Reviews for Fishbone Offroad FB22017 Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier for 87-06 Jeep Wrangler YJ, TJ
The worst part of my bumper install was dealing with a broken bumper mount bolt. I was able to drill and tap the old bolt out. I recommend watching the video a few times because no Instructions are included. The drill template didn't match the tooling holes in my frame. I double checked my holes before I took them to full size. I made a template of the bumper bolt pattern with masking tape to make sure the holes were centered.
The video online does make it look way easier than it is. Parts aren't labeled but it ain't hard to figure out. Nice bumper the install just sucks.
Pivot point does not have bearings, and is already starting to droop. hard to push open due to lack of bearings. hard to reach the pin safety release pin behind the tire swing and license plate.
Solid, well made Bumper. Minimal room for error on installation. The video online makes installation seem easy, but it is not. The hardware comes in one large bag, and you need to determine on your own which bolts go where. There were lots of extra parts as well. Has a 3rd brake light mount with pre-drilled holes, but no indication of what fits there. Would be nice if they included a bracket to add an aftermarket brake light, and they would recommend one that fits. If you own a 2002 TJ, you WILL have to remove the gas tank in order to install the inner bolts. (Unless you are a contortionist with extremely long and nimble fingers, and tools to match.)
The reinforcement plates that come with the bumper are too big to fit flat without grinding down the factory welds on the frame. If they were 1/4" less wide they would fit fine, but as they weren't, I had to use a grinder and grind them down to make them work. They say about 1-2 hours for installation time. That is probably true if you are a professional mechanic and have a lift and a myriad of tools. I would plan on 2+, especially if you are dropping the gas tank. Don't get me wrong, the bumper itself is super stout and looks like it will last a lifetime. The frustration you experience during installation may make you want to rip it off and throw it into a deep lake. That's why I only gave it 3 stars.
Not sure where to start. Bought both rear bumper and front bumper. Front bumper was a piece of cake, 30 minutes tops and that was gathering up tools and all. Back bumper on the other had was a nightmare to install. I knew in advance I would need to drop gas tank, no problem. Hole alignment for bolts was crazy. I had to open up all the holes larger than what was called for in order to get the bolts in. Swing out tire carrier required modification and grinding on the latch side to get it to lock. Quality control on these is non existent. I hated to break out the grinder, but after several hours of working on this, I would be damned if I was going to take it back off.
I researched bumpers before purchase. The Fishbone off road website states"What is Fishbone Off road? It’s a passion and drive to MANUFACTURE affordable high quality products for the Jeep enthusiast. I thought I was ordering a quality American made product. Imagine my surprise when the bumper arrived and the box says made in China. weigh is a lot less than expected. Bumper looks nice but I'm guessing it will not be very durable. Time will tell. Quality control on these bumpers could be better, it was a fight to get everything to line up especially the lower mount bolts. be prepared for frustration. the attachment for the tire carrier seems a bit janky.