Rear bumper cover removal and rant

How the heck do I remove the rear bumper cover? I’ve removed all the plastic retainers I can see, removed the license plate lights and trailer harness socket, but the darned thing won’t hardly budge! It’s as if something is still holding it together but I can’t see anything.
I’m trying to replace my bumper caps and I can’t do it without removing the bumper cover. I’ve seen it done on YouTube and they all get way more play out of theirs than I do.

Now as far as the rant is concerned: WHY do all the automakers insist on using BS plastic retaining clips to hold stuff together?! They’re a PITA, cheap, flimsy POS. I already broker two clips trying to get everything taken apart. What ever was wrong with screws and bolts?

 

I'm of no use to you, because I broke most of the clips removing mine. But to answer your question as to why they use clips over screws and bolts... the answer is money. Snapping shit together at a factory is way cheaper, than paying someone to screw it together. Not to mention the cost of hardware.

Good luck! Someone here will be able to help you out.

 

For more info, I released 8 retaining clips on the bumper cap. 6 of one type, and 2 of another (shown in pictures above), and I removed all the plastic retaining “pins” for lack of a better word (also shows in pic). When I try pulling away the bumper cap, I lift the entire truck with it, so it’s stuck in pretty good..

 

Check out this thread. Post 22 has a good write up and Post 5 has an exploded view of all the parts.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/16-tacoma-bumper-cap-removal.404082/page-2

 

Like any Manufacturer now a days....made to snap together fast...but not to come apart

 

I replaced my rear bumper step pad about a month ago. I find it easier to remove the entire bumper so you can pry the step pad from behind, as you have 10 clips to disengage and they don't give easily.

 

Harbor Freight $12

 

Thanks for the link. I had already read this, but I went a bit deeper this time and saw posts 82 and 88.. looks like there's 14 "integral retaining clips". Only problem is that I can't seem to find them all..

 

Thanks for the tip. Went to my local Harbor Freight and grabbed a box. Had to use this coupon to get the sale price.

 

Glad it worked out. I recently replaced the front bumper cover on my 2011 Avalon. I figured using new clips/plugs was prudent since the old ones were 12 years old.

 

Weight reduction to meet economy and emissions standards.