Smittybilt XRC Bumper Install on Jeep Cherokee XJ

Oct. 04, 2016 By Jim Brightly, KF7SCT

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Smittybilt XRC Bumper Install on Cherokee Cont.

Bolt the stationary bracket to the tire gate using the four supplied ½-inch bolts.

Install the wheel mount studs into the adjustable wheel mount plate. The studs may be pressed into place—as shown here—or drawn in by tightening the washer and nut.

Determine where to locate the adjustable wheel mount plate onto the stationary bracket per the Smittybilt instructions.

Affix the spare tire to the tire gate and carefully swing the gate slowly and carefully into its position on the bumper. Make sure it fits and locks into place properly. Instructions show you how to make the latch adjustments.

Moving up to the front; be sure to disconnect the OEM fog light harness before removing the bumper.

You’ll have to relocate the charcoal canister after you’ve installed the bumper. You’ll notice we had already removed the OEM fender flares. Cash likes to play in the mud, and we thought we had it all cleaned off but we only dampened it here.

Unbolt and remove the factory front bumper, end caps, valence, fog lights, and all other hardware from the Cherokee.

The Smittybilt XRC front bumper bull bar is designed to mount on top of the XRC front bumper. It’s manufactured from 1¾-inch-diameter round steel tubing and has Smittybilt’s two-stage black-textured powder-coating applied. It has two light tabs and accommodates up to a 9-inch light or an LED light bar.

From previous experience, we mounted the bull bar to the front bumper prior to installing the bumper. It’s much easier to assemble it when the bumper is not on the vehicle.

If you have a first generation Cherokee, you will need to cut the front fenders before you can install the bumper. Scribe a line on the fenders that is even and straight back from the grille, as shown here.

To cut the fenders you use a hacksaw, tin snips, or a cutting wheel like we did.

Remove the three OEM steering box bolts. Be sure to support the steering box after unbolting it. Install the bumper mounting plate to the outside of the “frame” rail. Secure the steering box and mounting plate using the provided 7/16x4-inch bolts.

Install the passenger side mounting plate to the outside of the “frame” rail.

With the mounting plate secured in its proper position, use the three middle holes in the plate as a template and drill three holes through the outer wall of the frame only.