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Steve's Jeep Fab Rear Bumper Installation

Everybody who installs a lift and larger tires considers the samething. What do I do with my spare tire? You have a few options.
1) Forsake your spare tire and leave it at home, but of course if you need it on the run your in trouble.
2) You install your spare tire on your stock tail gate and take the chance of the weight stressing your stock hinges.
3) You install a new tire carrier in the forum of a swing out carrier and a new bumper.

Ok, now we have decided to choose option 3. Incase you haven't checked on the net or in your favorite magazine there are nearly dozens of compaines, designs and needless to say options.

I decided to give Steve from StevesJeepFab.com a call. he had a few options and ideas for me to choose from. I choose a carrier with a Hi-Lift option and a detachable set of gerry cans.

Tools: Time:
• 18 mm Wrench and Sockets
• 10 mm Wrench and Sockets
• ¾" Wrench and Sockets w/ Extension(s)
• 1- ½" Wrench or Socket for Pivot Nut (although a crescent wrench would work)
 (1) Man = 2 Hours (+/-)

This is a fairly easy modification and can be 'tweaked' to the owners liking. I ordered the Gerry can carrier option for the long trails (periodically) that I'd like to carry a little extra fuel. For a minor optional adder and simply informing Steve's Jeep Fab, you can have a second extended tire carrier insert and Gerry can tabs and hold downs with bolts. Well worth the flexibility to me, as I can run with or without Gerry cans in minutes and mount the Hi-Lift jack in a couple different locations.

I would also recommend having a second person from time to time to just help line up the bumper and get the bolts started, and holding the Hi-Lift while it's being secured, but it isn't a must. One man can install this set up. Written by IBTJn, if you have any questions or comments about this install visit

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The kit was pretty much complete. You get the following items:
Bumper with swing out hinge
Tire carrier with latch
Tire carrier stud mount with optional gerry can mount
Tire carrier stud mount with out gerry can mount.
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Remove current bumper, spare tire, brake light (if applicable), factory tow hook(s) (if applicable), and tire carrier from rear.
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Reusing the 18mm factory frame bottom bolts, lift up new bumper and install the factory bumper bolts.
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attach the (2ea) frame tab bolts to the frame
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Pre-grease pivot shaft prior to swing away installation.
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Install swing away moving it slowly back and forth while applying mild pressure downward. Once down about 1" or so, you can attach nut to the pivot stud/shaft and snug.

Grease provided zerk fitting on swivel pivot shaft assembly.

Move back and forth to distribute grease, and adjust nut according to preferred tension.
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Swing carrier to the closed and locked position..

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Adjust locking hand latch assembly.

**NOTE: It should be adjusted to allow a final pressure "lock" about 2".
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Slide in tire carrier to swing away slot and adjust to receive 3" Grade 8 bolt & nut.
**NOTE: I found it easier to install carrier all the way out, add wheel, then find out adjustment point(s).

Install the 3" Grade 8 bolt and nut into slot and tighten

Tighten down top "rattle" top bolt (provided on bumper)

Install spare tire.

Shake some to simulate road conditions and snug/tighten accordingly
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On this bumper (Gerry can version), I have (2) sets of mounting tabs that I could have used for the Hi-Lift Jack. I opted for the top one, as the bottom somewhat blocks the license plate, which I didn't care for. So I opted to mount it top side. With a couple of simple brackets, I could have even mounted it at a 45 degree angle and been okay.

I used (2) ½" x ¼" thick 304SS 90 degree brackets by Powerstrut. These are typically found in the electrical section of larger hardware stores and are very strong and corrosion resistant. I installed some spacer washers, and mounted the jack in a vertical position. Now keep in mind, you may not need to do this. The spare tire size, type, and manufacturer will likely make a difference to how you end up. This is what worked for me though.

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This is a side view of the carrier installed.
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From the rear with the carrier shut and latched
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Hi-lift mounted and swing away open
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Again. =)
From here, you can adjust and tweak the unit as you see fit. I messed around with adjustment for a couple of days, deciding on where I wanted to mount the Hi-Lift, and moving tailgate rubber bumper stops to reduce any movement, vibration, etc. The 3rd brake light I simple zip tied it to the swing away, as I plan on attempting to add one. The factory unit will not work…or to my personal liking anyway. But there are a ton of different lighting options for that out there. I'll mess with that at my leisure. Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase from Steve's Jeep Fab and would recommend it as being a very good value. Steve's Jeep Fab was helpful and friendly on my options for the building of this bumper.