OEM Hitch Install for 2022 Badlands

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Cactusjk

Cactusjk

Badlands
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I did it. Not difficult at all just takes a bit of time. Took me about three hours.

A few things: the existing wiring 'holders' will not mount properly to the new bumper since the bumper was designed for cars with tow package wiring. It'll work, you'll just have to finagle the wiring into it the new mounts. Two, you'll need to purchase the two metal pop rivets as thats how the bumper attaches to the two trim pieces just below the taillights. Three, go slowly when removing the trim on the fender to access the one rivet clip. I ended up breaking a few on the mounts as i pulled.

I cannot stress enough, I highly recommend you remove taillights before you do anything. They have a somewhat sharp edge and will Knick/gouge the paint as you remove the bumper.

Good luck.
Great advice.

Did you install the wiring harness? If not assume there is just a hole for the connector.

Do you have part numbers on the rivets and any other fasteners I might need?

I remember on the FJ Cruiser Forum people would post extensive pictures of these type of mods. I will definitely do more research before taking on the project.

Just don’t trust the dealer to do a good job.
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bjbena

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Great advice.

Did you install the wiring harness? If not assume there is just a hole for the connector.

Do you have part numbers on the rivets and any other fasteners I might need?

I remember on the FJ Cruiser Forum people would post extensive pictures of these type of mods. I will definitely do more research before taking on the project.

Just don’t trust the dealer to do a good job.
Lol, the wiring harness. I have not installed yet as I fear my mechanical ability ends just before electrical.

Honestly, I tried to remove the side panels in the cargo area and could not figure it out so I left it alone in hopes one day I'll get motivated enough to try again. As an extra 'boost', I ordered a BS service manual DVD on eBay.

Two Rivets (one each side) needed is W706737. $1.57 from TascaParts.
If you break the fender trim, it is M1PZ-7829038-A for the right side, and M1PZ-7829039-A for the left side (about $45 each side). Otherwise you shouldn't need anything else from Ford.
 
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Cactusjk

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Lol, the wiring harness. I have not installed yet as I fear my mechanical ability ends just before electrical.

Honestly, I tried to remove the side panels in the cargo area and could not figure it out so I left it alone in hopes one day I'll get motivated enough to try again. As an extra 'boost', I ordered a BS service manual DVD on eBay.

Two Rivets (one each side) needed is W706737. $1.57 from TascaParts.
If you break the fender trim, it is M1PZ-7829038-A for the right side, and M1PZ-7829039-A for the left side (about $45 each side). Otherwise you shouldn't need anything else from Ford.
Great! Definitely don’t want to take the bumper off twice. As long as it doesn’t look bad without the connector installed I might just leave it.

Assume the bumper sensors are easy to install? Would be nice to see how you installed the existing wiring on the new bumper but I can probably figure something out.
 

bjbena

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Great! Definitely don’t want to take the bumper off twice. As long as it doesn’t look bad without the connector installed I might just leave it.

Assume the bumper sensors are easy to install? Would be nice to see how you installed the existing wiring on the new bumper but I can probably figure something out.
I'm telling you: it is not hard at all, just time consuming. The back-up sensors are held with two tabs each. Just spread it slightly and they come right off. Same with the lights.

My advice (as I did with my wife's Escape) route the 4-pin connector through the gasket in the cargo area floor board and connect to the hitch. That way you won't have to remove bumper again to install and the remaining wires/unit will already be in the cargo area ready to splice.
 
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Outstanding! Will do that. Thanks!
 


bjbena

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Outstanding! Will do that. Thanks!
If you need, I’ve got the rear fender trim, plastic rivets and trailer hitch wiring for sale. I traded my in my OB so I no longer have any use for them. They go for $60 a piece, $100 for wiring and $4 per rivet so I’m open to offers. They are all brand new, unused.
 
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So you no longer have a BS?
 
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So my OEM hitch, rear bumper skin and wiring are finally in. Now i need to decide if I want the dealer to install them.

I hate to have to tear the Bronco apart when I have it looking great. Just not sure how much risk is involved with scratched paint, interior, etc?

I do not want to do the install myself.
 


bjbena

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So my OEM hitch, rear bumper skin and wiring are finally in. Now i need to decide if I want the dealer to install them.

I hate to have to tear the Bronco apart when I have it looking great. Just not sure how much risk is involved with scratched paint, interior, etc?

I do not want to do the install myself.
The bumper/hitch install was fairly easy. I was honestly more concerned about installing the wiring harness, hence why I never got it installed.

You’ll be fine. Take your time.
 
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Cactusjk

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The bumper/hitch install was fairly easy. I was honestly more concerned about installing the wiring harness, hence why I never got it installed.

You’ll be fine. Take your time.
Do you have the install instructions for the wiring harness?
 
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Cactusjk

Cactusjk

Badlands
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Thanks! Looks straight forward but a lot of panel removal…

Do you have the instructions for the rear and B panel removal?

Looks like the electrical can be done with the bumper/ hitch already installed?

What do you think the dealer install price is for the hitch and wiring (including putting on the new bumper skin)?

Really appreciate the help. You are clearly the most knowledgeable about this!
 
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bjbena

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Thanks! Looks straight forward but a lot of panel removal…

Do you have the instructions for the rear and B panel removal?

Looks like the electrical can be done with the bumper/ hitch already installed?

What do you think the dealer install price is for the hitch and wiring (including putting on the new bumper skin)?

Really appreciate the help. You are clearly the most knowledgeable about this!
It can be done with bumper installed, the hardest part wil be routing the 4-pin connector to its bracket/mount.

Price at dealer? No idea as it can vary between locations, how busy they are, etc ...

Thanks!
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