Hey guys,

Sorry for this noob post... but I just recently traded my 2008 Unlimited X for a 2011 Unlimited Sport and bought a set of SmittyBilt SRC Side Armor from a local guy used. This is great news in my opinion as he had already made the changes for easier installation (required grinding on the armor mounting holes) and I was able to snag them for around half the cost of a brand new pair - and they're practically brand new.

My question is... what should I keep in mind while installing these? I see that they bolt on using the existing bolts at the body mounts... but anything tricky I'm missing? I'm assuming I should use some medium threadlock at least... anyone know what I need to torque these bolts to? Buying used means I'm missing any helpful (or non-helpful) instructions as well as mounting hardware (I assume there is none and you reuse the bolts that are there) and would like to ensure I do this right the first time.

Oh - side question here... I would like to eventually run 37's on a LCOG setup like planman (badass writeups, btw) - any ideas if these would interfere?

Thanks in advance for any tips!

 

I see you have a 4dr.....here is some advice....this is what happened to me.



Ok here ya go.....for those that don't believe that the Smittybilt SRC's should not be used on a 4dr.

They will flex in the middle and the middle crossbar will dent your rockers...it happened on both sides!

I now have the Smittybilt XRC Rock Sliders and they are SOLID.

Attachment 128610Attachment 128611Attachment 128612Attachment 128614

 

Hey Matador,

Thanks for the info ! To be completely honest, I don't plan on any crazy wheeling with this Jeep until it's nearly paid off as it's my daily driver. I do plan on some lighter trails and mud, but really nothing that should or could cause damage like that. The main reason for these were because they double as steps and I really didn't want to grab a set of side steps (I got these for roughly the same price as I could find decent steps). When I'm ready for some real wheeling I'll be replacing them.

Would you happen to remember if they had you reuse the bolts on the frame and do you know what the torque required was?

 

No problem.

yes you just use the body mount bolts.......dont know about the torque required.....They are really nice but just be cautious.....I learned the hard way.


I found the instructions http://www.quadratec.com/Assets/Installation/112143.pdf

 

Thanks Matador.

So, I found out the hard way last night that you shouldn't torque these nuts... I ended shearing one of the bolts off now I'm working to get it out to replace it.

Just an fyi for anyone that may stumble upon this at a later date - DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE NUTS! :P

 

Yikes - after about 3 hours of coaxing, we got it out. Here is the nasty SOB:



Anyway... all good now.

 

ok, i just got my src side rails in the mail and i was able to install the passenger side without a problem. the only question i have is. How do I know if the body mount nuts are tightened completely. I was able to make a few turns on the nuts after installing the armor.

Also, the drivers side is turning out to be a nightmare. I'm giving it a day to rest and i'll try putting the drivers side on tonight. I've already grinded it down a little.

 

Been there... I hear that the drivers side is just a pain for everybody. If you have it ground down, try getting a floor jack under there. I had my buddy at the shop help out. Good luck

 

when I installed mine the pass. side took 20 minutes with smiles. Driver side took 2 hours with drilling, grinding, sweating, bleeding, cursing. I just thought mine was maybe jacked up but it looks like most have problems with it. OH and the torx, I just tightened it down till it was pretty tight. No thread lock or anything like that.

 

Thanks for the tips, finally got the damn thing. I must admit it looks awesome