Rear Bumper welded on?

[Rollie]

This is going to be interesting. I bought a rear bumper, or crossmember as it is called, for my 75 CJ5 . I got it all painted up and yesterday decided it was a good day to take the old one off and replace it. The old one is welded on. I wonder if that is the way it came, or if someone welded it along the way? I could probably grind the welds pretty easily if it weren't for the gas tank being right there. That make me a little nervous when it comes to grinding. I see three options. A sawzall, a chisel, and a file. Take the tank out and get the grinder under there and start grinding welds. Just forget it for a while. Anyone else see options? Should I weld the new one on after I get it bolted?

 

[mtnwhlr]

It is a crossmember, that is why it is welded and to install the new one correct you will need to weld it in also. And I would recommend that you remove the gas tank, sparks and gas fumes don't mix.

 

[Kane]

The crossmember needs to be welded and the bolt on brackets are for reinforcement for the bumpers.