tow bar

Removing the rear bumper is imo by far & away the easy option as it's a 20 minuet job giving you all the room you need.
I did a 'how 2' part of it here www.bigjimny.com/index.php/forum?view=to...ut=default&start=756
As the tow bar you have is 'one piece' removal of the bumper looks to be essential.

edit see how much room there is in the below pics

I remember having a lot of trouble fitting mine, but I can't remember what I did.

I know I had to enlarge the scallop for the tailpipe quite a bit to make sure it didn't touch when the engine rocks.

I think I fitted the offside bracket first loosely, and then married the crossbar upto it.

I had the bumper off as it was much easier to see where those nuts on sticks are, although you can get them in with the bumper on.

Anyway, you also need to whip the bumper off to change the rear exhaust box when the towbar is fitted as you can't get the rubber hanger on above the box, so grease those bolts, (actually, you don't need the small bolts at the bottom, which shear off, unless you have mudflaps mounted on the bumper, but they do stop the bumper pushing in & squeaking) If you are fitting the bolts, the holes need drilling & tapping before the towbar goes on, as they are above the towbar when fitted.

Thanks for all your guidance guys, but as I said its going back as not as described, and I`ll get one fitted professionally. Someone else can have b****y job

The tow trust tow bars go on fine with the bumper and exhaust still on, and the exhaust can still be removed with it in place. If you get a refund on this one, buy a tow trust and it will restore your faith.

Mine is a Tow-Trust, and while I acknowledge that it is technically possible to fit one and to and change the exhaust without disturbing the bumper, from experience it is massively easier & quicker to whip the bumper off for both these activities when working with a jack on the drive

Why is it that every time I remove a (rear) bumper skin I end up with hours of work?

helijohn wrote: Why is it that every time I remove a (rear) bumper skin I end up with hours of work?

You're not doing often enough John ............

helijohn wrote: Why is it that every time I remove a (rear) bumper skin I end up with hours of work?

You must not under any circumstances look at the revealed bodywork, unless you want a lot more work.

facade wrote:

helijohn wrote: Why is it that every time I remove a (rear) bumper skin I end up with hours of work?

You must not under any circumstances look at the revealed bodywork, unless you want a lot more work.

Can't help myself. A little time now saves many hours later.

Decided to have one last go today, so went with advice and took bumper off. With some manipulation of the exhaust managed to get the towbar in situ, only to fine the nearside wont engage with the holes as the rear exhaust box is in the way. I would have to push the near side up with the exhaust box sat on the cross bar, which would rattle like hell! So, once again I`m stumped. Cant see how a fitter would do it either. Any advice please, as it looks like I`m stuck with a useless towbar!

Try posting some pics as something is definately not right.

Got it all done up pretty tight, but not finished tight, and exhaust is resting on cross piece, so I just know its gonna rattle like stink, although its quite tight.