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How do you tighten this bolt on ARB Bumper?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Wanderlust Bus, Oct 11, 2023.

  1. Oct 11, 2023 at 8:04 AM
    #1
    Wanderlust Bus

    Wanderlust Bus [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've had the ARB bumper for a few years now and I can never get this bolt tight. Every few months I have to re-tighten it. The only wrench I can find that fits is a shorter 17mm harbor freight open end wrench. And even then, I still can only get a halfway hold on the bolt by going in at an angle. I can get a socket in there, but then no room for the ratchet head. IIRC when first installing the bumper, you are supposed to only finger tighten all the mounting bolts until the entire bumper is in place then tighten all the bolts as you align the bumper to the body. And, I'm sure many of you realize how much of a pita it is to remove the bumper especially if you have a winch, so removing the bumper just to tighten this bolt might not be worth it.

    Also, this picture makes the rust look way worse than it is.


     
  2. Oct 11, 2023 at 8:15 AM
    #2
    Extra Hard Taco

    Extra Hard Taco Well-Known Member

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    ARB Bumper, SOS sliders, SOS rear bumper, SOS skid plate. OME Lift. Some other stuff.
    2nd Gen owner here with an ARB. I think the way the ARB mounts is somewhat similar on both 1st and 2nd gen. I can look at my bumper when I get home later today. Have you tried using a crows foot on it?
     
  3. Oct 11, 2023 at 8:17 AM
    #3
    Wanderlust Bus

    Wanderlust Bus [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes, I have. The crows foot that I have won't even fit inside at all.
     
  4. Oct 11, 2023 at 8:19 AM
    #4
    BigCountry762x39

    BigCountry762x39 Well-Known Member

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    oh man been a while but i think i used a ratching box wrench had a drop down so like a super shallow open top socket, and I've also used an offset wrench as well
     
  5. Oct 11, 2023 at 8:22 AM
    #5
    CrustyTaco

    CrustyTaco Well-Known Member

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    I bought this metric offset wrench set from HF, they might work for that
     
    BigCountry762x39 and 02hilux like this.
  6. Oct 11, 2023 at 8:26 AM
    #6
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    Just use a box wrench, super simple.
     
    02hilux likes this.
  7. Oct 11, 2023 at 8:28 AM
    #7
    02hilux

    02hilux What do you mean there’s no road, I’m here

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    That will get the job done
     
    Kwikvette and Extra Hard Taco like this.
  8. Oct 11, 2023 at 8:41 AM
    #8
    Wanderlust Bus

    Wanderlust Bus [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ha! You guys are genius. An offset box wrench would be perfect. That's the only type I don't have. My roommate has about $60k worth of SnapOn tools in the garage and he doesn't have that type either. Crazy. Time for new tools!
     
    CrustyTaco likes this.
  9. Oct 11, 2023 at 9:06 AM
    #9
    Wulf

    Wulf no brain just damage

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    I have a 3/8 drive breaker bar which is perfect for spots like this when used with a shallow socket
     

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