This is more of a review than a write-up, but I wanted to provide some info on the Smittybilt SRC trail cage as these have been mythical and in back order for a while. I was looking for a bolt on solution to strengthen the JK before I take the plunge for a full cage (one tons are higher priority, safety is #2 JK), and was looking at both Rock Hard and Smitty options. I have the Rockhard 3rd row cage extension setup and like the quality however I have been waiting to check the SRC cage and it finally appeared locally with a merchant (and also a Jeeper) I normally buy parts from, so I was able to get one this last weekend and I installed it yesterday.
Total install time was about 4 hours, and basic tools and a drill are needed. I did the install at home by myself however two people would make it a much easier process (I think 2-3 hours maximum). The box comes very well packed, and I was surprised by the good instructions. For me a good selling point was the powder coating already done, and getting them quickly locally in a couple of days. I would have considered Rockhard if it was already powdercoated. I just wanted something I can run a couple seasons that will add more protection to the passengers as I have been taking more aggressive lines at the mall
The most time consuming part for me was installing the first A pillar mount on the passenger side.; It is a tight spot, and sliding the one piece assembly that mounts to the cowl and windshield bar assembly is a bit tricky for the first time. The driver’s side was a breeze in comparison (learning curve rocked on!). The rest of the install is very straightforward and took less than one hour.
The setup is pretty robust, I like the design, good finish and the fact it also includes additional optional foam padding.
Pros:
-Price
-Factory powdercoated
-includes cage foams
-bolt on install, very minor body
-solid and removable across the dash bar and windshield bar
Cons:
-Powdercoating on the A pillar cowl mount nuts made it tricky to insert bolts. Running a little wire brush through a drill made it easy to clean.
-bar clamps are 3 piece rather than the common 2 piece. Leaves a bit of gap, but I believe may be common with this type of setup (i.e. rear Rockhard 3rd row has a small gap as well)
-like other bolt on kits it utilizes factory A to B pillar cross bar. I was hoping for a JK solution similar to the good old Toys by Troy cage on TJ’s that removes that part and provides a cleaner and stronger single piece.
Overall impression: As with other “bolt on” kits it is not an easy install (or at least not as easy as a TJ type cage install). Having done one now, I think I can probably do another one much quicker next time. The fact that the cage is ready to go in from the box (no painting or powdercoating) was a selling factor. I am tempted to grind one of the wheels in the future if I ever repaint to check the weld quality, but overall they seem very well executed (no visible buggers). The price is hard to beat including the full front to rear sections on the single kit. Better than a RH or Poison Spyder cage? I do not know, however it is way much better than my stock cage
A few quick pics below. I still need to finish tightening up all bolts, and trim plastic pieces and install visors, and padding, but pretty close to done:
Total install time was about 4 hours, and basic tools and a drill are needed. I did the install at home by myself however two people would make it a much easier process (I think 2-3 hours maximum). The box comes very well packed, and I was surprised by the good instructions. For me a good selling point was the powder coating already done, and getting them quickly locally in a couple of days. I would have considered Rockhard if it was already powdercoated. I just wanted something I can run a couple seasons that will add more protection to the passengers as I have been taking more aggressive lines at the mall
The most time consuming part for me was installing the first A pillar mount on the passenger side.; It is a tight spot, and sliding the one piece assembly that mounts to the cowl and windshield bar assembly is a bit tricky for the first time. The driver’s side was a breeze in comparison (learning curve rocked on!). The rest of the install is very straightforward and took less than one hour.
The setup is pretty robust, I like the design, good finish and the fact it also includes additional optional foam padding.
Pros:
-Price
-Factory powdercoated
-includes cage foams
-bolt on install, very minor body
-solid and removable across the dash bar and windshield bar
Cons:
-Powdercoating on the A pillar cowl mount nuts made it tricky to insert bolts. Running a little wire brush through a drill made it easy to clean.
-bar clamps are 3 piece rather than the common 2 piece. Leaves a bit of gap, but I believe may be common with this type of setup (i.e. rear Rockhard 3rd row has a small gap as well)
-like other bolt on kits it utilizes factory A to B pillar cross bar. I was hoping for a JK solution similar to the good old Toys by Troy cage on TJ’s that removes that part and provides a cleaner and stronger single piece.
Overall impression: As with other “bolt on” kits it is not an easy install (or at least not as easy as a TJ type cage install). Having done one now, I think I can probably do another one much quicker next time. The fact that the cage is ready to go in from the box (no painting or powdercoating) was a selling factor. I am tempted to grind one of the wheels in the future if I ever repaint to check the weld quality, but overall they seem very well executed (no visible buggers). The price is hard to beat including the full front to rear sections on the single kit. Better than a RH or Poison Spyder cage? I do not know, however it is way much better than my stock cage
A few quick pics below. I still need to finish tightening up all bolts, and trim plastic pieces and install visors, and padding, but pretty close to done:
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