Reviews for Smittybilt SRC Gen2 Rear Bumper for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK
Rear bumper instructions are worse than front bumper instructions. You need to install the included lights before mounting the bumper otherwise, i don’t know how you would get them fastened. Speaking of fasteners, the ones for the lights were missing, so that added to the install time. Bumper is very nice, just lacking in the sequences and what you need to be aware of.
Looked good when I first installed it in December of 2020, by May of 2021 I noticed multiple rust spots where the coating had chipped off and left bare metal. The "stainless steel" cover plates attached to the top of the bumper also have multiple spots of rust on them. Overall it's a decent bumper for the price but Smittybilt needs to work on their coatings.
Actual product: 5 stars
Installation: 1 star
As many others have said, the instructions are TERRIBLE. Even a mechanically inclined person like myself had me scratching my head. The issue is that Smittybilt outsources these bumpers. They are NOT made in America, and I believe the instructions are a result of that. Another issue that caused confusion is that the hardware list did not match what I received. The quantity and size of the bolts listed did not reflect what was included (yes, I know how to properly measure a bolt). If you are only installing the bumper, then installation is fairly straightforward. However, if you are also going to install the spare tire swing gate, be sure to read BOTH instructions before starting. It will save you headaches in the long run if you can figure out the proper sequence of events. Smittybily needs to include installation instructions when installing both items at the same time. One more thing: I am running factory 17' wheels with 35x12.50x17 tires. NOWHERE in the item listing does it state that the spare tire carrier is meant for aftermarket wheels with an offset greater than the factory offset. My OEM 17" wheel sat too close to the carrier and as such, would not mount onto the carrier as the tire made contact with the swing gate before I could even get the wheel onto the studs. A call to Smittybilt Tech Support and I was told "Go buy a wheel spacer". No mention of this at all in the description. Little irritated at that. FINALLY, the instructions for the swing gate show a zerk fitting in the swing gate to grease the pivot. Mine did not have one. Another call to Tech Support and I was told I probably have a defective swing gate. Emailed them pics (per their request to start the process) and received an email with an updated installation picture showing the zerk fitting is now located in the pivot bracket, which of course is mounted under the rear bumper and on the frame rail. Would have been nice if they had included this handy bit of information in the instructions!
So that's my take. End Result? I love the product. The carrier and bumper are built solid and look great. BUT... the instructions are garbage. Would I buy this product again? Yes, but only because I know what to expect. As a first timer, I was not impressed at all. That's my .02 worth......have fun.
The directions leave almost everything to be desired....I am blown away at how easy it would be to make simple directions with pictures that show you what they are talking about in there steps....in the end I just used my mechanical abilities to figure out what had to happen. I bought the matching front bumper and that install was a breeze...this was a different story. A lot of the holes did not line up, adjusting this thing is a pain and the hardware is junk. The lights that come on the back are trash and remind me of super cheap ebay lights....come on Smittybilt. I really like the final product but am unimpressed with the details.
Design and manufacturing are OK. Pretty good fit but some real turkeys like tightening a bolt from inside the frame rail when the bumpers is installed! How did they think? Instructions for bumper and tire gate are TOTALLY USELESS!! Nothing missing in the delivery but lot of extra nuts, washers and other stuff not to be used. Install the lights first AND WITH THE CORRECT SIDE UP! Else, you'll have a total redo. Support is a joke. Your'e on your own!
If you're not a skilled mechanic, STAY AWAY!
Bumper itself get a 4star. The instructions for bumper and lights need some serious adjustments. The lighting bracket inserts are cheap and you get one shot at aligning or your buying new inserts. For someone not mechanically inclined you have a 50/50 chance of completing this project. Usually smittybuilt products are top of the line, just not in this case.
The directions were terrible. My directions showed up with blank pages in the middle. I could not fit my rear brake light with a 35 inch tire. After 3 years the power coat has chipped and rusted all over the outside. It's a cheap design. I couldn't tighten the turnbuckle tight enough on the spare tire to keep it from rattling. I called Smittybuilt and they told me to shave off a quarter of a inch on the turnbuckle bolt. Stay away. Not worth the money and I'm looking to replace mine as I'm typing this message.
DONT buy unless you are getting the tire carrier at same time! Getting bumper alone will only allow the factory spare will fit with the bumper, you will have to buy a oversize tire spacer/carrier if you still want to carry your spare! Also mount the lights BEFORE installing bumper on your Jeep, instructions do Not mention either of these! Instructions ARE PITIFUL at best!!! For this amount of money I would expect much better from Smittybuilt!