DV8 Offroad TCJL-13 MTO Series Spare Tire Swing Gate for 18-23 Jeep Wrangler JL

I had a DV8 MTO rear bumper installed this summer by a shop and decided I wanted the tire carrier before I get my 35’s. Since this carrier says the skill level to install is beginner, I figured I would do it myself. First off I will say the packing of the item was second to none. All the parts were wrapped in a heavy foam rubber and then foam injected into the package to keep the parts from moving around. A bit of a pain to unpack but happy to do so when all the parts arrive in excellent condition. The welds and coating all appear to be of good quality. Downloaded the instructions from the website. At first glance, the instructions look very good with step by step instructions and color photos. But while installing I realized the instructions leave MUCH to be desired. First off, the instructions say time required is about one hour. It took me much longer than that, but I’m not exactly a master mechanic.
Installing the heim joints with the isolators was a huge PITA as it is more than a tight fit, but I got it done. The instructions make no mention of putting a nut on the bottom of the pivot stud, but the “extra” M30 nut made me realize that was what it was for. The photos in steps 13 & 14 appear to show the lower bearing installed without the race. Step 15 maybe mentions installing the race, but this is AFTER seating the carrier post – too late. I knew just enough to know this didn’t seem right.
Also, no mention was made as to re-installing the door vents or installing the back plate. It would have been much easier to install the back plate BEFORE routing the brake light and camera wiring. It made for a tight fit to put it on. It is a major component of this kit and no mention of installing it.
Poor instructions aside, I’m very pleased with the carrier. It seems to work very well and I hope that the quality holds up.