1. Product Overview
The Hooke Road Guardian Rear Bumper is a robust, one-piece steel bumper designed to provide superior rear-end protection and enhanced functionality for your 1993-2011 Ford Ranger or Fleetside pickup truck. It integrates seamlessly with the factory hitch receiver and includes optimized lighting for improved visibility.
Image 1.1: The Hooke Road Guardian Rear Bumper installed on a Ford Ranger, showcasing its integrated design and rugged appearance.
Key Features:
- Vehicle Compatibility: Specifically designed for 1993-2011 Ford Ranger and Fleetside pickup trucks.
- Integrated Hitch Compatibility: Works with the existing factory hitch receiver.
- Enhanced Lighting: Includes a license plate light and two 25W LED spotlights for improved nighttime visibility.
- Durable Construction: Manufactured from heavy-duty, high tensile 11-gauge (1/8 inch) steel for the main body and 9-gauge (5/32 inch) steel for mounting structures.
- Corrosion Resistance: Features a textured black powder coat finish with an E-coating inside for superior protection against corrosion.
- Easy Installation: Designed for direct bolt-on installation, requiring no cutting, drilling, or modification.
2. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hooke Road |
| Model Number | BXG.8820 |
| Auto Part Position | Rear |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Color | Black (Textured Powder Coat) |
| Item Weight | Approximately 46 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 15.84" x 65.9" x 7.05" |
| Special Features | 2x25W LED spotlights, License plate light, License plate mounting plane and holes |
Image 2.1: Detailed dimensions of the rear bumper.
3. What's in the Box
Please verify that all components are present before beginning installation.
- Rear Bumper Assembly (1)
- License Plate Light (1)
- LED Spotlights (2)
- Mounting Hardware Kit (1)
- Installation Instruction Manual (1)
4. Setup (Installation)
The Hooke Road Guardian Rear Bumper is designed for a direct bolt-on installation, utilizing existing factory mounting points. No cutting, drilling, or modification of your vehicle is required.
Installation Steps:
- Preparation: Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. It is recommended to disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery before starting any electrical work.
- Remove Factory Bumper: Carefully unbolt and remove the existing factory rear bumper. Disconnect any wiring for lights or sensors attached to the old bumper.
- Attach Mounting Brackets (if separate): If the bumper assembly includes separate mounting brackets, attach them to the vehicle's frame using the provided hardware. Ensure all bolts are hand-tightened at this stage.
- Position New Bumper: With assistance, carefully lift and position the Hooke Road Guardian Rear Bumper onto the vehicle's frame, aligning it with the mounting points.
- Secure Bumper: Use the supplied mounting hardware to attach the new bumper to the vehicle. Begin by hand-tightening all bolts to allow for minor adjustments.
- Wiring Connections: Connect the wiring for the integrated license plate light and the two LED spotlights. Ensure proper polarity and secure all connections.
- Final Tightening: Once the bumper is properly aligned and all components are connected, progressively tighten all mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque settings.
- Test Lights: Reconnect the vehicle's battery and test the license plate light and LED spotlights to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Image 4.1: Detail of the heavy-duty mounting structure.
Image 4.2: License plate mounting area and factory hitch receiver compatibility.
5. Operating (Features and Usage)
The Hooke Road Guardian Rear Bumper enhances your vehicle's utility and safety through its integrated features.
Key Operational Aspects:
- Rear-End Protection: The robust, one-piece steel construction provides significant protection against impacts, especially during off-road driving or in minor collisions.
- Optimized Lighting: The two 25W LED spotlights are designed to provide additional illumination for backing up, off-road navigation in low light, or as auxiliary lighting. The license plate light ensures your vehicle remains street legal.
- License Plate Mounting: The dedicated license plate placing plane and pre-drilled mounting holes allow for easy and secure attachment of your vehicle's license plate.
- Hitch Receiver Compatibility: The bumper is engineered to work seamlessly with your truck's factory hitch receiver, maintaining its towing capabilities.
Image 5.1: Overview of the bumper's lighting features.
6. Maintenance
Proper maintenance will ensure the longevity and appearance of your Hooke Road Guardian Rear Bumper.
- Regular Cleaning: Wash the bumper regularly with mild automotive soap and water to remove dirt, mud, and road grime. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could damage the powder coat finish.
- Inspect Finish: Periodically inspect the textured black powder coat finish for any chips, scratches, or signs of wear. Touch up any damaged areas with appropriate automotive paint to prevent rust.
- Check Fasteners: After initial installation and periodically thereafter (e.g., every 3-6 months or after heavy off-road use), check all mounting bolts and fasteners to ensure they remain tight. Re-tighten if necessary.
- Inspect Lights and Wiring: Verify that the LED spotlights and license plate light are functioning correctly. Check wiring for any signs of wear, fraying, or loose connections.
- Corrosion Prevention: While the bumper has an E-coating, regular cleaning and inspection are crucial, especially in areas exposed to road salt or harsh environmental conditions.
Image 6.1: Illustration of the bumper's protective coating layers.
7. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your rear bumper.
- Issue: Lights Not Working
Possible Causes: Loose wiring connection, blown fuse, damaged LED spotlight/license plate light.
Solution: Check all wiring connections for tightness and proper insulation. Inspect your vehicle's fuse box for any blown fuses related to auxiliary lighting. If connections and fuses are good, the light unit itself may need replacement. - Issue: Bumper Appears Loose or Rattles
Possible Causes: Mounting bolts are not sufficiently tightened, or have loosened over time.
Solution: Re-check and tighten all mounting bolts to the recommended torque specifications. Ensure all washers and nuts are correctly installed. - Issue: Rust Spots Appearing on Finish
Possible Causes: Damage to the powder coat finish exposing the steel beneath.
Solution: Clean the affected area thoroughly. Lightly sand any surface rust. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer, followed by a matching black automotive paint to seal the area and prevent further corrosion.
8. Warranty and Support
Hooke Road stands behind the quality of its products.
- Warranty: This product is backed by a 2-Year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase.
- Customer Support: Enjoy lifetime customer support from Hooke Road for any inquiries, technical assistance, or warranty claims.
- Contact: For support, please refer to the contact information provided on the Hooke Road official website or your purchase documentation.
