M14x2.0 thread, with a lede on the end. I replaced mine with McMaster Carr 35mm long grade 10.9 flange head bolts (18 mm head). I used high pressure chassis grease on the threads and flanges, and tightened to about 120 ft lb with a cheater bar on a flex head ratchet or a box end wrench (depending on access to that particular bolt). If you want to repaint the red hook, beware that the powder coat won't work with Rustoleum like the satin black I tried. I ended up using a power wire brush to remove the red and then painted it.

 

[HouseofBoyd]

Great write up

Thanks!!

 

[HouseofBoyd]

I like how you have “OVERLAND” printed in red on your skid plate. Looks great.

Thank you!

 

[lobelsteve]

If you want to add a tow hook on the right rear, it is available in red: 68334733AA. The rear hooks can be installed/removed without removing the bumper. The stock bolts are grade 9.8, 40 mm long, M14x2.0 thread, with a lede on the end. I replaced mine with McMaster Carr 35mm long grade 10.9 flange head bolts (18 mm head). I used high pressure chassis grease on the threads and flanges, and tightened to about 120 ft lb with a cheater bar on a flex head ratchet or a box end wrench (depending on access to that particular bolt). If you want to repaint the red hook, beware that the powder coat won't work with Rustoleum like the satin black I tried. I ended up using a power wire brush to remove the red and then painted it.

This does not hold true for the Rubicon. Not enough room for a socket or a wrench to get on the front bolts. I will do a write up for the Rubicon edition.

 

[whiteglad]

It was close but I could get on them, and I don't see what the difference is in that location between a Sport S max tow and a Rubi, except that I thought the Rubi already had a right rear tow hook.

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