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Cherokee Rear Bumper - XJ Vanguard
¹ Concessions have been made for extra ground clearance and a sleek appearance and you will need to adjust your equipment accordingly. Depending on your setup this may mean longer drop hitches, wiring extensions, etc...² Designed to support the loads of the factory tow capacity, but carries no SAE certification, nor is it designed to meet any DOT or FMCSA regulation.
JcrOffroad's Vanguard Rear bumper is designed for those looking maximum protection for the rear of their Jeep Cherokee.
- CNC cut and formed from 3/16" Steel.
- Includes Rear Unibody Tie-in Brackets
- Includes (2) 3/4" thick shackle tabs.
- Built-in 2" receiver and safety chain cutouts.¹ ²
- Accepts aftermarket 3x3 LED Cube Lights.
- Built in Hi-Lift Jacking points.
- Tire Carrier ready; accepts JcrOffroad's left and right Adventure Carriers and accessories (not included, see related products below.)
- Easy Bolt-on Installation.
- Includes mounting hardware.
- Includes JcrOffroad Sticker.
- Hand built in the USA!
We produce these products in a low volume compared to the OEMs or aftermarket receiver hitch companies. As such, it's not feasible for us to get this product tested against SAE J684 specifications or design it meet specific DOT or FMCSA regulations. So while we try to over-engineer our products with the loads of the factory vehicle capacity in mind; towing a trailer on public highways is at your own risk and we make no claims on the legality or viability of doing so. We cannot offer any recommendations on capacity beyond this. If the ratings of the factory receiver hitch are important to you, we would recommend choosing a bumper that keeps that in place.
Looking for answers to common questions about us or our products? See our FAQ here.
50 Questions asked on Jeep XJ Rear Bumper | Vanguard Tire Carrier Ready - Jeep Cherokee (84-01)
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Ask us anything
Q
Kyle • 03/17/2020, 6:50:37 PM
I need brackets for this. I have the bumper but didn't come with anything else but bumper. Was a private sale.
A
04/06/2020, 11:50:26 AM
Please contact us at info@jcroffroad.com
Q
Bridger • 05/21/2020, 8:23:00 PM
How big of a tire does this accommodate?
A
05/27/2020, 3:38:53 PM
We have ran a 37 on it at the shop without issues.
Q
Jason Lawrence • 06/15/2020, 5:33:26 PM
I have a 1991 XJ with the stock tow hitch. The towing rating on the stock receiver is 5,000 lbs. and a max tongue weight of 750 lbs. which is potentially higher than the theoretical max this bumper can handle. Is it possible to fit this bumper around the stock receiver?
A
06/16/2020, 9:57:53 AM
It would not be impossible, but you would likely have to trim the bottom of the bumper around the receiver hitch.
Q
Alan C. • 07/16/2020, 11:26:33 PM
So does this XJRV include the Vanguard rear bumper Plus the swing out spare tire carrier? I was a bit confused by the wording.
A
07/21/2020, 3:41:07 PM
XJRV is the bumper portion only. The Adventure carrier is sold seperatly.
Q
Thomas • 08/04/2020, 1:13:20 PM
Once mounted, can you still get up under the bumper to install the optional 3x3 cube lights, or would I need to remove the bumper to install them at a later time? Same question for the Vanguard Front bumper too. Trying to determine if I need to save up and do it all at once.
A
08/05/2020, 12:41:14 PM
You can get to the cubes with the bumper installed, yes.
Q
Bryan Dennehy • 09/29/2020, 1:56:40 PM
Does this fit with the 95 grand cherokee zj or just xj's
A
10/01/2020, 2:06:03 PM
Just XJ's
Q
Roy • 10/20/2020, 12:12:36 PM
Can order only Rear Bumper no need Trie carrier?
A
10/20/2020, 6:37:16 PM
You don't have to run the carriers on this bumper, they are optional.
Q
Walker • 11/22/2020, 5:57:38 PM
Do you guys still sell the integrated lower quarter panel armor, that bolts to the bumper and can you run it with this bumper?
A
11/23/2020, 10:29:08 AM
We stiffened the bumper up and have discontinued those.
Q
Ryan Eakin • 12/06/2020, 2:45:25 PM
How do you install hitch pin? Don't see a hole for one
A
12/10/2020, 11:17:58 AM
It's behind the bumper.
Q
Stephen Island • 12/20/2020, 1:24:41 PM
I noticed in the product pictures that the rear wiper arm has been removed? Do the bumper swing outs hit this?
A
12/23/2020, 5:13:09 PM
No, but our wiper motor on the jeep doesn't work so we pulled it.
Q
Carlos Davis • 12/24/2020, 12:09:57 PM
Will this work on a 94 ZJ
A
12/30/2020, 4:42:59 PM
It will not.
Q
Justin Keith • 01/30/2021, 12:57:26 PM
Is it possible to get the XJ Vanguard rear bumper only? I have no need for a tire carrier.
I'm also looking at your XJFC front bumper and gas tank protection.
A
02/02/2021, 5:12:14 PM
You can install the XJRV2 without tire carriers. The carriers are a separate purchase.
Q
Carlos • 02/19/2021, 9:16:42 PM
Will the Vanguard Bumper work on a 94 ZJ
A
03/01/2021, 2:33:46 PM
It will not.
Q
Antonio Rios • 03/13/2021, 11:09:15 PM
What is the weight of this bumper? With and without dual swing out tire carriers.
A
03/17/2021, 3:29:12 PM
Bumper is 75 lbs, each carrier adds 40 lbs.
Q
Matt • 03/25/2021, 9:56:17 PM
Did you guys discontinue the Vanguard Tire Carrier, can't find it anywhere on your web page?
A
04/02/2021, 5:30:54 PM
The old style Vanguard has been discontinued, yes.
Q
Jason • 05/20/2021, 12:21:37 PM
Are these recovery points and hitch rated for kinetic pulls and recoveries?
A
05/21/2021, 11:22:51 AM
They don't have an official weight rating. However they were designed with all of that in mind.
Q
Adam • 05/21/2021, 0:53:42 AM
Can this be ordered without the receiver hitch built in?
A
05/21/2021, 11:22:51 AM
It only is available with the hitch.
Q
Ed • 05/25/2021, 10:29:57 PM
Once installed will i have to remove it to attach the spare tire carrier or will i just need to slot it in and bolt it into the bumber
A
06/04/2021, 11:31:41 AM
You can install or remove the carrier with the bumper installed.
Q
Jose Villegas • 06/28/2021, 11:42:07 PM
the rubber holder is included in the price of $ 719. ? How much do the bumper and the rubber holder weigh together?
A
07/08/2021, 2:33:54 PM
The bumper is sold separately from the tire carriers. The weights are listed for each individual component.
Q
Spencer • 07/15/2021, 11:49:59 PM
Can I install this bumper with the GenRight off-road 30.5 gallon gas tank with skid
A
07/23/2021, 10:31:57 AM
Should not be an issue.
Q
Matt • 07/20/2021, 12:36:25 PM
Will the light cutouts in this bumper accommodate Baja's Squadron Pro Flush Mount, like SKU: 491006?
I think that would look a lot cleaner, and eliminate the gap for dirt and debris between the bumper and light, and the possibility for an impact to mess up the alignment.
A
07/23/2021, 10:31:57 AM
They will not fit flush mount LEDs.
Q
Terry Clothier • 08/02/2021, 10:29:38 AM
Do you sale the rear bumper and tire carrier as a weld assembly for DIY'ers
A
08/12/2021, 2:32:10 PM
We do not.
Q
Johnny • 08/03/2021, 12:46:58 PM
How does the bumper work with an XJ with the cut and folded rear quarter panels?
A
08/12/2021, 2:59:05 PM
It will bolt on fine, but you will have a gap between your rear tire and the bumper where your lower quarter panel used to be. This probably won't look great.
Q
shan • 08/19/2021, 0:13:32 AM
Looking at the pictures, there looks like there is a left and right black panel (near the rear fenders) attached on the respective sides of the bumper. Do those come with the kit as well or do they need to be ordered separately?
A
09/02/2021, 10:07:16 AM
That's our XJ Quarter Panel Armor (XJQL) it is sold separately.
Q
Josh Zinner • 09/01/2021, 9:43:59 AM
Are the nut strips included with the XJRV2 or do they need to be purchased separately?
A
09/02/2021, 10:07:16 AM
They are seperate.
Q
Jacob Knapp • 09/15/2021, 0:05:54 AM
Just got my bumper in tonight, looks awesome!! My only question is where do I mount the stock trailer wire connection I removed from my old hitch?
A
09/23/2021, 12:51:41 PM
Usually depending on style we bolt or zip tie it up behind the bumper.
Q
Jacob Knapp • 09/15/2021, 0:18:45 AM
Also wanted to know where to find the piece that bolts the rear bumper to the gas tank skid. I now have both and want to tie them together.
A
09/23/2021, 12:51:41 PM
Those are included with the bumper, please reach out to our customer service team and we can get you one.
Q
Phillip Longbrake • 09/28/2021, 2:10:38 PM
Will the XJ rear bumper work with both the frame stiffener's and gas tank skid I bought from you?
A
10/05/2021, 5:19:18 PM
Yes they do.
Q
David borges • 10/30/2021, 2:35:21 PM
Will you guys be making tire carrier for these again in the future?
A
12/07/2021, 2:51:05 PM
This bumper currently accepts one or two Adventure Carriers!
Q
BT • 12/02/2021, 3:44:20 PM
Can you tow off of this?
A
12/07/2021, 5:47:47 PM
It is designed to support the loads of the factory tow capacity, but carries no SAE certification, nor is it designed to meet any DOT or FMCSA regulation.
Q
TAWAN • 01/07/2022, 1:28:49 AM
WIITH TIRE CARRIER IT BLOCKS THE TURN SIGNAL IN THE PICTURE. IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE TURN LIGHTS SPOT CUT IN THE BUMPER ON REQUEST? JUST SIMILAR TO POD LIGHT SLOT?
A
01/11/2022, 8:57:54 AM
It does not block the turn signal. It may be the angle of the photo, the carrier spindle is offset toward the center of the vehicle.
Q
Ryan • 01/23/2022, 10:29:39 AM
What size is the receiver, 1.5” or 2”?
A
01/24/2022, 10:38:41 AM
2"
Q
Logan • 02/10/2022, 7:07:17 PM
Does this bumper require the tie in brackets? Or can I install it without the brackets?
A
02/11/2022, 3:56:46 PM
The tie-ins are included, we recommend installing them.
Q
Mando • 04/25/2022, 10:19:43 AM
Do you guys sell the lower tie-in brace separately?
A
04/25/2022, 10:38:39 AM
We do not, but give us a call or send an email if you have questions about your order!
info@jcroffroad.com
269-353-1184
Q
ali stein • 04/28/2022, 3:18:04 PM
does the bumper come with the tire carrier or is it sold separately?
A
04/29/2022, 3:36:14 PM
The Adventure Carriers are sold separately.
Q
Ryan • 06/21/2022, 9:59:33 PM
Is it possible to purchase the lower quarter panel and cut to fit for the bumper? or would yall possibly bring that option back for this?
A
06/22/2022, 2:23:14 PM
Is this in reference to the integrated lower quarter panel armor? That we don't offer any more.
Q
Michael crosno • 07/21/2022, 8:05:43 AM
Does it come with the side pieces that go under the rear quarter panels
A
07/21/2022, 4:46:38 PM
It does not. That is our XJ Lower Quarter Panel Armor.
Q
H • 09/01/2022, 8:37:28 PM
How is the new version of the Vanguard bumper different from the original version? Will the new Adventure tire carriers fit on version 1?
A
09/02/2022, 10:05:00 AM
The new Adventure Carrier will not fit on the old Vanguard. They are offset differently.
Q
milton • 11/01/2022, 8:01:53 PM
I see that this comes with the unibody tie-in bracket but not the outer tie-in brackets. Are those sold separately?
A
11/03/2022, 1:02:57 PM
Not sure what you mean by outer tie-in brackets. Could you please contact our customer service team to clarify.
Q
Spencer Weishaar • 06/01/2023, 11:33:29 PM
My spare weighs around 85 lbs, what is the weight limit for the bumper and tire carrier rated for?
A
07/26/2023, 4:45:32 PM
It is not rated for a certain amount of weight, however we've had no issues running upwards of 38x13.50 spare tires on our swing outs of the years.
Q
Ken • 06/29/2023, 2:48:03 PM
Will a 1UP bike rack still work with the tire mounted
A
08/09/2023, 11:13:54 AM
You'd need to use a hitch extension to clear the spare.
Q
Gavin • 08/07/2023, 7:58:49 PM
Do you have to remove the rear windshield wiper for the tire carrier to fit?
A
08/09/2023, 11:21:39 AM
No, you do not.
Q
Peyton • 09/28/2023, 2:19:12 PM
Is there a way to mount a high lift off road jack onto the swing arm or do I need to fabricate it myself?
A
11/30/2023, 3:11:16 PM
A Hi-Lift jack can be mounted onto one of our swing outs when using our Hi-Lift mount linked below.
https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/UNI-HLM.html
Q
Josiah • 10/03/2023, 6:46:46 PM
What is the max tire size for the carrier? 35s have worn my smittybilt out pretty quick.
A
11/30/2023, 3:00:21 PM
35's should be no issue, we're running a 37 on our XJ swing out at the moment.
Q
David Pipkin • 10/22/2023, 10:04:21 PM
on your XJ in the pictures the rear hatch bottom corners are rounded off and clear the bumper nicely. On my 1988 XJ those corners are square. Will my hatch clear this bumper?
A
11/08/2023, 12:07:30 PM
Yes, this bumper is designed to work on XJ's from 87-01.
Q
James Smith • 01/20/2024, 0:43:54 AM
Can y’all make this for a 95 zj?
A
01/22/2024, 5:22:21 PM
No, this is only designed to fit the XJ.
Q
Shane • 02/10/2024, 6:44:08 AM
Can this bumper be purchased bare steel?
A
02/14/2024, 10:50:57 AM
We currently only offer this bumper powder coated.
Q
Jeremy • 04/24/2024, 2:03:00 PM
Where do you attach safety chains while towing?
A
05/17/2024, 11:36:39 AM
There is gusseting on the inside of the bumper on the receiver tube that allows you to attach safety chains.
Q
Drew b • 09/01/2024, 9:39:00 AM
Will the swingout interfere with my xj ladder
A
12/20/2024, 4:15:12 PM
The passenger side swingout works with our hatch ladder, however the drivers side does not work with a hatch ladder.
Q
chen • 11/26/2024, 11:25:01 AM
My car is a 1996 5-door XJ. The spare tire carrier in the photo appears to be the post-1998 style, which has a chamfered lower edge on the tailgate, but the 1996 model does not. Can this still be installed, or is there a different version specifically for pre-1996 models?
A
12/20/2024, 1:01:33 PM
This bumper works with both of the XJ body styles.
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Mark Trevithick
(Florida Panhandle) | July 30th, 2024
After watching countless videos on the installation and comments on various manufacturers rear bumpers, the clear choice for me was JCR. It's not the least expensive, but their engineering and design are clear and well executed. The finished product is a nice heavy bumper that will easily support the Rear Tire Swing Arm I am adding.
Though the Installation Video is helpful, the thing that is missing in print and in the video is a Parts List that tells you which fasteners go where. It comes with two bags of fasteners with JCR part numbers, and a description of the fasteners inside, but there is no indication of where they are to be used. Thankfully, the 1/2" bolts would not fit in the side brackets, so by the process of elimination, the 7/16" bolts were used. After watching the video countless times, I could finally see that it was indeed the 7/16" bolts used there.
I have mounted the bumper, but not tightened everything up yet as I need to expand the holes for the left bracket to properly center the bumper left to right.
I still have unused 1/2" fasteners and at the moment am unsure of where they are to be used.
Thankfully, the Swing Arm kit comes with a nine page set of instruction with images. The bumper needs the same detail.
Paul
(Minnesota) | October 9th, 2021
The first thing you notice with this is the price tag. However, I really don't have much of a problem paying for a quality USA product. With all the contours that this thing has, it impressed me by how well it fit. They either got really lucky or have their jigs set up really well or both.
I got mine with bare metal and primed/raptor lined it. It has many attachment points and is quite sturdy. It looks and works great.
Some may question whether or not they want to add the heft of this bumper to their Jeep, but once you subtract the weight of your class 3 hitch, this really doesn't add as much as you would think.
The two things I do not like is that with the adventure carriers, they completely block the reverse lights. But the bumper has provisions for cube lights which will undoubtedly be an upgrade, but it is just a little extra $$$$ that needs to be spent. Less than $25 on eBay.
Also, I was hoping to remove the adventure carrier(s) depending on the season, but that won't be practical since the axle stubs used to mount the carriers is not an easily removable item. I could leave the stubs there, but would need to cover them up so the weather doesn't have its way with them. But I am now thinking that I won't be using the Jeep in the salt, so there it stays.
Nicholas Joiner
(Flagstaff, Arizona) | June 30th, 2021
I purchased this bumper because it was the only XJ bumper that could house dual swings. It did not disappoint. It is heavy-duty, and great looking! There are a few minor design improvements that could be made, and the instructional video is a bit off, but overall really happy with the purchase.
Aaron
(WA) | June 26th, 2021
This bumper is worth every penny. Made in the USA everything fits nice and tight. Feels super sturdy and strong. Love the way it takes the carrier. Install was fairly simple by myself, just took a little time to line everything up with jacks.
Ben Sweeney
| November 28th, 2020
Great bumper after installed. Some of the powder coating had flaked off in shipment and the support bracket didn’t line up correctly as it did in the instructions. Most likely since it was a different year of XJ and was slightly different. It all worked out at the end and would definitely buy again.
Nick
(Maryland) | June 2nd, 2020
This thing is straight Grade A beef. Its heavy duty, does not flex, and goes together on the Jeep like butter. Mine came powder coated and that was very well done. I also got the tire carrier and lower integrated armor and everything just works. It fits together with no modification. Yes its expensive, but you can really see where the money goes. Absolutely worth the price
Anonymous
| July 24th, 2015
This is a much better bumper than my first bumper by Smittybilt. Some thought was put behind the engineering. The only part I was disappointed in was it came with Grade 5 hardware. For the amount of money spent compared to others, it should have had Grade 8 or 10.9 bolts. Went out and replaced the hardware with 10.9 black phosphate hardware.
Anonymous
| July 24th, 2015
"This is a much better bumper than my first bumper by Smittybilt. Some thought was put behind the engineering. The only part I was disappointed in was it came with Grade 5 hardware. For the amount of money spent compared to others it should have had Grade 8 or 10.9 bolts. Went out and replaced the hardware with 10.9 black phosphate hardware."
Anonymous
| January 22nd, 2016
I've had this bumper mounted for over a year now, and it is amazing, I have towed with it and used it for recovery multiple times. and it has work flawlessly every time, also looks bad ass! Thanks JCR!!!
Anonymous
| February 17th, 2017
I've had the JCR rear bumper with tire carrier mounted on my 99 XJ for a few years now and it's still as awesome as the day I got it. I added the Rotopax mount and have used the bracket for the high-lift jack as well with no problems. I also have a CB antenna mounted on the swingout and it works great too! I've gotten many compliments and it sure is nice having all that space in the back where I used to have the spare. My 33" tire fits on the spare mount with lots of extra adjustment in case I go bigger. Couldn't be happier with the build quality and was very pleased with the license plate mount/light. I remember thinking how well it was designed and built when I installed it because it was almost effortless and aligned with the body lines perfectly with little effort!
