Jeep XJ Rear Bumper and Tire Carrier Install - Smittybilt XRC
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- In this latest video of Project XJ Overland, I finally get around to installing the Smittybilt XRC rear bumper and tire carrier on our 1999 Jeep Cherolkee that we have been slowly transforming into a worthy overlading vehicle.
Bumper and Tire Carrier: amzn.to/2CT1OUB
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Bumper info:
Add a bolder look and more capability to an off-road vehicle by installing this Smittybilt XRC rear bumper w/tire carrier. This rugged rear bumper includes raised corners that allow for better clearance along back roads with heavy brush and debris. The rear bumper is designed to handle extreme weather conditions and includes solid mount D-rings for additional security.
This Smittybilt XRC rear bumper w/tire carrier is made from 3/16-inch cold roll steel and includes a one-piece welded design. Finished with a black matte powder coat, the rear bumper includes a 5 year limited warranty.
Video Transcript:
Getting access to these bumper bolts is a tight fit. So removing these rusty nuts took the use of a breaker bar and some creative leverage on my socket wrench….. I’m sure there is an easier way, this just worked for me.
There was no easy way to remove these trailer hitch bolts. No amount of bp blaster was going to break through the rust and loosen them up. I tried with a breaker bar, but even that wasn’t successful and I think I actually snapped 2 of the bolts. I ended up getting out the cutting wheel and the saw zaw which I was hoping to not have to do, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do
I think I made a little mess here…. Amazing how much work it took just to remove the trail hitch… I’m glad it’s off now!
You want to first slide the frame mount bracket into the body and then put the bumper mount into place and hand tighten all the bolts…. Don’t start torqueing anything down just yet.
On the passenger side, when you remove the trailer hitch, you also have to remove the fuel tank exhaust heat shield and exhaust hanger, make sure you remember to put those in place before you start screwing in the bumper mount bolts
With both bumper mounts loosely in place, take a measurement. The directions say the distance between them should be just slightly less than 34” You need to ensure there is a enough room so the brackets on the bumper will slide into place.
Once you have everything lined up, you can go ahead and tighten everything down, there is a chart in the directions that give you all the torque specs for each bolts.
You can see in the bumper mount, there is a good amount of room for adjustment, but on the bumper, the nuts are welded on, so this actually limits your wiggle room. I think lining things up would have been a bit easier if these were not welded on.
My son and I spent a good amount of time trying to line things up. I resorted to getting out the jack and a block of wood, this helped quiet a bit.
Once you get all the bumper bolts in place, you want to spend some time getting it level, and trying to match up you body lines as best as you can.
Before we put the tire carrier in place, I greesed down all the holes in the gate where contact was going to be made.
With the tire carrier in place, I greased up the main hinge pin and slid it into place. Then you place the camp wheel on top and insert the 6 ½ bolt that slides through the pin and it comes with a hut with a little handle to make holding it underneath easier, just ut don’t tighten it down just yet.
With the weigh of the tire, I made some adjustment to the cam to get the hindge to line up….. I’ll be doing this again once the weight of th tire is on
Before I can mounting the bracket, I needed to bust out the hammer and drive in tall the lug nut bolts.
And there is no instructions for where to mount your bracket, so I just took some rough measurements and made some estimates.
I’m pretty happy with where the tire sits and how it all lined up.
Oh and on a recommendation I received from some on who has this tire carrier, they recommend using a little blue lock tite to keep te cam bolt in place
With the plate in place, you can use it as a template for drilling your holes.
Bruh thought you were gunna start cryin at :48. Wouldve loved to do all this with my dad. Youre awesome for it, man!
i dont mean to be off topic but does anybody know a tool to get back into an instagram account?
I was stupid lost my account password. I love any help you can offer me!
@Brycen Nicolas instablaster ;)
@Baker Rodney i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Baker Rodney It worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my account :D
@Brycen Nicolas no problem :)
I too have this bumper and I like it. After 3-4 years it does rattle (lots of weight on a single pin) and I can't imagine that others brands that are built in a similar fashion don't also rattle. I never did trust the locking device on this bumper (though it has never failed) and that coupled with the rattles inspired me to add a stiffening mechanism that braces the bumper against itself using the 2" trailer hitch provision. The component is an inexpensive addition and it serves 3 purposes. 1. it eliminates ANY rattling. 2. it securely locks the swing out in place. 3. it provides security against theft by using a standard trailer hitch receiver lock. JRC does make a license plate holder that centers the plate within the spare tire. There are a couple of drawbacks both to the piece I added and the license plate holder. 1. my addition requires a 3/4" wrench to free up the swing out. 2. the JRC license plate holder needs to be disassembled to remove the spare. I enjoyed your video and do appreciate your family's service. I'm a vet myself from the late 60's.
Muy buena tu respuesta , comentario saludos desde mexico
Please stop calling that rusty! Lol
Here in Canada we’d consider that clean enough to eat off of! Lol
Nice build loving the videos!
ik i wish i could call that rusty i live in northern IL just south of wisconsin and does salt just destroy cars lol ive broken so many bolts in my life
LOL I was just about to say that. My jeep came from Wisconsin :(
Fellow Xj owning Canadian - 100% agree. I can't get most bolts off without a torch, some week-before-hand penetration oil blasting, and massive swearing!
I heard that and in Ga muddy is a favorite color!
Rusty is just rusty waa waa
Thank you for your service and now your son's service keep the videos coming
Thank you! My son graduates boot camp next week... can't wait to see him!
being fooled into invading other countries under false pretense and risking life, limb and your mental health to line the pockets of billionares isnt something to be proud of. what does this even have to do with the content of the video?
shonuffisthemaster you’re a libtard
shonuffisthemaster he’s risking his life for this country and our lives you should go risk your life for your country you damn liberal
It's kinda fun to see someone else get frustrated when something breaks or does not work out like picture we have in our mind because I can totally relate. Been there and I know there are more unseen frustrating moments in my future. Hey, I can predict that with a crystal ball!!
Not a bad tire carrier, nice and clean install. Would also be cool and see a roof rack install on the jeep. Would make that "Over land Jeep" come all together. Can't wait to see what comes next!
Just off of this one video alone, you've earned yourself a new Subscriber. The videography was professional and my biggest pet peeve is the sound - or tone - or accent - and most definitely the 'speed' at which someone speaks. I actually watched your video from beginning to end, because it was not only interesting and informative, but also *easy* to listen to without getting annoyed a couple of minutes into it and simply going on to something else. Now - it's almost 5 years later, so you'll probably never even see 'my' commentary among 263 other comments at this time. But I felt it deserved a 'shout-out', regardless.
On a scale of 1-5, I rate *this* video: 👊👊👊👊👊
Wow those are some of the best designed unibody tie in brackets I’ve seen.
Brad, if you need help in the future, let me know. I was an XJ guy for 20 years. I love that you love the XJ's! Rock On Brother!
Based on your videos, I ordered the same front & back bumpers for my 01 XJ. Bone stock ,no rust, BUT, in dire need of mechanical upgrade. 4.5" rough country lift, 285/75-16 Mastercraft tires for the summer & Discoverer 265/75-16 M&S tires for winter. Love your videos as my son is very involved in this project.
So great to hear you and your son are working on your project together....good times!
Was so happy to see the XJ back!!!
Brad, great video (as always) but I just installed this and I would recommend people steer clear of this product. Just like you, I had issues lining up the bumper to the body but that wasn't the worse part. When I installed the tire swing, the latch would not line up with the striker on the bumper. Even with the swing adjustment maxed out and the latch loosened and adjusted, it will not close. After a few emails with Smitty, they sent me another tire swing and told me to throw the one I have in the trash. I installed the new tire swing and with the adjustment maxed out and the swing fully loaded it finally latched properly. Now, since adjusting the latch (not the swing arm) down to align with the striker, it took the tension off the latch rod that attaches to the handle. Now, it will not open by pulling up on the latch. I have to stick my finger into the handle opening to unlatch it. To Smittybilt's credit, they issued me a full refund but told me once again to DISPOSE OF THE ONE I HAVE. It is still on my XJ but I will be replacing it as soon as I come across a good deal on another brand. Sorry for the long response but I just wanted to give everyone a heads up in case they are having the same issues as I did. Thanks again Brad for the great video!
you just suck at installing bro.
So glad to see the xj back!!!
I wouldn't worry too much about the body lines, it's an off road rig after all. The first time out on the trail, all those body lines are going to change! lol The bumper looks great, nice job. Northridge has been a top notch retailer for a long time. Always with great customer service, prices, and quick shipping. I first ordered from them 10 years ago when I purchased my ARB lockers, lift parts, and a bunch of other stuff. I really like what you're doing with that XJ.
I have the same bumper and I have to say in all honesty that it was biggest pain in the ass to install but I love the way in came out. This video definitely helped a lot on installing it
I know you posted this video years back, but today May 20th 2023, this video came up extremely helpful. I ran through some challenges that it seems like you didn’t, but other than that your videos very convenient. Your video are super clear to see, hear and understand. I love how you keep the camera on a tripod. Thank you!!! Do you still have this XJ?
Thank you, glad it was helpful. Unfortunately we sold the XJ a couple years ago.
i got this bumper shipper to Australia a long while ago and its good to see they changed somethings on it. The Zerk fitting for greasing is new and the swing arm bolt nut with the handle is new. All in all its a great bumper that has taken several rear end collisions without damage but i wish they would put a licence plate bracket in the kit and somewhere to mount the trailer electrical plugs.
I just installed this bumper/carrier and i didnt even open the instructions that came with kit thanks to this video . you were WAY MORE informative !
Thanks for the great vids
Great to hear and congrats on doing it yourself!
Great Video! We installed the same setup on our XJ a few years ago. The only thing I would add is that the whole setup is rather heavy. The weight with the spare, jack, and Jerry can was enough to sag our (admittedly cheap) leaf springs pretty significantly.
Just purchased a bumper using your code. Definitely the best price around, thanks!
Awsome detail. You do great work on project vids. They are helping me immensely.
I'm so glad these are helping you! Thank you!
That discount code really knocks the price down on the bumper/carrier kit. Thanks for sharing that. I will be ordering one from Northridge4x4. Your XJ is looking great!
Great father and son build, lovely looking Cherokee and the TLC you all are showing. Greatly appreciate the love for the family, jeep, off-road... Subscribed and following.
I'm sure this gentleman figured it out but for people that have just watch this, to keep the tire carrier from swinging closed on you just put a bolt in it to hold it.
If you're installing one of these you'll understand when you look.
Thank you for making these videos. Really helping me decide on what to put on my build.
Glad you are finding them helpful!
Nice job on the build. Cant wait till I get home and do something similar.
Boy am I glad the dude I bought my jeep off had this already this looks well difficult
The car looks so awesome and beautiful!😍🔥
I just love watching all of your off-road accessories installation videos.
keep up the good work!!!👌
Wow! What a clean look to the XJ! great job👍
Hey Brad, still love your vids, always informative, always great production values too. Don't think I'll be doing a Jeep Cherokee XJ Overland, love my wrangler to much.... but what a great series of episodes! At the moment I'm laid up, post ankle surgery, so I just watched all of the XJ project!! Probably spend the next few days watching as many vids as I can..... trying to let all the commercials run thru, still hate that I can't give you a thumbs ip thru appleTV CZcams, so I hopped on the lap top to get it done!
Haven't done much yet to my Rubicon, just a Poison Spyder front bumper, a Proclip mount/bracketts for two iPhones and a GoPro & a yellow SpyderWebShade! I still intend to get over to Patreon, sooner or later.... Keep up the good work....
+Schooner Darrow Hope your surgery recovery is going well and thanks for choosing TrailRecon to binge watch!!!! I'm envious of your font bumper... hoping to replace mine soon. Thanks!
You spend 10k on a vehicle that will last well over 300k miles if treated properly, and made her look bad ass, while being able to take on any challenge she will face. I love XJ's and the community for them. Such unique vehicles.
I got 87 jeep XJ just waiting my bumper and tire carrier like that one,to start installing,,nice video.
I have this exact jeep but you have all the nice upgrades.
Same color too.
really liking this series of the build, great vids, thanks for the entertainment👍
That's great to hear, than you! Should have a new XJ video out in a few weeks when I get back from Maine.
Awesome brother! That’s an awesome project with your kids!
Not a huge fan of Smittybilt, but that's just my preference, it does look good though! Great video Brad!
You ought to not put Chrome sockets on impacts. They snap a lot easier. I've had them explode into shards of Chrome. Just a friendly tip
Anymore updates on the XJ? really love where this build is going and the quality content you and your boys produce! Keep it up!
We haven't done any major projects recently with the boys all grown up and off to college and the Navy, but I'll still be wrenching on it from time to time. Thank you!
Thank you for replying! I really is awesome when a youtuber replies to comments from us plebs! I cant wait to get my jeep finished and come hang out with you or meet you on the trail! your group of jeepers should check out the Sand Hollow Offroad Area near St George Utah.Thanks again!
Looks great . sits really nice.
6:00 He is exactly right! This is a VERY difficult install based on the nuts being welded to the bumper. Very bad call by Smittybilt. It was also very difficult getting the bolts in. Most of them would not screw in all while perfectly lined up. Lots of prayers got them in, but it took me all afternoon and evening, but I also did the install alone. Still is a great looking bumper tho!
Great video as always. That Jeep looks awesome!
Love your videos . it is awesome you tell pricing too. My son wants a xj when he drives so we can wheel together. As of now i take him on my tacoma. But its great to get ideas n see the potential of xj. Something affordable my son n I can build . its a beautiful father n son thing. Great job . keep the vids coming.
Excellent job! I really like it, cause I've planned to own the Jeep Cherokee XJ for quite sometimes, now is a good time looking for one!
Did you get one? The prices for good ones is going up!
I love your build I'm working on a 96
looks great love that XJ great job
Haha I thought you added the DING in post lol it was your flashlight hitting the magnaflow tip hahahaha
good looking xj
Beautiful work. Your Jeep look great. In general nice work.
Another great video.....did they included the lic plate holder? with out it your a trooper beacon
Great video. Super thorough.
That’s a nicely engineered bumper. I wonder why Smittybuilt didn’t provide a knockout for a trailer electrical connection?
That's funny, mine didn't have the passenger bracket with the cutout for the exhaust, and no hole or grease fitting. My install was a massive pain. They did not count on having a gas tank skid plate, made adjusting position impossible
Awesome looking bar mate
looks good man! I can tell you there is no good drill bits especially small ones, they break, become dull and stop your production. I can tell you to buy a lot of the smaller sizes. My Dewalts have worn out but the larger ones stay ok. guys ive known buy the $300 snap on and they fail as much as the $30 Dewalt. a shame
I love the XJ series of videos, keep them coming! I'm considering this tire carrier but I'm worried of it rattling terribly, have you experienced any rattling so far?
No rattling so far, but it's only been on for a week. Thanks!
Very nice. Looks great
Looks good! I was researching adventure trailers and I kept coming back to the Smittybilt because of my needs and the price until I found out they were made in China. I have seen some favorable reviews on YT so it appears my fears have been calmed a bit. I would be curious to hear how the welds of the recovery points on your bumper hold up to use and some down the road opinions of the tire swing gate and how its holding up after some off road use. Price of outfitting our rigs is a major factor and if some of the more budget options work well then I'm all for it. This project it coming together and I really like where your going with this XJ.
Looks awesome!
hope your son is having fun at boot camp!
He graduated and is in school for training now.... looking forward to having both boys home for the holidays!
I have the same impact and it's a beast
One thing you can do is lower the tire for day-to-day for visibility and raise it when hitting the trail.
Looks very good.
cheap drillbits breaking sends me through the god damn roof. I'm pretty patient too, I think it's a pet peeve of mine.
I'm with you!!!!
Great review. Interesting that those side pieces are only held on by rivets. I do like the coating on it though.
great video
Thank you!
we have a 2010 overland 3.0 diesel CRD and I`d love to remove the plastic front and back plus tow bar
Grab a set of flair nut wrenches for those tight to reach bolts, they save your life lol
I'm currently installing the same bumper on a 1999 XJ. You omitted a very important part of the install. How did you attach the front sections of the quarter planel plates? At the fender well there is a gap behind the front holes. The rivits definitely are not long enough to reach any holes you might drill behind there. Please let us know how you dealt with that issue! Thanks.
Good morning. What is the estimated time for the assembly of this bumper, starting from when the stock bumper is already dismantled. Thank you
Thats a sweet Jeep!!!
I have the same bumper. Overall I like it- my question- it comes with straps to secure the Jerry can, but I'm not liking how I ran the strap; there must be a better way... I would be very interested in seeing how you will secure your can. Thanks
Im getting one next month with a smitty front with a stinger and winch after i install the lift kit this weeeeek
One more thing.
The bumper looks really great on the Cherokee.
Waiting for those replacement tapered roller bear rings to see the end results.
Not about that rattle.
Is there a key lock option Incase of thieves or vandals?
Gorgeous Jeep bud...time to clean up my ZJ
Hi brad. I am looking at doing some of the same things, but you don't mention where you got those side armor plates and what they are. If you could please elaborate, Id like to have some!
Great job well done!
You will play holy hell installing that bumper, if you have a gas tank skid shield.
Great video, thank you!
I think one can't see the license plate once the tire is in place (or I saw it wrong?)...thanks for the video
Sucio looks awesome
I have the same bumper on my 99 XJ, love it. Would love to hear if/how you use any of the accessory areas in this bumper? I have FINALLY found the ONE jerry can that fits (Midwest), but have issues with the straps that came with this bumper. Do you/have you, added anything to the bumper area? The other side of the jerry can spot is for some storage fitting (ammo can is best I've seen, for winch pieces, straps, etc.)
Have you done anything back there?
Have enjoyed your videos,
Thanks
Rik Mathias
Land O Lakes, FL
Save me a headache!!!! Just installed mine ‘96 XJ
Did you ever do anything about the license plate that is now covered up?
Awesome XJ. Even better channel. Tire size?
Now where you mount the license plate? Tire is covering the plate.
I have the xrc minus the tire carrier bumper. Thing it awesome if you have never has a tow hitch. Would have been nice 2 months ago if this was posted.
16 mar 2019 7:2 pm edt:
9:35 i never see how tire-carrier-bumper being locked to rear-bumper
thanks
Brad: Love the XJ and your channel. My son and I have been building a similar XJ. Just installed the XRC tire carrier and am wondering if you have any recommendations for a jerry can. Never had one and I've heard they don't all fit.
harborfreight has a metal jerry can that fits good !!
The Wavian cans don't fit
Just installed my carrier last night. Had to do a little latch adjustment but all is good. My question is, did you do anything about mounting your license plate on the spare somehow? Does someone make a mounting bracket with a light for the plate? Just trying to keep from getting pulled over. Thanks.
What color is your xj? It's beatiful.
Is no one getting pulled over for covering your license plate? Or having lights on the plate? That would fail state inspection asap
You can fit gas cans in that carrier right? Did you use them for your wheeling?
I need a rear bumper & tire carrier for my Jeep Cherokee 😀
Are you saying you actually have to remove the fuel tank itself?! I am currently at the step of removing the exhaust hanger, and the picture I have in the instructions is pretty different than the hanger in my 2000. I can't see how I'm meant to get the exhaust hanger off because it's secured with bolts coming down and nuts to remove, as opposed to the picture showing upward thru-bolts. If I have to remove the fuel tank to get at these, this job just got really serious.
Looks so clean! Is it street legal since it covers the license plate though?
I was wondering how the bumper is working out. Thinking of putting one on my 2000 XJ.
I'm interested in this bumper for my xj, great video!! Do you have an idea where you will be locating the license plate? Interested in what plans you have.
"Tomken Machine TMC-122" is what I'm using on my 2001 XJ...if you need some ideas.
joshpandh Tomken Machine TMC-122 is what I used on my 2001 XJ
Thanks
That's my concern as well. I need that plate visible or I'll be stopped before I get anywhere near a trail lol.
Just an update. I was fortunate enough to get the bumper and tire carrier. It's a very good product and super strong. Also we went with that license plate relocation kit. Thank you for the suggestion. Super happy
The exact measurement that they say just under 34" for is 33 and 29/32".
i was just wondering what you did about license plate. I am about to install mine and was wondering if you had to relocate it.