Cut a Land Rover Discovery bumper to improve offroad clearance!

Also see the tech tips section for other Land Rover modification tips.

When I first got my land rover discovery it came with side steps, bull bars and a full front bumper.  I dont like the look of bullbars or side steps and they all reduce the ground clearance.  Removing the side steps was easy, just four bolts per side.  I soaked them in WD40 for a few days first and they came off without a problem.  The bull bars werent too bad either, just beware of the weight of these things.  Removing the bumper valance and trimming the bumper end caps on a discovery 1 is quite a common modification.  I didnt really have much choice as mine had been cut when the bull bars were fitted.  First you need to get underneath and undo the bolts and screws that hold the plastic trim on.  Mine were rusted solid and some of the top ones just sheared off as I attempted to undo them.  There are some pics below of the offending bolts etc (click to enlarge).    

Once you have removed the soft plastic you should be left with just the end caps.  I marked mine using tape to try and get a good straight line.

Once you have marked your line you need to cut the bottom off.  I just used a hacksaw.  An electric jigsaw or similar would probably be better for getting a straight line but I didnt expect mine to be perfect.  You can see the end result on the pictures below (click to enlarge).  Its nowhere near straight and probably not even level but from a few steps back it looks fine!  

Tools

Hacksaw, various spanners / sockets.

Questions or comments?  Click here to visit the landyworld land rover forum