I'm in the middle of a Smittybilt XRC Swingaway bumper on my 2000 XJ and having some real fitment issues. Nothing is lining up, and I am just not prepared to file out every hole on this damn thing by hand for hours to make it all (hopefully) line up. It looks to me like even doing that would require so much filing as to structurally weaken the mounts. Smittybilt is not really being helpful, and just pointing me to shops like 4WheelParts for install help. They quoted me $500 on the install, which is absolutely outrageous. This is supposed to be a bolt-on part. I get that a little work might be necessary, but this isn't right. I can't justify spending $500 on this install, its already cost me a taillight housing assembly and a few stitches on a finger. I don't think a return is feasible because I cannot ship 200 lbs of metal across the country. I'm a little stuck, and wondering if anyone knows a spot/person in the LA area who they could point to that might be of assistance here.

 

That's ridiculous for the install. Is it the bumper bracket that's not lining up? I read a few guys saying they needed a different set of nut strips to get it to work on there jeeps.

 

it’s honestly everything. The nut strips lined up fine, but the brackets didnt want to go on at all. Even when I did manage to get them in place, holes were off and the bracket was touching in places it shouldnt have. Then once i finally did get them on and centered, the welded nuts on the bumper just arent anywhere near the holes on the brackets. Its like there needs to be washers/spacers between the frame and bracket on the rear (vertical) side, but then I’d have to drill out every hole on the underside to allow that. I guess I’m just gonna have to do that. Luckily I had them send a second set of brackets when the first were so poorly aligned. I’ll buy either a file attachment for a sawzall, or a step bit, and just go to town on the second set, then see where I end up with it.

 

Man that sucks. I was hoping the different nut strips would help. That's a lot of work for a bolt on part. I had to drill out a few holes for my JCR bumpers. You'd think for the price of this stuff they could afford to pay someone for QC.

 

Did you ever get the bumper on ?

 

I bet they sent you some of the wrong parts and brackets. Seriously! I did that install on a 2000xj alone and it was super quick. However, I inventoried all of it and they had to send me a new parts kit because they forgot stuff. I got a whole new box of install parts and brackets free though.

 

I did, thanks! Didn’t even realize this thread was still up.

 

If memory serves, I made this post AFTER they sent me a set of replacement brackets/nutserts. The second set they sent was even more out of line than the first!

 

Oh wow, sorry you had a bad experience. I guess they have a lackluster reputation for a reason despite my 1 good experience. I really like that bumper though, especially for the price.

 

I like it to I used to oem nut strips I just cut off the end one and never removed them . I also still using the oem fuel tank skid plate .