I got "most" of the install done last night. Here are a few things folks might find interesting and... ONE BIG QUESTION!

1: The flex-shaft dremel was suggested by isolated1523. This was a life saver!
2: Don't skimp on "clearancing" the brackets for the wrench.
3: An interior pry claw will help with removing the plastic pins that attach the weather stripping.
4: Taking the plastic corner pieces off (just rubi? new on 2012?) is a pain. Take off the top piece where the seatbelt comes in.
5: Label your connectors when you take the lights off.
6: The brackets can slide around a LOT before you tighten.
7: Make sure the metal frame for the pivot hinge does NOT block installation of the tail light. I had to loosen everything back up and do it again so I could get the tail light on.
8: Rare earth magnets (free from old dead hard drives!) help in holding stuff in place temporarily.

Last one, the BIG QUESTION...
How the hell do you get the passenger side bracket in? There is no way in hell I could get to the backs of the bolts to install the nuts or the bracket. Maybe they changed the sheet metal on the 12. The instructions mention a mechanics mirror. All that would do is let me see what I cannot reach! I ended up using a big rare earth magnet to hold the bracket in place and still could not get to the bolt. I got a nut on it but the shape of the bracket prevents me from getting a socket (with entension, have to have the extension...) on it. Do folks just skip this part? Also, the sheet metal is MUCH tougher on this side where the hole will come out. I killed 2 1/8 bits trying to drill the pilot hole with no love.

 

Im getting one for Christmas.....i made sure to ask santa claus for 'professional installation' to go along with it!

 

I had the same problem trying to drill through the passenger side. I have a '10 so I can't help you with the bolt question on that side. I was able to stick my hand in through the tail light and screw it on blindly.

 

On my 08, I reached from underneath the taillight assembly. Major PITA but slowly got it done.

 

It's a pain but it can be done I have an 11 there is a black cover at the bottom tear out all the foam and get it out I can't remember but I think you just push up on it. It makes everything a bit easier but not much still a PITA


And I just had some fire proof house foam and sprayed back in there works good

 

Good call. I will rip out the foam and try it from underneath. It will make drilling that hole easier too.

 

Make SURE they do a complete install. I could see a lazy installer skipping that part. It is EVIL!

 

Like I said just foam it back other wise you will loose it going down the road lol

 

Yeah make sure you don't skip any steps. This carrier is rock solid when installed properly. You need to be part contortionist to reach everything. I accessed the nuts/bolts on passenger side from under the Jeep, pretty much just have to feel your way through cause you cant see a thing.

 

Northridge 4x4 is doing the install , if i cant trust them to do it right, i'm screwed