How to Install the Vanguard Rear Bumper on the Jeep XJ.

Installation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AILIZqPijOs

Questions or Support:
Phone: 269-353-1184
Email: info@victory4x4.com

• Before installing the bumper on the Jeep, slide each D-ring mount into its bumper slot with the large shackle hole facing outward. 
• Align the two mounting holes inside the bumper and secure each mount with two supplied bolts with the bolts going towards the inside of the bumper.
• Tighten both bolts securely, then repeat on the opposite side.

• Remove the factory rear bumper and save its mounting bolts for Step 8. The video begins after removal; it does not show that procedure.

• If using JCR nut strips, slide them into the frame rails and align them with the factory holes. Nut strips are sold separately.

• Fit the rear frame tie-in brackets on both sides. Start the bolts by hand and leave them loose for adjustment.

• Drill a 1/2-inch hole just inside the factory slot at the location shown. Temporarily bolt on the outer bracket with its small tab facing down.

• Use the bracket to mark the lower hole, then drill it to 1/2 inch. Remove chips and paint the exposed metal.

• Place the two bracket pieces on opposite sides of the body plate you drilled. Keep the small tab down and the mating bracket face pointed outward, as shown.

• Install the supplied hardware loosely. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the other side.

• Move the rear plastic trim out of the way; remove its screws if fitted. Pull the carpet and padding back from both drilling areas.

• Check both sides of the floor before drilling. Keep wiring and other components clear of the bit.

• Use the outer reinforcement bracket as a guide to drill two 1/2-inch holes through the cargo floor on each side.

• Keep the carpet clear. Remove metal chips, deburr the holes, and protect the exposed metal with paint.

• Insert the floor bolts from underneath, upward through the bracket and floor. Install the nuts from inside the cargo area.

• Use the opening behind the interior panel to reach the hidden rear nut. Repeat on the other side; leave the hardware loose for alignment.

• Position each main mount with its half-circle cutouts down and its C-channel toward the outside of the Jeep.

• Attach each mount at the four factory holes using the saved factory bolts. Leave the mounts loose enough to slide sideways.

• With a helper supporting the bumper, slide it over the mounts. Make sure every frame-mounted bracket sits inside its matching bumper bracket.

• Keep the bumper supported while starting the mounting hardware.

• On EACH side, install two bolts at the outer bracket, two through the side of the main bumper support, and one through the bottom of the rear frame tie in.

• Use the supplied matching hardware. Leave all connections loose until the bumper is aligned.

• Slide the bumper left or right until it is centered on the Jeep.

• Tighten the brackets where they attach to the frame and body. Keep the bumper-to-bracket connections loose for the remaining adjustments.

• Adjust the bumper up or down and front to rear. Match the gaps on both sides and use the factory body lines to check height.

• Set the upper bumper surface level front to rear. Check that the hatch clears the bumper.

• Position the lower brace above the flange on the Jeep and below the rear flange on the bumper.

• Start all brace bolts. With alignment confirmed, tighten the brace and all remaining mounting hardware.

• Install optional cube lights following their instructions. If fitting one or two Adventure Carriers, use the separate carrier installation guide.

• For each unused spindle sleeve, apply a little RTV sealant and install the supplied plastic caps at the top and bottom to keep out water and debris.

• Check every mounting fastener, especially the two bolts at each outer reinforcement connection shown. These connections are critical when running carriers.

• If a carrier develops excessive movement, inspect these connections first and check for loose hardware.

• Open and close the hatch and any installed carriers to check clearance. If an Adventure Carrier table is fitted, check it against the factory license plate light housing; the video notes that the housing may need removal.

• Once the floor hardware has been checked, refit the carpet and trim. Confirm that all hardware is secure and any installed lights work.

Congrats, your install is complete!