An assembly for supporting a first vehicle component manages loading of the first vehicle component under applied forces by enabling a slip joint connection between the first vehicle component and a supportive mounting bracket. More specifically, the assembly includes a mounting bracket that has a slot. A plate is fit within the slot. A stud extends from the plate. The stud is configured to extend through an opening in the first vehicle component when the first vehicle component is mounted to the mounting bracket to capture the mounting bracket between the plate and the first vehicle component at the stud. The mounting bracket and the plate are cooperatively configured as a slip joint. A method of assembly is also provided.