Pics from XRC Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier Installed
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 282
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From: Goddard, KS
Pics from XRC Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier Installed
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to share how the install went and also some pics. Install went really well - tried to line up the 4 receiver holes without drilling them out to 1/2" but couldn't get it as the far right hole seemed to be to small. Drilled them out - greased up the parts that fitted together. Used a hydraulic floor jack and lifted the bumper into place. All bolts lined up just perfectly.
I decided to retain the 3rd brake light so I switched the grommet wiring harness from the left side to the right side of the tailgate. Installed filler plugs that I had purchased before hand into the now 3 open holes. I extended the wires/measured with tire carrier swung all the way open and tailgate closed for lenghts of wiring.
Like others had mentioned that had AEV wheels - spare tire mount studs appeared just a tad to long. Instead of shorting the studs - I went to Lowe's and purchased 2 large washers and 1 large rubber spacer to place on each of the (3) studs. I was then able to tighten down the spare very snug - now there is no movement or squeaking from it while driving.
Overall I'm very satisifed with the re-design of the latching mechanism and the quality and appearance of the bumper. I'll post an update once I have an opportunity to hit a trail to break it in properly.
The last remaining thing I need to do is to get with my local welder and have him remove the 4-plug wiring mount that was on the factory towing receiver and weld it on to the XRC bumper in a similar place so I can locate the rubber plug properly. If anyone else that has this bumper had a different recommendation please let me know - open to suggestions. I'm guessing quite a few of ya didn't have the factory towing option/receiver installed so no issues with the wiring pin/harness.
Rear shot of new XRC rear bumper/tire carrier
Shot of tire carrier open, 3rd brake light bracket and wiring
Showing how I routed the wiring for the 3rd brake light
Showing the "gap" between the flare and bumper
Just showing the new winch cover for the winter
Just wanted to share how the install went and also some pics. Install went really well - tried to line up the 4 receiver holes without drilling them out to 1/2" but couldn't get it as the far right hole seemed to be to small. Drilled them out - greased up the parts that fitted together. Used a hydraulic floor jack and lifted the bumper into place. All bolts lined up just perfectly.
I decided to retain the 3rd brake light so I switched the grommet wiring harness from the left side to the right side of the tailgate. Installed filler plugs that I had purchased before hand into the now 3 open holes. I extended the wires/measured with tire carrier swung all the way open and tailgate closed for lenghts of wiring.
Like others had mentioned that had AEV wheels - spare tire mount studs appeared just a tad to long. Instead of shorting the studs - I went to Lowe's and purchased 2 large washers and 1 large rubber spacer to place on each of the (3) studs. I was then able to tighten down the spare very snug - now there is no movement or squeaking from it while driving.
Overall I'm very satisifed with the re-design of the latching mechanism and the quality and appearance of the bumper. I'll post an update once I have an opportunity to hit a trail to break it in properly.
The last remaining thing I need to do is to get with my local welder and have him remove the 4-plug wiring mount that was on the factory towing receiver and weld it on to the XRC bumper in a similar place so I can locate the rubber plug properly. If anyone else that has this bumper had a different recommendation please let me know - open to suggestions. I'm guessing quite a few of ya didn't have the factory towing option/receiver installed so no issues with the wiring pin/harness.
Rear shot of new XRC rear bumper/tire carrier
Shot of tire carrier open, 3rd brake light bracket and wiring
Showing how I routed the wiring for the 3rd brake light
Showing the "gap" between the flare and bumper
Just showing the new winch cover for the winter
Last edited by KSU_MAN_JK33; Dec 6, 2009 at 02:16 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Goddard, KS
Thanks Deekum - yeah I've been reading yours and lots of others posts on this bumper over the last few weeks. Taking notes - trying to appreciate and learn (not re-invent the wheel) as they say. Wasn't as snug as some others have indicated - floor jack helped lots - green grease probably helped more ;o)
Last edited by KSU_MAN_JK33; Dec 6, 2009 at 03:31 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Goddard, KS
Install took about 3 hours, but wasn't in any big hurry. Did a lot of BS'ing with co-worker and it was friggin cold out.....I think it was about 28 degrees....to bad didn't order this a week earlier...cuz last weekend it was 65...that would have been nice.
