I have a 98 4dr 4WD Blazer, the rear bumper needs replaced.

The top pad has to be removed to access the mounting bolts.

Pics of the replacement bumper looks like slots are cut in the bumper
for 'tabs' on the pad to hold it into place ?

I want to reuse the pad and not mess it up. It's 40 degrees out.

Should I use a small chisel or pry bar and work my way around ??

What have others done ?

 

the warmer out the better..The warmer the pad(heat gun/whatever-be careful) the better..If not, look @ the new bumper to see where the cut outs for tabs are. I use a long handled pry bar. Slightly lift the pad and ease the pry bar as close to the tabs as possible. I start @ one end or the other..work across..pry carefully. on occasion you might break a tab..If you do it usually is ok...take your time..Jerry

 

You may be able to tap them out from underneath also

 

I crawled underneath and only saw a few tabs at each end.
I'd rather tap the tabs out from the back side, but my view
to the rest of bumper is blocked by what looks like a factory
trailer hitch build into the bumper. Not a receiver style, just
where a ball could be mounted on the step.

I'll try pulling the pad up from the top and see what happens.

 

I just grab mine and pull up, never had a problem with it. It is on there tight so you have to give it some muscle to get it off. I would suggest waiting for warmer weather and lube the heck out of the bumper bolts a couple of days before you replace it.