'99 stock front bumper replacement

[jim22]

I have a '99 XLT with a dreadful hole rusted through the front bumper. It's painted to match the truck. I'd like to replace it.

It seems there are options for the replacement, something about "with or without pad holes". Can anyone explain the significance of this?

Where would be a good place to order a new one? How hard is it to change out? Will I need to replace the hardware that holds it in?

This is rather low budget, so I'll probably be painting it myself. I've located some cans of paint which match pretty well.

Thanks for the help! -- Jim

 

[flamingx]

It seems there are options for the replacement, something about "with or without pad holes". Can anyone explain the significance of this?

some models came with rubber strips on the front bumper just under the headlights. if yours has these (and you want to keep them) then you want the bumper "with" if not, then "without"

Where would be a good place to order a new one? How hard is it to change out? Will I need to replace the hardware that holds it in?

I don't know where your from but I'm Canadian and around here they are about $250CDN for a new aftermarket one availible anywhere body shops buy their parts (NAPA, CarQuest, APC LMCtruck etc.) If that is more than your willing to spend, you may have better luck at a junk yard (if you can find one that doesnt have the same problem as yours)

As for hardware it all depends one how rusty yours is, most of the time you can reuse all of it (with the use of lots penetrating oil) It should be about 4-6 bolts holding the whole thing on and a 1/2 dozen or so smaller bolts with clips holding on the lower plastic cover