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Old 11-21-2004, 08:53 PM   #1 (permalink)
Hardcore
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Western Bull Bar with stock skid plate

When I asked about this it seemed everyone had to drill new holes in the rear for there skid plate bolts.
I just installed both with the stock hole pattern. I first cut off the step in the front skid plate mounts. These are the ones that have a step for the tow hooks. I installed these first then a spacer and then the western bull bar. If you measure the difference between the tow hooks with the skid plate mounts, then the spacer that came with the bull bar you'll see there the same. When you cut off the step for the skid plate mounts ( because the step won't fit with the bull bar) the difference between this measure and the original measurement is what you need to space. I used a large 1" bolt which made up the difference. From the frame, I placed the nut then the original hanger that was cut then the bull bar. The front mounts with just the bull bar. The western bull bar skid plate has to be removed.
Once all four botls are hand tight, tighten the fronts. Now install the skid plate with the 6 original bolts to hand tight. Now with a 3/4 ratchet tighten the rear 19mm bolt. You have to point the retchet towards the engine and it only turns a few clicks, but it gets done. Now tighten down the skid plate. Check all is tight. The western skid plate gets the top 3 screws. The bottom can be screwed with sheet metal screws like the license plate mount. I however cut a foot long piece of 1/4 fuel line and sliced it to fit on the bottom of the skid plate. I then used heavy duty zip ties and tied the skid plate from the westerd mount the the holes in the skid plate.
All is real clean looking with the original skid plate mounted in its stock location. All is tight with no rubbing or rattles.
I'm very anal with my truck and this worked out nicely with a clean look and no extra holes in my baby. I know it seams clear when you allready do it so if anyone has a question e-mail me and I'll try to explane better. Good luck...
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