Help…frozen bolts - modular bumper

kwerking

Mar 21, 2025

Looking for some help here. Planned on installing some fog lights in my modular bumper today. Requires removing the three factory bolts on the underside of the bumper in that fog light pocket. I couldn’t get a single one of them to budge. It’s a 23 and it hasn’t been exposed to sea water or a ton of road salt (I’m in Maryland). I’d like to think they’re not rusted and locked up? Anyone else experience this? I even tried to drill one out and use a tool for stripped bolts/screws. Still nothing. Thoughts?

MY23 EG 4-door Badlands High Soft-top
Ordered 05 Jun 23 | Delivered 12 Aug 23 | New Hampshire Off-Roadeo 14 Oct 23

Chief Ron, Deano Bronc

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Mar 22, 2025

kwerking
Looking for some help here. Planned on installing some fog lights in my modular bumper today. Requires removing the three factory bolts on the underside of the bumper in that fog light pocket. I couldn’t get a single one of them to budge. It’s a 23 and it hasn’t been exposed to sea water or a ton of road salt (I’m in Maryland). I’d like to think they’re not rusted and locked up? Anyone else experience this? I even tried to drill one out and use a tool for stripped bolts/screws. Still nothing. Thoughts?

Are you using the proper bit? These bolt heads are Torx Plus (not regular Torx). Also try using an impact wrench or perhaps a cheater bar on your ratchet for added leverage - they come out!

- 2023 Raptor / Shadow Black / MGV (DOB 8/30/23)
- 2023 Heritage Limited Edition / Robin’s Egg Blue / 4dr / (stolen from my dealer 11/15/23)

Chief Ron, bassist

Mar 22, 2025

You could spray them with some PB blaster. I just added fogs to my MY22 and they came right out, even using a regular torx bit.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

Chief Ron, 10K_Vet

Mar 22, 2025

As noted above, be sure you're using the right bit. It's not a size that's included the tool roll that comes with the Bronco, and it is a Torx Plus, not Torx, bolt.

Chief Ron, Deano Bronc

Mar 24, 2025

Closing the loop here…finally got them all out. Five of the six came out after PB Blaster and using the proper (TP40) bit. The sixth was stripped and took a lot more effort. Finally succeeded using a reverse threaded screw extraction kit I got on Amazon and then channel locks. So happy…the next step was going to involve cutting one screw hole off the bracket. At any rate…here she is. New winch mount (IAG), winch (Badlands 12k) and Zroadz white/amber fog combo. Super happy with how it turned out.

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MY23 EG 4-door Badlands High Soft-top
Ordered 05 Jun 23 | Delivered 12 Aug 23 | New Hampshire Off-Roadeo 14 Oct 23

Unicorn, Deano Bronc

Mar 25, 2025

kwerking
Closing the loop here…finally got them all out. Five of the six came out after PB Blaster and using the proper (TP40) bit. The sixth was stripped and took a lot more effort. Finally succeeded using a reverse threaded screw extraction kit I got on Amazon and then channel locks. So happy…the next step was going to involve cutting one screw hole off the bracket. At any rate…here she is. New winch mount (IAG), winch (Badlands 12k) and Zroadz white/amber fog combo. Super happy with how it turned out.

Looking good, glad it worked out for you.

Deano Bronc, Bschurr

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