Smitybilt XRC Armor Front Fenders and Rear Corner Guards
04-23-2011, 09:40 PM
#31
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How can smitybuilt advertise, "no modification or drilling, complete bolt on design". To me that is a flat out lie. To me a mod is some thing you bolt on and something you DON'T need to drill into your jeep panels. although I am buying them, I bought them on a whim because I liked the looks, and now that I bought the fronts I HAVE to buy the rears and in doing so, I have found you need to drill several holes into the rear quarter panel. Complete bolt on design, should be what it means, to bolt on, as smitybilt states, no drilling required. The last thing I wanted to do was drill into my body. I live on the East coast, and we have a lot more rain, salt, and snow to cause rust and damage to the drilled areas. You can coat them with paint but it will never hold up as from the factory, un-drilled. 
jeff
jeff
04-25-2011, 12:49 PM
#32
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How can smitybuilt advertise, "no modification or drilling, complete bolt on design". To me that is a flat out lie. To me a mod is some thing you bolt on and something you DON'T need to drill into your jeep panels. although I am buying them, I bought them on a whim because I liked the looks, and now that I bought the fronts I HAVE to buy the rears and in doing so, I have found you need to drill several holes into the rear quarter panel. Complete bolt on design, should be what it means, to bolt on, as smitybilt states, no drilling required. The last thing I wanted to do was drill into my body. I live on the East coast, and we have a lot more rain, salt, and snow to cause rust and damage to the drilled areas. You can coat them with paint but it will never hold up as from the factory, un-drilled.
jeff
jeff
This is exactly why is mentioned getting a copy of the installation instructions first. It's a big investment in time and effort. In my case, I had put my rear passenger side into a felled tree on the trail the month before. The rear tub was damaged and my rear passenger fender basically exploded so drilling wasn't going to hurt.
Now that I've had these for 5 months, I thought I would add a few more insights for those considering.
Pros
- Sturdy, sturdy, sturdy... Its hard to picture having 3/16 steel on all 4 corners, but remember many aftermarket bumpers are made from the same stuff. I've already leaned a good portion of my jeeps weight on another tree and the fenders held up solid. Big difference from plastic and thin sheet metal.
- Clearance is incredible. At full flex I still have 3 inches before my tires come anywhere near to rubbing... On top of that, these fenders are so narrow, that my mirrors are now the widest parts of the jeep. Not a bad problem to have considering they also fold in
Cons
- Water and dirt everywhere! You front tires have virtually no coverage so when you hit a puddle or you are turning in the rain, water hits the windshield, doors and anything left on the side of the jeep. It doesn't take much. RainX is your friend...
- Good luck finding snorkels... Due to the configuration, some of the more popular snorkels are not going to work with these fenders. Specifically, AEV and anything where the snorkel comes out of the side of the hood. There is about a 1.5 inch drop from side edge of the hood down to the stock fenders. The AEV snorkels use this space. The XRC fenders do not have this as the fender comes straight out from the hoods edge. The only snorkels I have seen that can be used come out through the hood cowl. Here are the ones I have found so far... Wild Boar (in development), River Raider expedition snorkel, Volant...
So far that's all I have!
04-25-2011, 01:57 PM
#33
JK Freak
nice write-up -- can't believe I didn't see this before.....it's also good to see another northwest AR fella on here, great lookin' rig!!
where do you typically go wheeling?
Sam
where do you typically go wheeling?Sam
04-25-2011, 06:10 PM
#34
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X2
Yes, thanks for the pro and con. I called smitybuilt a few weeks ago and they are in final production for the front fenders. They tested them with CA. , but did not pass their inspection so went back to r&d. Hopefully by the time I install mine they will have them in production. I can most likely getaway with the rear fenders here in Maryland, but the fronts will definitely get a ticket until I get my fenders.
05-10-2011, 08:54 PM
#35
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Anyone seen these on a factory 4 door Sahara...not that the Sahara part matters but I'm referring more to the 32" factory tires and 18" wheels. I want these but...wondering what level of goofy my JK will become between installation and new tires/wheels/lift.
05-10-2011, 11:22 PM
#36
JK Enthusiast
Thanks for the write-up. 
When my JK becomes a secondary vehicle this will be the first mod.
It'll be paid for this year, but I have to but the wifey a new ride first.
When my JK becomes a secondary vehicle this will be the first mod.
It'll be paid for this year, but I have to but the wifey a new ride first.
05-11-2011, 04:51 AM
#37
JK Freak
Originally Posted by PharmNip
Anyone seen these on a factory 4 door Sahara...not that the Sahara part matters but I'm referring more to the 32" factory tires and 18" wheels. I want these but...wondering what level of goofy my JK will become between installation and new tires/wheels/lift.
05-11-2011, 02:10 PM
#39
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Originally Posted by jvandy50
Guess it depends how long you can stand it. Maybe since your not lifting it at the same time it will be a more subtle difference. Then again, then fenders are the opposite of subtle. The 3 days I went with my lift and factory tires bout drove me insane
05-16-2011, 07:49 PM
#40
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Ok Ive got a Stone white 2dr Rubicon, has anyone thought about buying these and matching it up with the color of your JK? I think I may try it out... If I decide to purchase them.