First and foremost; This is box 1 of 2 - you will need to purchase both boxes to complete the installation. Box 1 is for both the JK and JKU, and contains all of the vertical (upright) components, and the fasteners. Box 2 (Part # JK-6124-2 for the JKU, and part # JK-6125-2 for the JK) contains the horizontal pieces only (side and cross-tubes). No fasteners. Second: If you need a rack that you can install and remove whenever the mood strikes you, this rack is probably not for you. Initial installation is very simple, and I was able to do it myself in a couple of hours. Removal of the assembly as a whole would be another matter entirely, and I wouldn't want to even think about re-installing with the whole thing assembled. Once installed, I would suggest leaving it in place. As I said earlier, installation was fairly simple. It's pretty obvious how all the parts are laid out - but - pay attention to the instructions when it comes to installing the side-tubes...they do have to go a certain way if you are going to be using the basket. That was the only thing I needed the instructions for. It's pretty apparent that the tubing is pre-drilled before paint/texture. That makes the joints a pretty tight fit and, in two instances (rear end of side tubes), required a bit of persuasion (courtesy of a 3/8" drill bit) for the screws to fit. Suggestion: lube the slip-joints with Vaseline before fit up to make the twisting and turning a bit easier. Also, and per the instructions, wait until everything is together before torquing everything down, then start at the bottom and work your way up. Once everything is tightened down, this rack is solid, no movement or rattles at all. A pleasant surprise! Suggestion: This rack adds about 100 pounds to the vehicle weight, so you may need to adjust tire pressure accordingly. Between my aftermarket front/rear bumpers and this rack, the recommended 37psi is now 41psi. Road noise: It's a Jeep. Enough said! This thing may drop the gas mileage a bit too, but the jury is still out on that. If we wanted fuel economy, we would have bought a Prius, right? Jury is also still out on the ease of dropping the top with the rack installed, but it doesn't appear that that will be a problem. The only people that drop the top in Florida in August are tourists! I'll wait until October to find that out for myself, thanks! Bottom Line Up Front: Pros: Ease of installation, well-built, carries a load, looks bad-a**. Cons: Lack of portability, road noise, added weight.
Posted by Paul (Jacksonville, FL) / August 12, 20162014 Jeep Wrangler