If this was a perfect world, I would just unbolt the bumper brackets from the frame, push the bumpers into back to an attractive position, and bolt them back on. Believe it or not that is exactly what you can do. Ford has put holes in the frame to allow you to do just that. It is not exactly easy. The front bumper took me 2 hours. The back took 6 hours.
Take off the front bumper and the brackets. Drill a new mounting hole in the bracket as seen the photo.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=drillhole.jpg&newest=1 The bracket mount will fit too close to the radiator frame to leave the bolt in this position. Reattach the brackets in the retracted position, using the bolt hole in the second position for your first bolt. Now a hole in the frame lines up perfectly with your second bolt. See second photo.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=relocarion3.jpg This hole does not have an attached bolt. Behind this position you will see an oblong hole. Review photo. Using a stiff wire make a loop around a nut, hot glue it to secure it to the wire. Photo.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=nuttrick.jpgFish it through the oblong hole to line up with the bolt, tighten down. Reassemble the bumper. Done.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=DSC02747.jpg For some reason the mounting frame for the radiator on passenger side was ¼ inch too far forward to allow the bracket to fit properly. A light tap with a sledge hammer moved it back into the correct position. See photo. red tape shows where I hit with the hammer.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=radiatortap.jpg Back bumper retraction is more complicated. In addition to basic tools you will need 24 inches of socket extensions. Get some from your friends before you start. Some touch-up paint will also be helpful. Jack up car just in front of back wheel and set on jack stands. See photo.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=DSC02783.jpgDetach shocks. Remove bumper, and rubber valance. Remove bolts from bracket and leaf spring mount and let down. Cut out the bridge plate shown in the next photo.Bridge plate has 2 small holes with larger hole in the center.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=strap.jpg Cut off the last hole on the mounting bracket where it protrudes beyond the back of the car. Photo.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=DSC02785.jpgTake bolt clips from hole cutoffs and fit holes in the area where you cut out the bridge plate.. ( very difficult ) Before you bolt everything back in fit bumper bolt through the top hole, tape it in place so that it does not drop out wile you are working. You will not be able to fit this though after brackets are attached. Attach brackets and springs. finished position
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=DSC02800.jpgYou might want to put masking tape on sides of body where bumper wraps around. Photo.
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=DSC02795.jpgIt is easy to rub bumper on body wile working, this will prevent scratching. By the way. This applies to front as well. Paint the mounting plates with touch-up paint as they will show a little after work is done. Mount bumper with bottom bolts, loose, just a few threads. Fit socket extensions together, Tape them together so you wont lose one. On drivers side from in front of the back tire, slide socket extensions over the top of the filler neck and slip own the channel onto the top bumper bolt. Tighten down. On passenger side you will need to take a pliers and bend a little of the sheet metal fender liner to allow for the socket to slide down the channel. Tighten down bottom bolts. Reattach the shocks. You are done. The mounting holes of the bumper valance show. I took round top bolts and painted them with touch-up paint. Tightened bolts in to fill the holes. Looks like manufacturer bolted something in ,from the factory. Photos
http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l568/bobjoebob/bumper%20fix/?action=view¤t=DSC02790.jpg job finished
Special thanks to Moonman for valuable help. I know it is long but worth it
Good luck
Bill
If anyone does this I would love to know. Post photos.