How to Remove a 2018–2020 Ford F-150 Front Bumper (Step-by-Step DIY Guide)

Tired of that dinged-up 2018–2020 Ford F-150 front bumper? You don’t need a body shop appointment or days without your truck. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to remove it yourself right in your driveway.

Tools Required

• Plastic Prying Tool
• Socket Wrench
• 21mm Socket

Front Bumper Removal Process

0:33 – Popping Off the Side Covers

First up, we need to get access to the bumper hardware. The key is to remove the plastic cover pieces located on each side of the main bumper. Grab your plastic prying tool and carefully wedge it between the cover and the bumper to release the fasteners. These pieces are held in by a series of clips and a push pin, so work your way around gently until it pops free. Don't worry if a clip breaks; wear and tear on plastic parts is normal.

1:27 – Loosening the Main Support Bolts

With the covers off, you’ll see the main 21mm bumper bolts that secure the bumper to the frame. Using your 21mm socket and wrench, we are going to loosen the two visible bolts, one on each side. The key here is to loosen them until they are almost out, but do not remove them completely just yet. This little trick keeps the bumper supported while we tackle the bolts hidden behind it.

ReveMoto Tech Tip: Leaving the front bolts partially threaded in is a crucial safety step. It prevents the heavy bumper from unexpectedly falling down on you once you remove the final fasteners in the back.

3:06 – Removing the Hidden Rear Bolts

Now it's time to find the sneaky bolts in the back. You'll need to get behind the bumper, right in the same area as the front bolts you just loosened. You are looking for another set of 21mm bolts behind the front bumper, one on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side. Go ahead and remove these two bolts completely.

5:36 – Final Bumper Extraction

Once those two rear bolts are out, you can move back to the front and completely remove the 21mm bolts you loosened earlier. With all four main bolts out, the bumper is ready to come off. Carefully pull the bumper down, but don't pull it too far. Remember, the Ford F-150 fog light wiring harness is still connected on both sides.

7:30 – Disconnecting the Fog Lights

With the bumper supported or resting on a protected surface, you can easily access the fog light connections. Each light has a simple plastic clip holding its wiring harness in place. Just push back on the release tab on the clip and pull down to disconnect the harness. Once both sides are unplugged, you can fully remove the bumper from the vehicle.

Installation Process

To reinstall your 2018–2020 Ford F-150 front bumper, simply reverse the removal steps. Start by reconnecting the fog light wiring harness on both sides, ensuring each clip is securely fastened. Carefully lift the bumper into position and align it with the frame mounts.

Next, loosely reinstall the two front 21mm bolts to hold the bumper in place. Then, move behind the bumper and reinstall the two rear 21mm bolts on each side. Once all bolts are threaded correctly, tighten them securely. Finally, snap the side cover panels back into place, ensuring all clips and the push pin are properly secured.

Take your time during installation to make sure everything is aligned correctly and tightened evenly.

Skip the body shop and get a perfect factory match delivered to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the main bolts holding the bumper on?
You’ll find four 21mm bolts on a 2018–2020 Ford F-150 front bumper. There is one easily visible on the front of each frame horn, and a second, more hidden one located directly behind it on each side.

What is the trick to removing the bumper safely?
The safest way is to loosen the two front 21mm bolts but leave them threaded in by a few turns. This will hold the bumper’s weight while you reach behind to remove the two rear bolts completely. After that, you can safely unscrew the front bolts.

What holds the plastic side covers in place?
Each cover is secured with a combination of plastic clips and a single push pin. Using a plastic prying tool helps release them without causing damage to the paint or the panel itself.

DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.