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TR2/3/3A Front Bumper Brackets

BobbyO

Jedi Hopeful
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Are there any differences in the TR3A front bumper brackets? I purchased a pair of front bumper brackets from a member and they were exactly as advertised; no damage. After installation, the distance between bolt holes is 31" and the distance between the holes on the bumper is 32". There's no way to make the bumper fit. Also, there isn't any damage to the frame so that's ruled out. Any suggestions as to how to solve this problem? I'm at a loss. Is there anything else I should be looking at?
 
I suspect you know this, but I'm going to say it anyway: On a 3A, the brackets that attach to the frame do not attach to the front bumper. Instead, the frame extensions come up to the holes in the front apron, and then there are two sub-brackets (one each side) that run from the apron to the bumper.

1" doesn't sound like much at all to me. That's only 1/2" per side, should be almost that much space in the (oversize holes). You should be able to bend the brackets enough to take up the remainder. Or if necessary, leave the bolts through the frame loose until the bolts into the bumper are in place, then tighten them down (to bend the brackets into the required shape).
 
Hadn't thought of bending the brackets; however, when I hold the bumper to the apron for equal spacing on both sides, the 1" is all on one side. If I leave the frame bolts loose until the bumper is in place it might result in all the bend occurring on only one side. I might give it a try though. Thanks
 
Yeah those things are fiddly sometimes. I would put a washer on the back bolt between the frame and bracket to bring it in or one on the front bolt between the frame and bracket to bring it out. You can purchase U shaped shims in different thicknesses and move them around to line up the holes also.
 
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