Smittybilt SB2843 HD - User Manual

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Summary

Installation

Prepare Vehicle and Remove OE Components

Prepare the vehicle on a flat surface and remove the OE spare tire mount and third brake light.

Mount HD Tire Carrier

Secure the HD tire carrier to the OE hinge points using the removed OE bolts, ensuring alignment.

Install Wheel Mount Studs & Bracket

Press wheel mount studs into the tire mount bracket base and assemble the wheel mount bracket.

Mount Tire and Adjust Bracket

Temporarily mount the spare tire onto the bracket assembly and adjust for proper positioning.

Secure Tire Mount Assembly

Attach the tire mount bracket assembly and 3rd brake light bracket to the tire carrier mount.

Install Spare Tire & Third Brake Light

Install the spare tire, third brake light assembly, and ensure wiring is properly routed and slack.

Product Cleaning and Maintenance

Summary

Installation

Prepare Vehicle and Remove OE Components

Prepare the vehicle on a flat surface and remove the OE spare tire mount and third brake light.

Mount HD Tire Carrier

Secure the HD tire carrier to the OE hinge points using the removed OE bolts, ensuring alignment.

Install Wheel Mount Studs & Bracket

Press wheel mount studs into the tire mount bracket base and assemble the wheel mount bracket.

Mount Tire and Adjust Bracket

Temporarily mount the spare tire onto the bracket assembly and adjust for proper positioning.

Secure Tire Mount Assembly

Attach the tire mount bracket assembly and 3rd brake light bracket to the tire carrier mount.

Install Spare Tire & Third Brake Light

Install the spare tire, third brake light assembly, and ensure wiring is properly routed and slack.

Product Cleaning and Maintenance

The Smittybilt SB2843 HD is a heavy-duty tire carrier kit designed for 2007-2014 Jeep JK models. This kit allows for the secure mounting of a spare tire to the rear gate of the vehicle, providing a robust solution for carrying larger or heavier spare tires than the factory setup. The system is engineered to integrate with the existing OE hinge points of the rear gate, ensuring a strong and stable installation.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Smittybilt SB2843 HD tire carrier is to securely mount a spare tire to the rear of a Jeep JK, replacing or augmenting the factory tire carrier. It is designed to handle the weight and size of larger aftermarket tires, which often exceed the capacity of the original equipment. The carrier utilizes the vehicle's existing hinge points for structural integrity and includes additional mounting points on the rear gate for a comprehensive and stable attachment. The design also incorporates provisions for the third brake light, ensuring it remains visible above the spare tire, which is crucial for safety and legal compliance. The carrier's adjustability allows users to optimize the tire's position for various applications, such as improving departure angle for off-road use or enhancing rear window visibility for street driving.

Important Technical Specifications:

The kit includes a comprehensive set of hardware and components to facilitate installation. Key components are:

HD Tire Carrier (Qty: 1): The main structural component that attaches to the rear gate.
Tire Mount Bracket Base (93-9183, Qty: 1) and Tire Mount Bracket (93-9187, Qty: 1): These components form the assembly where the spare tire is physically attached.
Tire Gate Mount (93-356CA100, Qty: 1): Connects the tire mount bracket assembly to the main HD tire carrier.
Wheel Mount Studs (90-4560, 1/2"-20, Qty: 3) and Lug Nuts (90-4219, 1/2"-20, Qty: 3): For securing the spare tire to the mount bracket.
Hardware Pack (90-6913): Contains various bolts, nuts, and washers for assembly.
- 10mm-1.0 X 30mm Hex Head Bolt Gr. 8.8 (Qty: 5)
- 10mm Nylock Nut (Qty: 5)
- 10mm Flat Washer (Qty: 10)
- 12mm-1.75 X 35-40mm Hex Head Bolt Gr. 8.8 (Qty: 4)
- 12mm– 1.75 Nylock Nut (Qty: 4)
- 12mm Flat Washer (Qty: 4)
- 6mm-1.0 X 20mm Hex Head Bolt Gr. 8.8 (Qty: 4)
- 6mm- 1.0 Nylock Nut (Qty: 4)
- 6mm Flat Washer (Qty: 8)
- 8mm-1.25 X 40mm Hex Head Bolt Gr. 10.9 (Qty: 8)
- 8mm Flat Washer (Qty: 8)
- 8mm Lock Washer (Qty: 8)
Third Brake Light Lower Bracket (Qty: 1) and Upper Bracket (Qty: 1): For relocating and securing the third brake light.

Torque Specifications:

12mm hardware: 80 ft./lbs. (for securing the tire mount bracket assembly and 3rd brake light lower bracket to the tire carrier mount).
6mm hardware: Torque specification is indicated as "?? ft./lbs." in the manual, suggesting a value to be filled in or determined by the installer based on specific bolt grade.
8mm hardware: Torque specification is indicated as "?? ft./lbs." in the manual, suggesting a value to be filled in or determined by the installer based on specific bolt grade.
OE hinge bolts: Torque according to manufacturer's specifications. Medium strength (blue) threadlocker is recommended for these bolts.

Usage Features:

Enhanced Tire Capacity: Designed to support heavier and larger spare tires than stock carriers, making it suitable for off-road enthusiasts who often upgrade to oversized tires.
Adjustable Tire Position: The tire mount bracket assembly can be adjusted to optimize the spare tire's position. This allows users to:
- Fit the tire tighter against the straight edge/tire gate to reduce vibration.
- Raise the tire for improved departure angle in off-road scenarios.
- Lower the tire for better rear window visibility during street driving.
Integrated Third Brake Light Relocation: Includes brackets to remount the OE third brake light, ensuring it remains visible above the spare tire, which is a critical safety and legal requirement. The wiring harness may need to be extended depending on the final mounting position.
Robust Mounting: Utilizes both the OE hinge points and additional mounting holes on the rear gate for a secure and stable installation, minimizing stress on the tailgate.
Prevention of Tailgate Misalignment: The installation process includes a crucial step of placing a block of wood between the bumper and tailgate to maintain slight pressure, preventing misalignment when OE hardware is removed.

Maintenance Features:

Periodic Inspection: It is recommended to periodically check and re-torque all mounting hardware, especially after off-road use, to ensure continued safety and stability.
Cleaning Instructions:
- Stainless Steel Finish: Can be polished with aluminum polish for small scratches/scuffs. Mild soap, window, or glass cleaner can be used for general cleaning.
- Dual State Powder Coat Finish: Clean with mild soap, window, or glass cleaner. Regular waxing with pure carnauba automotive wax is recommended to protect the finish. Avoid abrasive soaps, polishes, or waxes.
- Textured Coated Finishes: Clean with mild soap on a damp sponge. Do not apply polish or wax that requires buffing.
- Chrome Finish: Clean with mild soap, window, or glass cleaner. Regular waxing with pure carnauba automotive wax is recommended to protect the finish. Avoid abrasive soaps, polishes, or waxes.

Installation Process Overview:

Preparation: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake. Remove the spare tire, OE rear tire mount, and OE third brake light assembly. Remove OE plastic rear gate hinge covers.
Tailgate Stabilization: Secure the rear gate with masking tape and place a block of wood between the bumper and tailgate to prevent misalignment.
OE Hinge Bolt Removal: Unbolt the OE bolts securing the upper and lower OE hinges to the rear gate, saving the hardware.
HD Tire Carrier Installation: Lift the HD tire carrier into place and secure it to the OE hinge points using the saved OE bolts. Tighten these bolts and ensure all remaining mounting holes align.
Torque OE Hinge Bolts: Torque the OE hinge bolts according to manufacturer specifications, applying medium strength (blue) threadlocker.
Wheel Mount Stud Installation: Press the wheel mount studs (90-4219) into the tire mount bracket base (93-9183). Do not use lug nuts for this step.
Wheel Mount Bracket Assembly: Assemble the tire mount bracket (93-9187) and base (93-9183) using the supplied 10mm X 30mm bolts and hardware, leaving them loose.
Tire Mount Bracket Adjustment: Temporarily install the assembled bracket onto the spare tire (face down). Use a ruler or flat bar across the tire to adjust the bracket until it makes contact, then torque the bolts to the specified ft./lbs.
Secure Tire Mount Bracket to Carrier: Secure the tire mount bracket assembly and the third brake light lower bracket to the tire carrier mount (93-356CA100) using the supplied 12mmX 35mm bolts and hardware. Torque to 80 ft./lbs. Adjust tire position as needed for departure angle or visibility.
Secure Tire Carrier Mount Assembly: Secure the tire carrier mount assembly to the rear gate mounting holes and HD tire carrier using the supplied 8mm X 40mm bolts and washers. Torque to the specified ft./lbs.
Install Spare Tire: Install the spare tire onto the tire mount bracket and secure with the supplied lug nuts (90-4219).
Third Brake Light Installation: If using, install the third brake light upper bracket onto the lower bracket using the supplied 6mm X 20mm bolts and hardware. Torque to the specified ft./lbs. Ensure the brake light is visible above the spare tire.
Third Brake Light Assembly: Remove OE screws from the OE plastic third brake light assembly. Install the OE front plastic panel and lens into the new third brake light assembly using the removed OE screws.
Wiring Harness Extension: Extend the third brake light wiring harness if necessary, ensuring enough slack for tailgate travel.
Final Adjustments: Adjust the HD tire gate assembly for level and re-torque all mounting hardware.

The Smittybilt SB2843 HD tire carrier is a robust and well-engineered solution for Jeep JK owners looking to upgrade their spare tire carrying capabilities. Its detailed installation instructions, specific hardware, and attention to features like brake light visibility and tire position adjustment highlight its comprehensive design for both functionality and safety.