My truck is a daily driver, and I'll want to make sure I'm absolutely prepared before I start removing panels, bumpers, etc for the makeover.

The front bumper on the passenger side was like this when I bought it. I'll be doing a complete 4x4 bumper, grille and fenders replacement soon.
What should I expect to see when I remove the bumper? Is it just a matter of the bumper brackets, or am I facing something more severe, like needing this truck on a puller?

 

the front bumper is easy. two bolts per side on the frame (4 total) plus each side of the bumper (by the wheel) has one bolt that attaches to a fender brace.

 

Aaaah kay.

So it's really just a matter of new bumper brackets?

 

You'll need to remove the blinkers too. It's really easy man

 

So from looking at my pics, is it most likely just the brackets that are bent? I can't really see much from underneath.
I wonder if I need to remove the grille to get at the bolts.

 

Yah from the looks of it maybe new brackets but you might find something more severe once you get everything off. I'm guessing just get new brackets to be safe and see how it all lines up dry fit before tightening all the 4x4 stuff down maybe have to play around a bit on lining it all up to see if anything is more bent

 

Maybe it's just shadows, but looks like that fender is buckled out just a bit...if it is,you may need to pull the radiator support forward...once the fender's unbolted,you should be able to pull it by hand,maybe a hammer and dolly if it's creased

 

Just pull the bumper and go from there. no real way to find out til u do it. And no u dnt need to remove the grille to get the bolts out. just lay on the floor

 

^^^^
Gramps say that to me as well. "You'll never know until you try son!"..

 

Yep the fender is squashed.

 

I'd grab new brackets just in case. if you want perfect fitment