Dad and I decided to remove the bumper cover from my '96 Tracker today in anticipation of the body lift and can't figure out how to get the darn thing off without breaking something. I took the 2 screws out on either end of the cover and the 2 on the bottom, no good, it's still fastened on top. So I start to take the grill out using the tips posted here and it didn't want to come out either. Can somebody give me the procedure to remove these 2 items cause what I thought would be a simple job now has me confused. Tips on removing the rear bumper cover would also be appreciated.


TN_T

I don't have my manual with me ('97 Tracker), but I think I remember seeing something about a bolt/screw at the top of the grill, maybe accessible once the hood is opened. As I recall, it said the grill was held on by two tabs or something similar and the one bolt at the top.

Well, there's one screw at the center of the grille and I removed it but the grill wouldn't move. My Chiltons says there are screws on either end but the picture is of a '95 or older so the grille is different.

There is a screw on each end on the bottom of the bumper where it meets the fender.

On the top corners of the gril lthere are two tabs that clip into two pockets on the body.  you have to push or pull them (can't remember) so they release.

Their is only 4 12mm bolts holding the whole bumper structure to the frame. Once you remove that you can see the grill screws that your looking for.

Mike

Their is only 4 12mm bolts holding the whole bumper structure to the frame. Once you remove that you can see the grill screws that your looking for.

Mike

Ok, I found the 2 on the frame rail just inside of the tire, where are the other 2?

One is just above  the middle of the grill and two clips just above the headlites on the top side of the grill. Bear to get out without braking the first time.

Thanks for the tips guys. I took some pics this morning please let me know what I'm missing.

Im so sorry. I read this wrong. I thought it was a 95.

Once the center screw is out, just grab a hold of the grill and pull! Under the grill is two more 12mm bolts. Be careful if its too cold, I dont know how brittle it would be. You gotta yank it pretty hard.

Mike

Im so sorry. I read this wrong. I thought it was a 95.

Once the center screw is out, just grab a hold of the grill and pull! Under the grill is two more 12mm bolts. Be careful if its too cold, I dont know how brittle it would be. You gotta yank it pretty hard.

Mike

No problem Mike, I appreciate the help and as you can see from the white stuff in the pics I won't be doing it tomorrow but it's supposed to be in the 60's this weekend and I'll get it.

Thanks,
TN_T

there are also 2 screws at each end of the grille where it wraps around the wings.
these screw upwards into the wing to secure the ends.
if you look under the front wheel arches to where the chassis rail is you will see 2 bolts each side, undo these 4 and the whole bumper will come off.
on the rear if you open the back door you will see a line of x head screwa into the bumper cover, undo these and the 3 on the bottom of the bumper cover and 2 inside the rear wheel arch
then slide the bumper cover off backwards
hope this helps

there are also 2 screws at each end of the grille where it wraps around the wings.
these screw upwards into the wing to secure the ends.
if you look under the front wheel arches to where the chassis rail is you will see 2 bolts each side, undo these 4 and the whole bumper will come off.
on the rear if you open the back door you will see a line of x head screwa into the bumper cover, undo these and the 3 on the bottom of the bumper cover and 2 inside the rear wheel arch
then slide the bumper cover off backwards
hope this helps

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but does the '96 Tracker have the 2 screws on either side that hold the grille to the wings (fenders). The '96 Tracker Grille does not extend under the fenders like previous models, correct? Thanks for the rear cover tip too tonka-toy.

The 96 doesnt wrap around. Tonka toy is thinking of 95 and older, and sidekick. 96 up Trackers are different.

Mike

Finally got it off and it was a compilation of everyone's tips. Here's how:
Remove center screw from grille,
Pull at center top of grill (one clip broke),
Pull straight out at either end on the bottom of the grille,
Remove top 12mm bumper bolts,
Remove side 12mm bumper bolts,
Remove screws from bumper cover,
Discard bumper cover and FOAM block,
Sand,
Paint,
Reinstall bumper,
Enjoy!
Total Cost $0.00

Thanks Guys,
TN_T

I'll post some pics on my site tomorrow.