The rear bumper on any vehicle tends to take a lot of abuse, mostly because it's the first thing to get hit when you're rear-ended or in a parking lot and can't see behind you. Fortunately, removing the bumper to install a new one isn't a difficult process, but it does require some heavy lifting. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2004 Ford F-150, but the process is similar for other vehicles as well.
Place your keys in the spare tire key lock to the right of the license plate and turn them to release the lock from the bumper. Then crawl underneath the bumper and unplug the lighting for the license plates.
Use a pair of pliers to push in the small tabs that hold the black plastic bumper cap on top of the bumper. These tabs can be delicate so take your time so that you don't damage the tabs in the process. Once they're all free, pull off the bumper using your hands to reveal the bolts.
Unbolt the bumper from the bumper brackets using the 1/2-inch ratchet and Torx head sockets, leaving the two on the far ends loose but still connected. Then crawl underneath the bumper and remove the bolts on the bottom using a 1/2-inch ratchet and socket.
Have your assistant hold the bumper on one side while you both thread out the remaining top bolts using your hands. Then pull the bumper off together and place it to the side.
