How to Install Rugged Ridge Tubular Rear Bumper w/o Hitch, Gloss Black on your 1987-2006 Wrangler

Step (1) Remove factory rear bumper and brackets. For the 97-2006 Wrangler the plastic side guards will need to be removed.

For some 97-2006 Wranglers the rear body mount and bolt may be needed to unbolt the top rear bumper bolts.

Step (2) Locate the left and right bumper mounting brackets. Place left bracket with large vertical tab facing outwards, towards the inside of the vehicle. For 1987-95 Wranglers the holes in the frame will line up. On 1997-2006 Wranglers the outer holes will be located to the outer mounting holes and the inner holes will need to be drilled. For 97 and newer Wranglers temporarily mount the brackets into place. With a scribe or small screwdriver make the inner hole drilling point by marking through the mounting brackets onto the rear cross member.

Step (3) Drill holes into rear cross member. WARNING … BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DRILLING MOUNTING HOLES. THE FUEL TANK IS LOCATED JUST BEHIND THE CROSS MEMBER. Great care will be needed to avoid puncturing the fuel tank.

Use a small 3/16" drill bit for a starter hole. After small holes have been drilled, enlarge them with a 1/2" drill bit. BE VERY CAREFUL TO AVOID HITTING THE FUEL TANK WHEN DRILLING.

Attach brackets with the (4) 10mm bolts, flat washer, lock washer and nuts supplied for each side. Tighten to 45lbs. NOTE: ON 97-2006 Wranglers there might be a tight fit between the rear cross member and the fuel tank. A second person to help might be needed.

Step (4) Locate rear bumper onto the mounting brackets an attach through the top and bottom of the brackets with (4) 12mm bolts, flat washers, lock washers, and nuts supplied. Tighten to 45lbs torque.

WARNING: IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO EXCEED ANY TONGUE WEIGHT IN EXCESS OF 200LBS