XRC SMITTYBILT FENDERS does anyone have these?
12-30-2010, 12:17 PM
#1
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XRC SMITTYBILT FENDERS does anyone have these?
I am looking at buying some new fenders. I have been looking at the xrc smittybilt fenders. very hard to find pictures... I can only find them on this web site:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1
does anyone Have these installed? what do you think about them???
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1
does anyone Have these installed? what do you think about them???
12-30-2010, 12:21 PM
#2
JK Enthusiast
Saw a set today on a silver 4door. Look good up close, but do all four corners at once. This dude only had the two front ones and from a distance it looks like he has no fenders.... They do look good though. Would really help running 37s on like a 3.5 Krawler kit. Keep the center of gravity low and still be able to run big tires.
12-30-2010, 12:25 PM
#3
JK Freak
No, but from what I've seen they are good and heavy. The replace the whole front quarter (body panel) it's not just a fender, but it is bolt on and looks awesome. Not sure if the rear is the same that'd be more complicated I think but in pictures I don't think you could get that clearance with out cutting or removing the panel on the rear as well.
Sorry I don't know more they look great though. Not sure about tire coverage for a DD.
Sorry I don't know more they look great though. Not sure about tire coverage for a DD.
12-30-2010, 12:43 PM
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I just found this Review:
There are several areas to consider when looking at these upgrades:Style and Construction- Obviously this style does not suit everyone. I happen to really like both the form and the function. As for construction, they are made of 3/16" steel which is much much thicker than the OEM fenders. I was actually surprised out how thin the original fenders were. That said, these will add weight to your rig since they are much more beefy. One thing I did not anticipate was how much the new wheel well clearance dwarfs my tires. I am running 35" tires and they look almost stock now due to scale of the fender.Legality- check [@] and your local laws to see what is or isn't allowed with regards to tire coverage and fenders. There is almost no coverage on the fronts.Commitment- Consider these permanent upgrades since you will be doing some decent modifications to accommodate installation. For instance, you will be eliminating your front OEM quarter panel all together and cutting off your front fender bracket (for the fronts) and drilling several holes in the rear quarter panel (if you order the rears). I suggest contacting Smittybilt for the installation instructions before making your decision so you have an idea of everything that is in store. They e-mailed me the instructions before my purchase which was very helpful in making my decision.Time- You will need a LOT of time to install these. It took 2 full days for me to put on the fronts (by myself) and 2 full days to put on the rears (with help). I consider my skill level to be bolt-off and bolt-on so I figure someone more skilled with help could move faster, but it is still time consuming.Help Needed- I was able to to do the fronts by myself and they bolted on with no issues. A helper would have saved time though. For the rears a helper is a must as these are not simply bolt on. You will be doing a lot of fitting, marking and drilling. These corner guards are cumbersome and awkwardly shaped so you will need someone there to help hold as you line up for marking, drilling holes, installing nutserts etc.Fit (Front)- I was very surprised that the fit for the fronts was for the most part a bolt on type of installation. The biggest time sink comes from having to remove and reinstall several other pieces (cowls, windshield brackets, front grill, side steps, etc) just to get the OEM fenders off. The installation of the inner liner is a different story. This part can be a real[*]. In fact, I actually broke my passenger side inner fender trying to get it to fit. Patience and a dremmel are strongly suggested as getting the new inner liner to bend correctly to the new fender can be quite frustrating. Also, once completed you will no longer have a spot for your side marker lamp.Instruction Quality- We found the instructions to be straight forward for the installation process, but did lack some details when it came to initial tear-down. Below are some of the missing pieces:- You will be pulling off your antenna, but finding out how to disconnect the wire inside took some research. For this you need to take off your glove box and try to find the antenna wire hidden somewhere behind the front speaker. When reattaching, you will be feeding the detached wire back through the external hole into the jeep. This hole is found in this same area behind the speaker and can be a major pain when it comes to trying to find the wire to reattach.- Taking off the front fender... The instructions simply state to remove your front fender. You will need to determine where all the screws are located yourself and this does take some time and searching. You will also need to remove side steps or rock rails for this install and possibly your rear bumper. It will be up to you to figure this out do to all the variations and designs out there.- I did find one mistake in the reinstallation of the side cowls. Originally you drill out the spot welds holding the side cowls in with a 1/4" drill bit and are given self tapping screws to reattach the cowl once you are finished, however the self tapping screws are only 3/16" and too small for the holes you drilled. We fixed this by picking up a pack of nuts and bolts insteadTools needed:- Both Standard and Metric wrenches and sockets (10mm and 13mm get used a LOT)- Torx set covering both small and larger sizes- Allen wrench set- dremmel with cutting wheel- handled pry bar (for pulling the plastic inner fender clips)- Rustoleum truckbed liner (optional for spraying some of the newly exposed areas of the wheel wells when completed)- mallet (to help with stubborn plastic inner fender clips)- grease pen or marking tool for marking drill holes- Electric drill since you are drilling into metal and drill bits (3/8 and 1/2 are used for sure)Overall impression- I am very pleased with my purchase. The construction quality is impressive as well as the fit. The time needed to install was a little more than I anticipated, but again we're talking about full fender replacement and bolt on corner guards so not totally unreasonable. As someone who is limited in my skillset and resources, I found these to be an excellent way for someone like me to gain a heavy modified look/function without having to seriously modify my jeep. The most annoying part of the install was working the inner fenders and installing the nutserts (rivet nuts). Beyond that our install was pretty much uneventful.One suggestion I have for the manufacturer is to look into creating some type of easy bolt on flare to help with tire coverage when not on the trail. There's 16 exposed bolts on each corner and it seems like this could be something easy to fab up for those who want the best of both worlds.
There are several areas to consider when looking at these upgrades:Style and Construction- Obviously this style does not suit everyone. I happen to really like both the form and the function. As for construction, they are made of 3/16" steel which is much much thicker than the OEM fenders. I was actually surprised out how thin the original fenders were. That said, these will add weight to your rig since they are much more beefy. One thing I did not anticipate was how much the new wheel well clearance dwarfs my tires. I am running 35" tires and they look almost stock now due to scale of the fender.Legality- check [@] and your local laws to see what is or isn't allowed with regards to tire coverage and fenders. There is almost no coverage on the fronts.Commitment- Consider these permanent upgrades since you will be doing some decent modifications to accommodate installation. For instance, you will be eliminating your front OEM quarter panel all together and cutting off your front fender bracket (for the fronts) and drilling several holes in the rear quarter panel (if you order the rears). I suggest contacting Smittybilt for the installation instructions before making your decision so you have an idea of everything that is in store. They e-mailed me the instructions before my purchase which was very helpful in making my decision.Time- You will need a LOT of time to install these. It took 2 full days for me to put on the fronts (by myself) and 2 full days to put on the rears (with help). I consider my skill level to be bolt-off and bolt-on so I figure someone more skilled with help could move faster, but it is still time consuming.Help Needed- I was able to to do the fronts by myself and they bolted on with no issues. A helper would have saved time though. For the rears a helper is a must as these are not simply bolt on. You will be doing a lot of fitting, marking and drilling. These corner guards are cumbersome and awkwardly shaped so you will need someone there to help hold as you line up for marking, drilling holes, installing nutserts etc.Fit (Front)- I was very surprised that the fit for the fronts was for the most part a bolt on type of installation. The biggest time sink comes from having to remove and reinstall several other pieces (cowls, windshield brackets, front grill, side steps, etc) just to get the OEM fenders off. The installation of the inner liner is a different story. This part can be a real[*]. In fact, I actually broke my passenger side inner fender trying to get it to fit. Patience and a dremmel are strongly suggested as getting the new inner liner to bend correctly to the new fender can be quite frustrating. Also, once completed you will no longer have a spot for your side marker lamp.Instruction Quality- We found the instructions to be straight forward for the installation process, but did lack some details when it came to initial tear-down. Below are some of the missing pieces:- You will be pulling off your antenna, but finding out how to disconnect the wire inside took some research. For this you need to take off your glove box and try to find the antenna wire hidden somewhere behind the front speaker. When reattaching, you will be feeding the detached wire back through the external hole into the jeep. This hole is found in this same area behind the speaker and can be a major pain when it comes to trying to find the wire to reattach.- Taking off the front fender... The instructions simply state to remove your front fender. You will need to determine where all the screws are located yourself and this does take some time and searching. You will also need to remove side steps or rock rails for this install and possibly your rear bumper. It will be up to you to figure this out do to all the variations and designs out there.- I did find one mistake in the reinstallation of the side cowls. Originally you drill out the spot welds holding the side cowls in with a 1/4" drill bit and are given self tapping screws to reattach the cowl once you are finished, however the self tapping screws are only 3/16" and too small for the holes you drilled. We fixed this by picking up a pack of nuts and bolts insteadTools needed:- Both Standard and Metric wrenches and sockets (10mm and 13mm get used a LOT)- Torx set covering both small and larger sizes- Allen wrench set- dremmel with cutting wheel- handled pry bar (for pulling the plastic inner fender clips)- Rustoleum truckbed liner (optional for spraying some of the newly exposed areas of the wheel wells when completed)- mallet (to help with stubborn plastic inner fender clips)- grease pen or marking tool for marking drill holes- Electric drill since you are drilling into metal and drill bits (3/8 and 1/2 are used for sure)Overall impression- I am very pleased with my purchase. The construction quality is impressive as well as the fit. The time needed to install was a little more than I anticipated, but again we're talking about full fender replacement and bolt on corner guards so not totally unreasonable. As someone who is limited in my skillset and resources, I found these to be an excellent way for someone like me to gain a heavy modified look/function without having to seriously modify my jeep. The most annoying part of the install was working the inner fenders and installing the nutserts (rivet nuts). Beyond that our install was pretty much uneventful.One suggestion I have for the manufacturer is to look into creating some type of easy bolt on flare to help with tire coverage when not on the trail. There's 16 exposed bolts on each corner and it seems like this could be something easy to fab up for those who want the best of both worlds.
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12-30-2010, 03:27 PM
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Holy enter button....reader friendly
I just found this Review:
There are several areas to consider when looking at these upgrades:
Style and Construction- Obviously this style does not suit everyone. I happen to really like both the form and the function. As for construction, they are made of 3/16" steel which is much much thicker than the OEM fenders. I was actually surprised out how thin the original fenders were. That said, these will add weight to your rig since they are much more beefy.
One thing I did not anticipate was how much the new wheel well clearance dwarfs my tires. I am running 35" tires and they look almost stock now due to scale of the fender.
Legality- check [@] and your local laws to see what is or isn't allowed with regards to tire coverage and fenders. There is almost no coverage on the fronts.
Commitment- Consider these permanent upgrades since you will be doing some decent modifications to accommodate installation. For instance, you will be eliminating your front OEM quarter panel all together and cutting off your front fender bracket (for the fronts) and drilling several holes in the rear quarter panel (if you order the rears).
I suggest contacting Smittybilt for the installation instructions before making your decision so you have an idea of everything that is in store. They e-mailed me the instructions before my purchase which was very helpful in making my decision.
Time- You will need a LOT of time to install these. It took 2 full days for me to put on the fronts (by myself) and 2 full days to put on the rears (with help). I consider my skill level to be bolt-off and bolt-on so I figure someone more skilled with help could move faster, but it is still time consuming.
Help Needed- I was able to to do the fronts by myself and they bolted on with no issues. A helper would have saved time though. For the rears a helper is a must as these are not simply bolt on. You will be doing a lot of fitting, marking and drilling. These corner guards are cumbersome and awkwardly shaped so you will need someone there to help hold as you line up for marking, drilling holes, installing nutserts etc.
Fit (Front)- I was very surprised that the fit for the fronts was for the most part a bolt on type of installation. The biggest time sink comes from having to remove and reinstall several other pieces (cowls, windshield brackets, front grill, side steps, etc) just to get the OEM fenders off.
The installation of the inner liner is a different story. This part can be a real[*]. In fact, I actually broke my passenger side inner fender trying to get it to fit. Patience and a dremmel are strongly suggested as getting the new inner liner to bend correctly to the new fender can be quite frustrating. Also, once completed you will no longer have a spot for your side marker lamp.Instruction
Quality- We found the instructions to be straight forward for the installation process, but did lack some details when it came to initial tear-down.
Below are some of the missing pieces:
- You will be pulling off your antenna, but finding out how to disconnect the wire inside took some research. For this you need to take off your glove box and try to find the antenna wire hidden somewhere behind the front speaker. When reattaching, you will be feeding the detached wire back through the external hole into the jeep. This hole is found in this same area behind the speaker and can be a major pain when it comes to trying to find the wire to reattach.
- Taking off the front fender... The instructions simply state to remove your front fender. You will need to determine where all the screws are located yourself and this does take some time and searching. You will also need to remove side steps or rock rails for this install and possibly your rear bumper. It will be up to you to figure this out do to all the variations and designs out there.
- I did find one mistake in the reinstallation of the side cowls. Originally you drill out the spot welds holding the side cowls in with a 1/4" drill bit and are given self tapping screws to reattach the cowl once you are finished, however the self tapping screws are only 3/16" and too small for the holes you drilled. We fixed this by picking up a pack of nuts and bolts instead
Tools needed:- Both Standard and Metric wrenches and sockets (10mm and 13mm get used a LOT)- Torx set covering both small and larger sizes- Allen wrench set- dremmel with cutting wheel- handled pry bar (for pulling the plastic inner fender clips)- Rustoleum truckbed liner (optional for spraying some of the newly exposed areas of the wheel wells when completed)- mallet (to help with stubborn plastic inner fender clips)- grease pen or marking tool for marking drill holes- Electric drill since you are drilling into metal and drill bits (3/8 and 1/2 are used for sure)
Overall impression- I am very pleased with my purchase. The construction quality is impressive as well as the fit. The time needed to install was a little more than I anticipated, but again we're talking about full fender replacement and bolt on corner guards so not totally unreasonable. As someone who is limited in my skillset and resources, I found these to be an excellent way for someone like me to gain a heavy modified look/function without having to seriously modify my jeep. The most annoying part of the install was working the inner fenders and installing the nutserts (rivet nuts). Beyond that our install was pretty much uneventful.
One suggestion I have for the manufacturer is to look into creating some type of easy bolt on flare to help with tire coverage when not on the trail. There's 16 exposed bolts on each corner and it seems like this could be something easy to fab up for those who want the best of both worlds.
There are several areas to consider when looking at these upgrades:
Style and Construction- Obviously this style does not suit everyone. I happen to really like both the form and the function. As for construction, they are made of 3/16" steel which is much much thicker than the OEM fenders. I was actually surprised out how thin the original fenders were. That said, these will add weight to your rig since they are much more beefy.
One thing I did not anticipate was how much the new wheel well clearance dwarfs my tires. I am running 35" tires and they look almost stock now due to scale of the fender.
Legality- check [@] and your local laws to see what is or isn't allowed with regards to tire coverage and fenders. There is almost no coverage on the fronts.
Commitment- Consider these permanent upgrades since you will be doing some decent modifications to accommodate installation. For instance, you will be eliminating your front OEM quarter panel all together and cutting off your front fender bracket (for the fronts) and drilling several holes in the rear quarter panel (if you order the rears).
I suggest contacting Smittybilt for the installation instructions before making your decision so you have an idea of everything that is in store. They e-mailed me the instructions before my purchase which was very helpful in making my decision.
Time- You will need a LOT of time to install these. It took 2 full days for me to put on the fronts (by myself) and 2 full days to put on the rears (with help). I consider my skill level to be bolt-off and bolt-on so I figure someone more skilled with help could move faster, but it is still time consuming.
Help Needed- I was able to to do the fronts by myself and they bolted on with no issues. A helper would have saved time though. For the rears a helper is a must as these are not simply bolt on. You will be doing a lot of fitting, marking and drilling. These corner guards are cumbersome and awkwardly shaped so you will need someone there to help hold as you line up for marking, drilling holes, installing nutserts etc.
Fit (Front)- I was very surprised that the fit for the fronts was for the most part a bolt on type of installation. The biggest time sink comes from having to remove and reinstall several other pieces (cowls, windshield brackets, front grill, side steps, etc) just to get the OEM fenders off.
The installation of the inner liner is a different story. This part can be a real[*]. In fact, I actually broke my passenger side inner fender trying to get it to fit. Patience and a dremmel are strongly suggested as getting the new inner liner to bend correctly to the new fender can be quite frustrating. Also, once completed you will no longer have a spot for your side marker lamp.Instruction
Quality- We found the instructions to be straight forward for the installation process, but did lack some details when it came to initial tear-down.
Below are some of the missing pieces:
- You will be pulling off your antenna, but finding out how to disconnect the wire inside took some research. For this you need to take off your glove box and try to find the antenna wire hidden somewhere behind the front speaker. When reattaching, you will be feeding the detached wire back through the external hole into the jeep. This hole is found in this same area behind the speaker and can be a major pain when it comes to trying to find the wire to reattach.
- Taking off the front fender... The instructions simply state to remove your front fender. You will need to determine where all the screws are located yourself and this does take some time and searching. You will also need to remove side steps or rock rails for this install and possibly your rear bumper. It will be up to you to figure this out do to all the variations and designs out there.
- I did find one mistake in the reinstallation of the side cowls. Originally you drill out the spot welds holding the side cowls in with a 1/4" drill bit and are given self tapping screws to reattach the cowl once you are finished, however the self tapping screws are only 3/16" and too small for the holes you drilled. We fixed this by picking up a pack of nuts and bolts instead
Tools needed:- Both Standard and Metric wrenches and sockets (10mm and 13mm get used a LOT)- Torx set covering both small and larger sizes- Allen wrench set- dremmel with cutting wheel- handled pry bar (for pulling the plastic inner fender clips)- Rustoleum truckbed liner (optional for spraying some of the newly exposed areas of the wheel wells when completed)- mallet (to help with stubborn plastic inner fender clips)- grease pen or marking tool for marking drill holes- Electric drill since you are drilling into metal and drill bits (3/8 and 1/2 are used for sure)
Overall impression- I am very pleased with my purchase. The construction quality is impressive as well as the fit. The time needed to install was a little more than I anticipated, but again we're talking about full fender replacement and bolt on corner guards so not totally unreasonable. As someone who is limited in my skillset and resources, I found these to be an excellent way for someone like me to gain a heavy modified look/function without having to seriously modify my jeep. The most annoying part of the install was working the inner fenders and installing the nutserts (rivet nuts). Beyond that our install was pretty much uneventful.
One suggestion I have for the manufacturer is to look into creating some type of easy bolt on flare to help with tire coverage when not on the trail. There's 16 exposed bolts on each corner and it seems like this could be something easy to fab up for those who want the best of both worlds.
12-30-2010, 04:18 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by tangomike3
I just had these put on my 2011 4 door Rubicon. I pick it up tomorrow and will post pictures first of the week when I get back.