Fluid Film for Assembly

Replacing my hitch/bumper with a C4 overland series. I took everything apart and cleaned up the frame of some minor surface rust (new frame a few years ago) then hit it with some POR15.

Now as I am reassembling I am wondering about spraying fluid film or applying anti-sieze on the mating surfaces before I put it all back together. The idea would be to basically form a water tight seal so no corrosion can happen between the mounting plates and the frame even if some of the coating gets scratched up during assembly.

Wondering if anyone has done/considered this and if it would make any difference positive or negative. Biggest problem i can see is if having it in there make the bumper more likely to move because there's less friction.

 

I would and did spray the mating parts with several applications of corrosion and rust resistant paint after removing any rust and treating with BlackStar converter, used anti-sieze on the bolts and nuts and marine grease between mating parts and then shot the whole thing with FF. Over kill, maybe, probably not.

 

I’ve done that with bolt on rock sliders and using wool wax. As far as I can tell it worked well. You’ll probably still get a little metal on metal wear in places but the rust inhibitor will keep it at bay. Without it any fine grain of sand or dirt will get in between and act as an abrasive over time.

 

I would in a heartbeat, anything metal under your truck needs protection. FF or wool wax is a good choice.

 

Anti seize is going to be messy.

 

Appreciate all the replies. I have a leftover can of fluid film so I think that's what I'll do!

 

...and Fluid film isn't?

You have to pay the mess fee no matter what version you use.


All of the above are good suggestions.

 

Absolutely. I'd slather it up really well and wipe off the excess when you're done. I'd much rather have my truck sticky and greasy underneath, than rusty.

 

All done! I ended up using fluid film then hit the bolt with antiseize. Feels good to be done. Now I want to replace the rear bed frame which is the worst part left for rust.

 

That is a NICE bumper. I've been eye ballin them but damn, they are pricey.
Looks good!

 

Thanks. Yea the price has really gone up. I ordered mine on July 4 last year, which was before the price increase and they were running a 15% off sale. I think I ended up a little over 1k for it. Still high but when I considered how much it would cost to replace my damaged factory bumper and hitch plus paint. It made the decision much easier.

 

I was watching a Tacoma frame repair video the other day and saw one of our trucks with the bed off. It's surprising how low the receiver hitch hangs, below the frame. It's not a wonder that these things get totaled when they're rear ended.
I really like how this bumper incorporates the receiver behind the license plate, and while giving better departure angle, keeps everything more in line with the frame.

 

Big improvement!