The rear bumpers on pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger tend to be one of the most abused parts of the vehicle, and after years of collisions with trailer couplings, dents from parking lot mishaps or simple rust, the rear bumper can quickly become an eyesore as well as a safety hazard. Luckily a quality used rear bumper can usually be obtained from an auto salvage yard and is quite simple to install.
Locate the bolts that connect the rear bumper brackets to the frame. Spray these bolts with a penetrating oil such as WD-40.
Disconnect the wiring connector from the license plate light.
Remove the bumper bracket to frame bolts. Make sure you have an assistant supporting the bumper.
Remove the bolts that connect the bumper brackets to the bumper.
Inspect the damage on your bumper and bumper brackets. Except in cases of very light damage or unless you are just doing a simple repainting, it will usually be more cost effective to obtain a replacement bumper from an auto salvage yard. The tools and metalworking skills required to straighten a bumper are beyond the average amateur mechanic.
Once you have acquired a replacement bumper, begin by attaching the bumper brackets.
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Have an assistant support the weight of the bumper, while you start but do not tighten the bumper bracket to frame bolts.
Place a level on top of the bumper. Check that the bumper is even from left to right.
Use a measuring tape to check the gap between the bumper and the tailgate. It should be even.
Tighten the bumper bracket to frame bolts.
Connect the wiring connector to the license plate light.
