i dont mean to be off topic but does anybody know a tool to get back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost my account password. I love any help you can offer me!
@Baker Rodney i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
I too have this bumper and I like it. After 3-4 years it does rattle (lots of weight on a single pin) and I can't imagine that others brands that are built in a similar fashion don't also rattle. I never did trust the locking device on this bumper (though it has never failed) and that coupled with the rattles inspired me to add a stiffening mechanism that braces the bumper against itself using the 2" trailer hitch provision. The component is an inexpensive addition and it serves 3 purposes. 1. it eliminates ANY rattling. 2. it securely locks the swing out in place. 3. it provides security against theft by using a standard trailer hitch receiver lock. JRC does make a license plate holder that centers the plate within the spare tire. There are a couple of drawbacks both to the piece I added and the license plate holder. 1. my addition requires a 3/4" wrench to free up the swing out. 2. the JRC license plate holder needs to be disassembled to remove the spare. I enjoyed your video and do appreciate your family's service. I'm a vet myself from the late 60's.
ik i wish i could call that rusty i live in northern IL just south of wisconsin and does salt just destroy cars lol ive broken so many bolts in my life
Fellow Xj owning Canadian - 100% agree. I can't get most bolts off without a torch, some week-before-hand penetration oil blasting, and massive swearing!
being fooled into invading other countries under false pretense and risking life, limb and your mental health to line the pockets of billionares isnt something to be proud of. what does this even have to do with the content of the video?
It's kinda fun to see someone else get frustrated when something breaks or does not work out like picture we have in our mind because I can totally relate. Been there and I know there are more unseen frustrating moments in my future. Hey, I can predict that with a crystal ball!!
Not a bad tire carrier, nice and clean install. Would also be cool and see a roof rack install on the jeep. Would make that "Over land Jeep" come all together. Can't wait to see what comes next!
Just off of this one video alone, you've earned yourself a new Subscriber. The videography was professional and my biggest pet peeve is the sound - or tone - or accent - and most definitely the 'speed' at which someone speaks. I actually watched your video from beginning to end, because it was not only interesting and informative, but also *easy* to listen to without getting annoyed a couple of minutes into it and simply going on to something else. Now - it's almost 5 years later, so you'll probably never even see 'my' commentary among 263 other comments at this time. But I felt it deserved a 'shout-out', regardless. On a scale of 1-5, I rate *this* video: 👊👊👊👊👊
Based on your videos, I ordered the same front & back bumpers for my 01 XJ. Bone stock ,no rust, BUT, in dire need of mechanical upgrade. 4.5" rough country lift, 285/75-16 Mastercraft tires for the summer & Discoverer 265/75-16 M&S tires for winter. Love your videos as my son is very involved in this project.
Brad, great video (as always) but I just installed this and I would recommend people steer clear of this product. Just like you, I had issues lining up the bumper to the body but that wasn't the worse part. When I installed the tire swing, the latch would not line up with the striker on the bumper. Even with the swing adjustment maxed out and the latch loosened and adjusted, it will not close. After a few emails with Smitty, they sent me another tire swing and told me to throw the one I have in the trash. I installed the new tire swing and with the adjustment maxed out and the swing fully loaded it finally latched properly. Now, since adjusting the latch (not the swing arm) down to align with the striker, it took the tension off the latch rod that attaches to the handle. Now, it will not open by pulling up on the latch. I have to stick my finger into the handle opening to unlatch it. To Smittybilt's credit, they issued me a full refund but told me once again to DISPOSE OF THE ONE I HAVE. It is still on my XJ but I will be replacing it as soon as I come across a good deal on another brand. Sorry for the long response but I just wanted to give everyone a heads up in case they are having the same issues as I did. Thanks again Brad for the great video!
I wouldn't worry too much about the body lines, it's an off road rig after all. The first time out on the trail, all those body lines are going to change! lol The bumper looks great, nice job. Northridge has been a top notch retailer for a long time. Always with great customer service, prices, and quick shipping. I first ordered from them 10 years ago when I purchased my ARB lockers, lift parts, and a bunch of other stuff. I really like what you're doing with that XJ.
I have the same bumper and I have to say in all honesty that it was biggest pain in the ass to install but I love the way in came out. This video definitely helped a lot on installing it
I know you posted this video years back, but today May 20th 2023, this video came up extremely helpful. I ran through some challenges that it seems like you didn’t, but other than that your videos very convenient. Your video are super clear to see, hear and understand. I love how you keep the camera on a tripod. Thank you!!! Do you still have this XJ?
i got this bumper shipper to Australia a long while ago and its good to see they changed somethings on it. The Zerk fitting for greasing is new and the swing arm bolt nut with the handle is new. All in all its a great bumper that has taken several rear end collisions without damage but i wish they would put a licence plate bracket in the kit and somewhere to mount the trailer electrical plugs.
I just installed this bumper/carrier and i didnt even open the instructions that came with kit thanks to this video . you were WAY MORE informative ! Thanks for the great vids
Great Video! We installed the same setup on our XJ a few years ago. The only thing I would add is that the whole setup is rather heavy. The weight with the spare, jack, and Jerry can was enough to sag our (admittedly cheap) leaf springs pretty significantly.
That discount code really knocks the price down on the bumper/carrier kit. Thanks for sharing that. I will be ordering one from Northridge4x4. Your XJ is looking great!
Great father and son build, lovely looking Cherokee and the TLC you all are showing. Greatly appreciate the love for the family, jeep, off-road... Subscribed and following.
I'm sure this gentleman figured it out but for people that have just watch this, to keep the tire carrier from swinging closed on you just put a bolt in it to hold it. If you're installing one of these you'll understand when you look.
Hey Brad, still love your vids, always informative, always great production values too. Don't think I'll be doing a Jeep Cherokee XJ Overland, love my wrangler to much.... but what a great series of episodes! At the moment I'm laid up, post ankle surgery, so I just watched all of the XJ project!! Probably spend the next few days watching as many vids as I can..... trying to let all the commercials run thru, still hate that I can't give you a thumbs ip thru appleTV RU-vid, so I hopped on the lap top to get it done! Haven't done much yet to my Rubicon, just a Poison Spyder front bumper, a Proclip mount/bracketts for two iPhones and a GoPro & a yellow SpyderWebShade! I still intend to get over to Patreon, sooner or later.... Keep up the good work....
+Schooner Darrow Hope your surgery recovery is going well and thanks for choosing TrailRecon to binge watch!!!! I'm envious of your font bumper... hoping to replace mine soon. Thanks!
You spend 10k on a vehicle that will last well over 300k miles if treated properly, and made her look bad ass, while being able to take on any challenge she will face. I love XJ's and the community for them. Such unique vehicles.
We haven't done any major projects recently with the boys all grown up and off to college and the Navy, but I'll still be wrenching on it from time to time. Thank you!
Thank you for replying! I really is awesome when a youtuber replies to comments from us plebs! I cant wait to get my jeep finished and come hang out with you or meet you on the trail! your group of jeepers should check out the Sand Hollow Offroad Area near St George Utah.Thanks again!
6:00 He is exactly right! This is a VERY difficult install based on the nuts being welded to the bumper. Very bad call by Smittybilt. It was also very difficult getting the bolts in. Most of them would not screw in all while perfectly lined up. Lots of prayers got them in, but it took me all afternoon and evening, but I also did the install alone. Still is a great looking bumper tho!
Love your videos . it is awesome you tell pricing too. My son wants a xj when he drives so we can wheel together. As of now i take him on my tacoma. But its great to get ideas n see the potential of xj. Something affordable my son n I can build . its a beautiful father n son thing. Great job . keep the vids coming.
That's funny, mine didn't have the passenger bracket with the cutout for the exhaust, and no hole or grease fitting. My install was a massive pain. They did not count on having a gas tank skid plate, made adjusting position impossible
looks good man! I can tell you there is no good drill bits especially small ones, they break, become dull and stop your production. I can tell you to buy a lot of the smaller sizes. My Dewalts have worn out but the larger ones stay ok. guys ive known buy the $300 snap on and they fail as much as the $30 Dewalt. a shame
I love the XJ series of videos, keep them coming! I'm considering this tire carrier but I'm worried of it rattling terribly, have you experienced any rattling so far?
Looks good! I was researching adventure trailers and I kept coming back to the Smittybilt because of my needs and the price until I found out they were made in China. I have seen some favorable reviews on YT so it appears my fears have been calmed a bit. I would be curious to hear how the welds of the recovery points on your bumper hold up to use and some down the road opinions of the tire swing gate and how its holding up after some off road use. Price of outfitting our rigs is a major factor and if some of the more budget options work well then I'm all for it. This project it coming together and I really like where your going with this XJ.
I'm currently installing the same bumper on a 1999 XJ. You omitted a very important part of the install. How did you attach the front sections of the quarter planel plates? At the fender well there is a gap behind the front holes. The rivits definitely are not long enough to reach any holes you might drill behind there. Please let us know how you dealt with that issue! Thanks.
I have the same bumper. Overall I like it- my question- it comes with straps to secure the Jerry can, but I'm not liking how I ran the strap; there must be a better way... I would be very interested in seeing how you will secure your can. Thanks
One more thing. The bumper looks really great on the Cherokee. Waiting for those replacement tapered roller bear rings to see the end results. Not about that rattle. Is there a key lock option Incase of thieves or vandals?
Hi brad. I am looking at doing some of the same things, but you don't mention where you got those side armor plates and what they are. If you could please elaborate, Id like to have some!
I have the same bumper on my 99 XJ, love it. Would love to hear if/how you use any of the accessory areas in this bumper? I have FINALLY found the ONE jerry can that fits (Midwest), but have issues with the straps that came with this bumper. Do you/have you, added anything to the bumper area? The other side of the jerry can spot is for some storage fitting (ammo can is best I've seen, for winch pieces, straps, etc.) Have you done anything back there? Have enjoyed your videos, Thanks Rik Mathias Land O Lakes, FL
I have the xrc minus the tire carrier bumper. Thing it awesome if you have never has a tow hitch. Would have been nice 2 months ago if this was posted.
Brad: Love the XJ and your channel. My son and I have been building a similar XJ. Just installed the XRC tire carrier and am wondering if you have any recommendations for a jerry can. Never had one and I've heard they don't all fit.
Just installed my carrier last night. Had to do a little latch adjustment but all is good. My question is, did you do anything about mounting your license plate on the spare somehow? Does someone make a mounting bracket with a light for the plate? Just trying to keep from getting pulled over. Thanks.
Are you saying you actually have to remove the fuel tank itself?! I am currently at the step of removing the exhaust hanger, and the picture I have in the instructions is pretty different than the hanger in my 2000. I can't see how I'm meant to get the exhaust hanger off because it's secured with bolts coming down and nuts to remove, as opposed to the picture showing upward thru-bolts. If I have to remove the fuel tank to get at these, this job just got really serious.
I'm interested in this bumper for my xj, great video!! Do you have an idea where you will be locating the license plate? Interested in what plans you have.
Just an update. I was fortunate enough to get the bumper and tire carrier. It's a very good product and super strong. Also we went with that license plate relocation kit. Thank you for the suggestion. Super happy
