Reviews: Smittybilt XRC Rear Bumpers

Bumper is great, solid, gives rocks a hard time, and Im not sure if it was by design but the bumper protects the right and left rear lower corners of the tub which tend to take a beating. Swing arm comes seperate but I recomend it, it is a bit of a trick to get it to level out, and you can expect to have to lift it up a tad to get it to lock, but it's no real issue even with a 35" on there. Plan on setting some time aside. Getting the mounting by the gas tank is a pain but yes it can be done without dropping the tank, just prepare to be frustrated and kick and fuss like a kid in a toy store not getting a toy. Take the time and drop the tank, and do it with low fuel. I have slammed a few rocks and other than some powder coat missing from it, i's say the rock got the worst of it.

Love the product, absolutely zero complaints. It’s exceeded my expectations so far. I’m pretty capable when it comes to DIY Jeep projects. The instructions could use some clarification and better designation between the various pieces of hardware. It required some educated guess work and a re-do steps but nothing that would deter me from advocating for this product. I towed a trailer 1,100 miles the day after I installed it. Checked the hardware, everything stayed tight. Honestly couldn’t be happier with it.

Nice bumper. They should not use welded nuts for mounting. They don't all line up. Smittybilt Tech Support is a joke! Young phone jockeys that don't know crap and don't care! They don't even care for constuctive feedback. That's not Tech Support.

This is a great add to my jeep. It's not lightweight but it's not too heavy either. The jeep rides a little smoother as the back end doesn't bounce around as much either. It would've been great if they could've added a way to run light wires from the bottom left corner to wheel mount location and with the amount of complaints about the gas can size restriction, I would think it would've been addressed already.

Install was more difficult than expected, but a solid product regardless.

First the good. The bumper an tire carrier look great on my Jeep. Strong an well built for hard use. Install was not the worst. I had to salvage several bolts from the previous bumper (no big deal). I was able to do the install with help from my brother an a neighbor in my front yard. Now the bad. The Jerry can mount is tight an will not fit a Wavian made can. I did get my NATO surplus one to fit but just barley. Next the Hi-lift jack mount broke before I could get it to torque an had to remove it with bolt cutters. Still not the end of the world an you can still use the rest. I feel in the end it is worth every penny an hour spent.

Won’t align properly no matter how much you try but looks ok

Great bumper very heavy duty. You need to drop the fuel tank to put 2 bolts on the driverside crossmember. You will also need to cut the reese hitch about a inch to allow the gas tank down.

super nice bumper , beware it does weigh a good bit (without adding the spare) so if your trynna save weight u prob dont wanna get this kit. install went as most xj work , normal rusted bolts that came from factory no big deal just slow down an take ur time. Ive towed dirtbikes and 4 wheelers with this and it handles it no problem. swing gate is greasable so thats always good. overall a great bumper very solid and doesnt bounce around even with a 35 in mud tire as a spare no rattles or annoying noises.

Two competent people to assemble or pay someone who does installs of offroad equipment for a living; not a easy or quick install process. Lots of tools required to complete. Did front and back bumper with tire carrier. Lots of work but worth it.

the line up was a little rough need a extra set of hands that i didnt have replaced bolts with studs to help with lack of extra hands looks great now and tough

Love the bumper. With included frame tie-ins, this thing is solid! Textured finish is great. Looks awesome. Install is a PAIN, until you realize you need to drop the fuel tank. Instructions dont mention this, but you CANNOT get to all four inside bolts if you dont (at least on my 03 TJ). As others said, drill larger holes than it says for the inside 4. Put a floor jack under your tank, unscrew the four screws holding gas filler and unbolt the 7 nuts holding the tank in place. Lower 6" with the jack then its easy as pie from there. One exception, when I raised my tank back up, the rear upper gas tank skid plate flange was unable to be raised all the way cause the rear of the receiver on this bumper- sticks out about .25". I had to cut out a 2 inch section of the flange so it could clear the receiver (rear portion).

Product looked great on the jeep, you going to need help to install. Directions were not that detailed. Also make sure you chase the threads, the powder coater forgot to plug them.

The anchor points will not accept 3/4" shackles. The body of the shackle hits the bumper before the pin can be threaded into the shackle. Drain holes need to be added in the center top area of the bumper. If you park headed downhill and it rains, you will have a pool of water greater than a quart, (not cool). That said, everything else hits the mark.

Good product

I bought both the XRC rear bumper and XRC tire carrier. The lock out bracket pin did not line up with the raised boss on the top of the bumper despite that it can be adjusted somewhat. The lockout pin was too short as well. I had to weld a 3/8" long piece of 1/2" black pipe to the top of the boss so that the lock out pin would index into the pipe and lock out. If can't be locked out you may damage the quarter panel by over opening.The tire carrier does work well and doesn't rattle. The latch is good and has a heavy rubber bushing to hold it tight.I would recommend this product if you have the ability to weld. These components are not made in matched pairs and may not line up with each other. Aside from this I am happy with the products.

Very high quality bumper.Durable , looks awesome! Only down side was I had to lower gas tank to install but well worth it.

IT WAS JUST HARD TO INSTALL THE 4 BOLTS BEHIND THE GAS TANK ON MY YJ...OTHER THAN THAT WE LOVE IT THE FT BUMPER TOO ..[...]

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.

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.