OEM vs Replacement front bumper
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Freshman User
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OEM vs Replacement front bumper
Today I put a ding on the front bumper near the left fog light. I think of replacing the bumper. Just wondering if I should go for OEM or replacement. Of course replacement is much more cheaper. Since I can't compare them side by side, I wonder where they would be different compare to each other. Will the chrome look different?
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Freshman User
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
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Through ford it is 800 dollars, and replacement is about 400. Just wondering if it would look different
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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Have you asked the dealer for a discount? I've never had a dealer say no. Just ask for wholesale price and they'll drop it down quite a bit.
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From: Mississauga, ON, Canada
I agree, it's likely made by the same supplier and that perhaps it didn't pass a quality check. Ever wonder where those $1 pairs of scissors or staplers come from at the dollar store? 
Find out what the return policy is and go with aftermarket. These bumpers are not the most precise parts that can be installed on our trucks anyway nor is the fit and finish anything to write home about. I remember comparing mine to another guy's when we first got them and from one truck to another there were some significant differences but also some stark similarities in poorly fitted parts.
Find out what the return policy is and go with aftermarket. These bumpers are not the most precise parts that can be installed on our trucks anyway nor is the fit and finish anything to write home about. I remember comparing mine to another guy's when we first got them and from one truck to another there were some significant differences but also some stark similarities in poorly fitted parts.
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Freshman User
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So you guys are suggesting me to not go back to ford, and just go aftermarket? Also do you guys know how the fog light is mounted to the bumper? The ding is right at where to right fog light is, the light housing is now loose.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Another option that you have is to purchase a good used one from an auto wrecker/recycler. I use Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market. It checks all the databases of all registered auto recycling facilities in the US and Canada. You might just find exactly what you're looking for. It's a fantastic tool. I think you'd be fine with aftermarket but if you're hesitant, try to find a used OEM part from a wrecked vehicle (which hopefully wasn't hit at the front). I just checked the site and there are lots available.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: South Jersey
At my work, we almost never use aftermarket parts. Todays metal bumpers are not what they once were, but OEM will be the best buy in the long run for durability, as well as maintaining the factory warranty on body parts. OEM parts have a better fit and finish as well.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Southern California
I would suggest as an alternative- used replacement or (although it cost almost as much as a new bumber) send it to a chrome shop for straightening & re-chrome- although the bumber will look better than oem when done!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Pacific NW
Even the OEM's are not perfect, you have to muscle with them. When doing my backup lights, I popped a few bolts loose to experiment with which one I wanted to use for a ground. However, the bumper quickly became misaligned and I had to muscle it back into place and tighten the nuts again.