Smittybilt SRC Sport Cage for Wrangler TJ

The TJ factory bar is probably sufficient to provide protection in an accident but there’s definitely room for improvement. The forward part of the bar is simply attached to the windshield which isn’t going to offer much resistance when the weight of the Jeep is applied.

Now, one could have a professionally created, welded in cage installed that would really empty your wallet or you could install something that is going to strengthen things up in a bolt-on manner. Now yes, the clamp type connectors are far from the strength of a weld but it can be very effective too considering the method of attachment and the location of the bars.

The Smittybilt SRC kit (which works on both the TJ and TJ Unlimited comes with bars that connect the cowl to the upper bar, a bar that connects the door bars to each other above the dash, an upper cross bar with a center section that ties in with the factory bar behind the front seats. Also, there are rear side bars that connect the rear bars with the main hoop behind the seat. Finally there is a bar to connect the rear bars to each other right before the bend downward.

Below us the Jeep ready for the installation. Things to know – this kit will require trimming of the factory bar foam and covering. It also will require trimming of the hard door surrounds if your Jeep has them.

Getting Started

Remove the Jeep’s top and door surrounds if equipped. Remove the seat belt connection and sound pods if equipped. With those items removed you can remove the roll bar covering and padding. Pull the padding gently to prevent the plastic barbs from pulling from the foam.