I bought a front and rear. Just wanted to vent and say that the install is a pain! None of the predrilled holes in the bumpers line up. Not even close! Getting one that's off is understandable but receiving both that aren't even lining up...that's just bad quality.

 

Never have used a TF rear bumper, but the low profile front bumper was a true PITA to install. the lower part of the mount that would have rested on the lower frame rail = I had to cut them completely off so I could raise/lower the bumper so the holes got even close. Then in order to get the bolts installed I had to place some pillows between the bumper & a tree. Then slap the LR into low range and apply pressure to it so I could hammer the bolts into place.

However anyone that sells the TF front bumper will swear up & down they bolt right on. Sorry an ARB or even a Britpart bumper bolts right on, the TF front bumper DOES NOT.

After all the tweaking and once I figured it out, I will have to say I love the low profile of it, on a 99-02 using an 03-04 Grill will make mounting a Warn M8000 much easier vs hacking the 99-02 Grill to bits. Also yes that crossmember has to be be cut out behind the grill to install the winch, no way it will go in otherwise. The washer bottle skid is another nice thing and it mates up perfectly with the TF front skid.

 

Well it took me 4 hours to "bolt right up" and it's finally on. to be honest, it just doesn't fit. It's sitting about 1/2" too high. The trim the transitions from the cargo area to the bumper is sticking up funny too. I'm thinking about trying a heat gun to get it to "relax" onto the bumper.

 

Tackling the front bumper install myself. Definitely does not go straight on.

ill attempt to clean up the welds a bit first, but I think I will need to cut off the bottom plates as best4x4 has done. There's no way this thing doesn't go on without some real love.

please post up how you end up doing it

 

Mine was perfect and bolted on straight away. It was for a Defender though.

Sorry there always has to be that guy

 

cleaned up the welds then used a sledge hammer and block of wood. Had to drill out holes since they were still a little off.

 

I am doing this from my phone right now and I can't figure out how to include a link but if you search for a thread here titled "Terrafirma bumper installation has me stumped" you will find my saga. You were not the first to navigate these waters.

 

And he won't be the last lol......

TF stuff is hit or miss. Their shocks are good, while their coil springs are 50/50. Their front skid that goes with the TF Front Bumper is flawless, and then their HD Steering is great, but has the crappiest tie rod ends on it I've ever seen....

The rear bumper I grabbed from AB was a 15min install and every single hole lined up perfectly.

 

And the worst to me is that the vendors say "Duh, we never have a problem." Problems with Terrafirma bumpers are well-documented but those who sell them to us have their heads in the sand. I can accept that some examples fit flawlessly, but there are enough that don't to clearly indicate a real quality control problem.

 

This might be inevitable, but I'm concerned that if the bolt holes have some slop, as soon as you use a winch it would get pulled out of alignment?

Actually I just remembered that you can drill vertical bolts into the triangular area. I plan to add those.

Spent another 30 mins (no cutting yet) probing the fit.. I appear to have plenty of space on the sides and bottom for movement. And it needs to get tilted upwards and pushed in (RH) another inch or two.

I can't see into the triangular areas though

I picked up some Grade 8 1/2"-13 4.5" bolts on Mcmaster to use. Flanged head and flanged locknut.