Smittybilt Gen2 Bolt On Tire Carrier for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK

My bumper and tire carrier install was an easy install, I'm a firm believer on doing your home work before taking on a project. Yes the instructions are vague in some areas and there is not a lot of info out there but it can be done. #1 the back up lights, the poorly designed plastic clips the hold the lights to the supplied bracket, they wont stay in place. Put the clip on the post, wrap it with a zip tie and make it tight, next apply some RTV to help everything stay in place. #2 The last bolt on the bracket the holds the tire carrier, the one that goes in the hole that you have to drill out. First you need a bolt about 2 1/2 in. in length, grind a taper on the threaded end this will assist in the aliment when you fish the supplied plate and nut in the end of the frame. #3 Do not tighten the bolts on the the plate that mounts to the tailgate until you mount the tire carrier, it needs to be aligned with the tire carrier support bracket ( the C shaped plastic piece). When all is lined up, tighten everything up ,then tighten the turnbuckle till there is no rattling. #4 I read some comments about the installation of the three wheel bolts, needed to be pressed in, well that was not my case, a mater of fact the holes were so loose I had to weld them into place. Every job has work around 's that need to be overcome. Total install time including removing the original bumper about 16 Hrs.

I have had this installed going on 8 months now. Not sure why others are having issues. Installation was smooth but you really need some mechanical aptitude to think some things thru. I did get some rattles from the tun buckle after about 7 months. However, its metal on metal and the turn buckle pivots(balls) need to be lubed. I used a dry spay lube and rattles are gone.

the design is very good and looks great, the install instructions are not the greatest.