Hello everyone. I installed my new RR XHD rear bumper w/ tire carrier this weekend and have a few questions. First off, I love the new bumper. I read multiple threads on this site about the bumper and expected a little difficulty lining up all the bolt holes.

I didn't expect to get it on and level and not be able to get the passenger's side bolts in at all. The holes in the bracket are off by a full bolt diameter. I have some pictures below. Were your brackets this far off?

As you can see by the other pictures I was able to get it on and square/level. How do you recommend that I get it more securely attached to the frame? I am not sure elongating the bolt holes a full diameter is the answer.

 

I would contact rugged ridge and have them send you a replacment bracket, I have the same bumper and had no problems at all.

 

That sounds too simple...

Thanks, my brain is fried...

 

I have quite a few of thier products and have had great customer service form them.

 

x2

 

When I installed mine I remember bolt holes not lining up and thinking there's no way this will fit. But then I started over again and put everything on VERY loosely and angled and pushed and pulled all the bolts into alignment and amazingly it all fit. Once I got everything on in its loose state, it was just a matter of tightening everything up and it was a breeze. Not suggesting that you may be going through the same thing. You could very well have a bad bracket. But give it a try.

 

I spoke with Richard at Rugged Ridge and he is going to send me new brackets. He said they did change them a bit and maybe I have the original brackets from old stock.

I sent a PM late last night and was sent an e-mail this morning at 5:34am Pacific time. I had Richard on the phone before 11:30am. Wow.. what service.

I guess I will be rocking a Rugged Ridge sticker soon to show my appreciation.

 

Good to hear they took care of you. I have the rear bumper and tire carrier as well and my bolt holes lined up properly. I just left everything loose until I had all the bolts started then went around tightening. Worked out well for me.

Also have their XHD front winch bumper w/ the storage ends. I did have to do a little enlargement of one of the bolt holes to mount the storage ends to the bumper since a single attachment bolt was off by around an 8th of an inch. But the drill solved the problem and I'm really enjoying the bumper.

 

glad it all worked out for you

 

Ill buy the old brackets off of you. I want to run their tire carrier with no rear bumper and i need a set of brackets