I pulled a rear step bumper off an 80's Bronco at the yard today and will want to install on my '78 F150 styleside. I pulled the mounting brackets and as much wiring as I could for the plate bulbs and wiring harness. I will be buffing the bumper up and paint the back side before mounting.

My question is, how is the best way to go about mounting the bumper by myself? I have to drill the frame for the mounting holes. should I remove the mounting brackets and work with them, then mount the bumper to the brackets? I want to make sure I line it up properly. Any tips, suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

I've mounted about 3 different bumpers on various pickups. I have found it easier to drill the holes into the frame, mount the brackets to the frame, and then mount the bumper to the brackets. I've had to line the bumper up to the brackets, etc. about 50 times as I want it to be centered. That's how I've done it and they all seemed to come out pretty straight and centered but maybe there are other opinions out there. Good Luck!

 

Bronco bumper brackets are longer. 1978/96 Bronco's have a rear stone shield between the body and bumper that F100/350's don't have.

So if you use Bronco brackets on an F100/350, the bumper will stick out like a sore thumb.