Reviews: Smittybilt XRC Rear Bumpers

Purchased the rear XRC rear bumper to match & compliment the front XRC bumper on a stock 98 TJ. Now a great looking customized, heavy duty rig with the option of purchasing spare tire carrier at a later date; which I did. The result is a matching black textured powder coat over white paint front and rear. I added the matching side steps later. Note, needs a little drilling if you are going to install the additional brackets to meet the stated towing load bearing capacity for a heavy trailer. If your're not towing a heavy trailer its an easy install. I elected not to install additional brackets. Its not going anywhere.

Where do I start? I am SO pleased with this Smittybilt XRC bumper and tire carrier combination. This was easy to install, did it myself in about 3 hours. Other reviews stated the gas tank had to be dropped, but with my Unlimited model, I did not have to do so. I looked at many bumper/tire combo's, but decided on this product. Shipping was fast, the product is of excellent quality, well engineered and built to last. Would highly recommend - looks awesome!

Installed this bumper one afternoon with some assistance from my Uncle helping me lift it into place. Great design definite improvement on the looks of the vehicle. This bumper has proven it can take a beating!

It carries my 35 inch tire(I bought the tire carrier) and it's so freaking noticeable how much more my tire is secured. Plus, I have the spare adjusted to the highest setting and it makes my Jeep look bigger haha. Durable, good instructions for the most part(except the fact they leave out you have to drop the gas tank, put in hard to access bolts, and then trim the gas skid a bit so you can raise it back up with the bumper in place. Overall, looks amazing, is amazing, buy it.

This rear bumper w/carrier is awesome! Easy to install. Using a motorcycyle jack to lift the bumper to guide the 4 bolts and align them to the nut that's on the bumper. You'll need the right tools without lowering the gas tank. Installing the 4 bolts behind the bumper, I used a snap-on 3/8 17mm swivel w/a 10in. extention to tighten the bolts. It took me 2.5hrs to install. I would definitely do it again!

great bumper. its heavy duty and looks great on my jeep. it took some time to install but was well worth it. the bumper requires you to drill holes into the frame that are near the gas tank that are impossible to get to.

Best product and best value on the market. I'm extremely happy and now i can get the tire off the tailgate.

Very well built and designed bumper and tire carrier for my TJ. Took longer to install than I thought it would and there was some minor drilling involved, but it was well worth the effort. I would definitely do it again. [...]

Just had this installed with the matching front XRC and they look great. Solid construction, and easy opening swing-away tire carrier. Bumper creates a nice flat ledge when gate is open to step up and gain access to rear of jeep. Low profile stays up and out of the way allowing for very good departure angle. Incorporated 2" receiver hitch is a bonus, and it's not just for accessories. Great product at a even better price compared to the others. You won't be disappointed. 4Wheel Parts install was excellent. They installed the additional frame tie-in brackets to make it super strong. Thanks guys!

Instaled has per instructions but need to add the an issue to the instruction, "need to lower gas tank to drill holes and place 4 bolts".

Great looking bumper ... Best hitch out there - strong (highest load rating) and built into design Hard to install a few of the bolts that have limited access behind the gas tank

I love the look and this is a great solution to a strong hitch receiver. Significant improvement over stock bumper. I have received a lot of compliments and people love the textured finish. Installation was easy until I got to the bolts that are behind the gas tank. I got three of 4 in, but it doesn't look like I will get the 4th without dropping the tank - which I'm not in a hurry to do. With 13 or the 14 bolts secure I think it will do haul my trailer with ATV.

Awesome looking bumper...just change the look of my jeep , from nice to super strong vehicle. Most of all I feel protected by this bumpers!!!Dont worry about instalation the guys at 4 wheel parts will do it for you...

I highly recommend this bumper/tire swing combo for your Jeep, Truck or FJ40 Toyota Landcruiser. My application is for my FJ40 TLC of which I bought the matching front bumper as well.It is well worth the wait.I just love the design and how easy it is to install and use.Stop in 4WParts today and order one for yourself and see what all the rant is. You will NOT be disappointed.... I'm not........

I was impressed by the strength of the bumper. It was the only bumper in the catalog to have a towing rating from the manufacturer. My son and I installed the bumper in about 2 hours. We loosened the gas tank to get to the 4 bolts, and had to notch the skid plate to clear the backside of the hitch. I realized that I would need to torque the bolts after installing each set of brackets, as the next bracket would cover the bolts from the previous bracket.

This XRC bumper looks great on my 02' TJ. Much heavier than the stock bumper, but that adds to it's durability. Had to drill 4 additional 7/16" holes into the Jeep. These 4 holes require you to drop the gas tank to get to the backs of them. Make sure to spray them up with some black paint to prevent any future rust. Had to notch out the skid plate in order to get the tank back in place. I found it very difficult to line up the holes for the very last bracket I installed. Please allow yourself plenty of time to get this done. Having a second person to help makes things go much faster.

I like the bumper it looks great the welds in the inside look like a three year kid did them and I had to remove my gas take to bolt it on a lot of work but a good bumper I would do it again

This product is pretty heavy duty, I have not trail tested it yet, but mounting and lining everything up was pretty awesome. Matches cherokee body lines and looks great! Tire carrier fitment is great as well takes some time to adjust the gate swing level so there in no interference with the bumper, but it's worth it for the seamless look. I have a few complaints the packaging of the bumper was terrible, yes it was a heavy package, but box was torn apart and bumper was scratched pretty deep even with the thick powder coating... I was ready to accept this as normal for heavy package shipment until I opened up my ORF front bumper that I ordered...they plastic bagged the bumper and then used this thick spray foam into the box.... It arrived at my doorstep perfect unlike my brand new scratched up rear tire carrier..... None the less it's gonna get hammered on the trail, but just feedback. Also if you have a factory installed tow package on your cherokee (mine did 1987) then the right side bumper mounts will interfere with supplies mounts.... With a little modification it will work. Also if you intend to attach 60" highlight jack to supplied mounts, the jack does interfere with the lift gate slightly, I will need to modify bracket. The smaller hilift jack will probably be fine though. Overall, from fitment perspective, it's a great purchase, worth the money and I would recommend this product to a friend.

Overall the number and tire carrier are very solid and there is no other better on the market in my opinion; however, keep in mind the time it will take to install, especially when you have rusted on bolts. Not a afternoon project

Installing the tire gate is definitely easier with an extra set of hands. It was impossible to line up the hinge with the holes and shim by myself. With someone to help hold the latch side at the right angle, it only took a few minutes to get it in place.