Bronco Tire Rack Install: How to Mount the Smittybilt HD Pivo

We Install an Exterior Tire Rack to Our Bronco

Being able to carry an oversized spare tire on the exterior tailgate is important, and the new Smittybilt Bronco HD Pivot is up to the task. Made of monoblock aluminum material, the single-action component bolts on quickly and easily, strengthening the tailgate while allowing up to a 40-inch spare. The tire mount is adjustable, thanks to chromoly mounting brackets, and maintains the easy, single-action opening and closing of the tailgate. The auxiliary accessory mount eliminates tailgate sagging and rattles that would likely occur with an oversized tire attached to the stock bracket. The design allows the third brake light and backup camera to continue to function with the oversized tire in place.

Off-roaders who favor larger size tires will appreciate having a full-size spare attached to the exterior of their Bronco, providing them with the security if a replacement is needed in remote locations. The Smittybilt HD Bronco Pivot will strengthen the Bronco tailgate and remove the stress placed on the vehicle’s exterior structure. Let’s install it!

Step 1: Remove the spare tire from the factory tire carrier using a 19mm socket and ratchet wrench.

Step 2: On the inside of the swing gate, remove the plastic cover and disconnect the three connectors.

Step 3: Using a 13mm socket, remove the eight bolts that secure the carrier to the swing gate. Then, carefully remove the carrier. Remove the two bump stops using a Phillips head to remove the outer screws, and then remove the bumper stops by pulling outward.

Step 4: With the swing gate open, remove the four Phillips push pins. Then, remove the two 10mm bolts and remove the plastic/rubber panel cover.

Step 5: Remove the two 8mm bolts. Then, use a plastic ply tool and pry the lower panel out starting from the left corner. Continue to slowly pull the panel out to access the remaining two screws.

Step 6: With the panel removed, remove the two 10mm bolts, and then disconnect the taillight plug prior to pulling out the taillight.

Step 7: Prior to continuing, disconnect the shock from the swing gate, and then close the swing gate. Next, insert a small block of wood (with a rag wrapped around it) between the swing gate and the bumper. This will prevent the swing gate from sagging when removing the hinge bolts. Next, using a T40 socket, remove the four bolts from the swing gate and use a 13mm socket and wrench to remove the six bolts that hold the hinges to the body.

Step 8: Install the HD Pivot Carrier where the stock hinges were mounted using the included six M8-1.25x40mm bolts. Leave the hardware loose. Then install the included four M8-1.25x50mm bolts to the swing gate. Leave this hardware loose as well to allow for adjustment.

Step 9: Install the stock carrier to the HD Pivot Carrier. Use the included spacer behind the driver side of the carrier. Then, install the eight M8-1.25x35mm bolts making sure not to pinch the wire harness during reinstallation. Leave the hardware loose for now.

Step 10:Adjust the swing gate making sure the body lines match. Once satisfied, tighten all the hardware and torque to spec. Reconnect the wire harness and reinstall the rubber grommet.

Step 11:Reinstall the bump stop using the factory push pins and the included bump stop spacers.

Step 12:Reinstall the spare tire and torque the lug nuts to spec. Installation is now complete.

Installation Tool List

¼-inch and -inch ratchet wrench
Screwdrivers, flat and Phillips head
Plastic panel pry tool
T40, 10mm, 13mm, and 19mm sockets
8mm, 10mm, and 13mm wrench