Problems with Smittybilt Products
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 15,133
Likes: 0
From: O HI 4 Lo
Maybe it's a little over the top, but I wouldn't call it asinine. Truth is, I haven't read where folks who buy U.S.-built bumpers have problems with the holes lining up (Shrockworks, Hanson, etc, are built in the U.S.).
As for Smittybilt: There are plenty of threads about holes that don't line up. Even their seatcovers had problems in the past (search the forum if you seek verification). You get what you pay for, and if you only wish to pay for the cheapest unskilled labor using minimal tooling to manufacture products to poor tolerance with the cheapest materials and finishes possible--well, that's what you sometimes get.
As for Smittybilt: There are plenty of threads about holes that don't line up. Even their seatcovers had problems in the past (search the forum if you seek verification). You get what you pay for, and if you only wish to pay for the cheapest unskilled labor using minimal tooling to manufacture products to poor tolerance with the cheapest materials and finishes possible--well, that's what you sometimes get.
Some of the smittybilt stuff is made in the US, some of it is not...
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Was hoping to get a little feedback from Smitty or 4Wheel on this one, but guess not. So it appears there's a consensus that most like the looks of the products but hate (or greatly dislike) the installation. I'll be looking for a rear bumper soon and I'm pretty sure it won't be matching the front (which is unfortunate). Thanks to those of you who replied.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
I had to keep messing with the bolts of the mount that the swing away tire carrier (triangle) slides onto. The mount that bolts to the bumper. Using washers I was able to get mine to line up and hadn't had a problem with it since. I actually like the latch on it.
I have the xrc front and rear. I had no problems with the front and I am still dealing with ray about the rear tire swing not latching . he sent out a new lower bumper and has been really good about trying to resolve the issues. I am just getting tired of sending pics to them every week I will probably end up just going a different route
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton
Well I got my side rails in and guess what...lol...The passanger fit with just a bit of work ...drivers side no way one hole is out about a 1/2" unreal...they look great but man what a piss off was back ordered for 4 weeks to boot..now I have to grind out and weld in the top so the hole isn't bigger then the nut !! so what if I didn't have a welder?? the nut would be of no use !! really crapy quility as far as install line up...The rails them selfs are really nice ..good welds..even bends..nice powdercoat..but would never buy smittybilt again just not worth the hassle.
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
Side armor
I got the Smittybilt side armor and I think they're flippin' sweet! I was 9 hours from home when I bought them and couldn't get them back home so I shelled out an extra $150 for the shop to install them. They said they had a problem lining up one set of holes. It cost them an extra half hour and me an extra 50 bucks. Worth it! I'm glad I got'em! I also want the SB tubular bumper. If it's that much of a pain in the ass to install I'll find an expert to do most of the work, I guess. Luckily I've got a bud who's really into that stuff.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Florida
your ignorance is astounding.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Florida
Maybe it's a little over the top, but I wouldn't call it asinine. Truth is, I haven't read where folks who buy U.S.-built bumpers have problems with the holes lining up (Shrockworks, Hanson, etc, are built in the U.S.).
As for Smittybilt: There are plenty of threads about holes that don't line up. Even their seatcovers had problems in the past (search the forum if you seek verification). You get what you pay for, and if you only wish to pay for the cheapest unskilled labor using minimal tooling to manufacture products to poor tolerance with the cheapest materials and finishes possible--well, that's what you sometimes get.
As for Smittybilt: There are plenty of threads about holes that don't line up. Even their seatcovers had problems in the past (search the forum if you seek verification). You get what you pay for, and if you only wish to pay for the cheapest unskilled labor using minimal tooling to manufacture products to poor tolerance with the cheapest materials and finishes possible--well, that's what you sometimes get.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
I agree with your last statement. However, your first statement is not what I read in his remark. But, I'll let him argue it himself, if he chooses.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
Installed a set of the 4-door SRC Rocker Guards today. Passenger side went on perfectly, in 5 minutes or less. Drivers side, could only get 3 of the 4 bolts in.
The quality of the guards themselves seem quite good. Used a hi-lift under one and there was no flexing or bowing.
Hopefully they one side will do well w/ the 3 bolts. I don't have anything to file the holes wider with.
The quality of the guards themselves seem quite good. Used a hi-lift under one and there was no flexing or bowing.
Hopefully they one side will do well w/ the 3 bolts. I don't have anything to file the holes wider with.