Which Bumper Shims

Any advice on the BEST way to install the washers / nuts?

Don't want to attempt this and break plastic.

 

I suppose what I'm really asking is in yall's experience what is the easiest and most direct way to access the bumper's mounting points?

 

From underneath the front bumper I did mine, one side at a time. Didnt have to take off the skid plate.

Expect to muscle the bumper back onto the studs after you put your shims on.

 

Many thanks!

 

Under it from the front, loosen 1 side and leave a nut at the end of one, then remove the other side 4 nuts, it's easier with a friend, have them pull straight out on the side where the nuts are removed, slide the nuts over the studs and put 1 on loosely, then do other side, I didn't have to remove anything else

 

How many do I need to buy to do this project? Thanks!

 

8, 4 per side

 

They push the bumper forward to give more clearance for larger tires, instead of cutting the bumper up.

 

Thanks!

 

I concur with @Berdine. I went with the nuts and it worked great. Cost was maybe $5.

 

Can someone post a few pics of a 07-13 model with the 1/2” shims installed. I’m pondering 5/8-11 nuts soon for mine but hoping to see body line profile shots first.

 

Looking at a new bumper, may want to push it out 1/2" to clear skid plates and grille.

Being in Canada, places like Coachbuilder and Toytec, make it hard to justify cost plus $40-$90 shipping/duty. There is a Canadian seller who makes plates for $120 shipped.

I'd rather not stack washers or use a loose bolt to give the clearance.

Any issues with using these? They seem like a decent alternative to the HD washers and nuts.

Aluminum Spacer 3/4" OD x 3/8" ID x Choose Your Length, Round Spacer Unthreaded Standoff Bushing Plain Finish, Fits Screws Bolts 3/8" or M10 by Metal Spacers Online (1/2" Length, 10 Pack) https://a.co/d/3BiCZiO

 

Yes the spacers you linked would certainly be sufficient. However they'll do the exact same thing the 5/8-11 nuts are doing... pushing the bumper out 1/2 inch... I could see how that aluminum bushing might be a cleaner look, but they're buried under your bumper cap so you'll never see them.

 

If you need one of our front bumper shim kits let me know, we don't normally have any blemished but know we have a kit set aside.

The round spacers or washers are tempting for allot of guys but know from testing the gap created between the frame flange and bumper won't provide the support not only in a forward or backwards load but can rack side to side. just my $0.02

 

Thank you for this idea mate, I almost pulled the trigger on the Coachbuilder shims but this was a no brainer for about 7 bucks that I paid for the nuts at Ace Hardware. The install wasn't that bad either.
Cheers

 

Thank you for the 5/8-11 nut hack! My tires were rubbing on full turn in reverse...not anymore! Saved money by buying these nuts at the depot! Rims are 22x12 -44 offset toyo m/t 35x12.5r22. Lift is 8 inch ready lift kit. Top pic is without the 5/8 nut

 

Can this be done without actually removing the bumper?

 

Yes after all the bolts are loosened you can do one side then the other.

 

Splurge for the bumper shim plates vs washer/nuts etc.

It's not worth nickle and diming on a $50k or even a $10k truck. I thought about it, but after some research and insight from members, I opted for the $100 plates.

 

Thank you both, planning on 37s and I’m not sure if I want to get an aftermarket bumper yet. So….this will allow the 37s until I make up my mind.

 

Are there torque specs for the bumper bolts?? Thanks.

 

Just get them good and tight....you won't have any issues.

 

Good stuff. Thanks! Putting shims in tomorrow. Getting lift and 285/70/18 put on next week. Don’t want any rubbing up front. Might not need them.

 

So I did the DIY shims(some nuts). Does anyone have any idea why my driver side looks pushed forward while my passenger side looks like it hasn't moved at all?

 

I did this today to fit
LT285/75R18 Falken Wildpeak AT3 on my 2015. It could not have worked better. Great suggestions. I used 8 bolts from Ace and had the wife hold the end of the bumper.
I appreciate you guys.

 

Good stuff! No rubbing on cab mount? That’s what kept me at 285/70. Was worried it would rub there.

 

I bought the truck used with these installed. At the time the truck had the stock wheels and had 1” spacers that prevented the rubbing.
I recently put method 318 wheels. Because of the setback of the 318s is +18 they achieved what the spacers did on the stock wheels.
My issue was slight rub on the front bumper inner lining.

the last owner for sure did the mod where you cut that mould so it sits an inch or so more forward- but this bumper mod adding the bolts made it much better. So far things have been rub free.

 

Thanks folks, did this today with stainless 5/8 nuts. Worked great, very easy, and solved the problem.