I went with the exact same setup just before you did. Smittybilt cage and rock hard C pillars. I’m definitely very impressed with the Smittybilt cage compared to all the rest of their stuff. I’m very happy I went the route I did. Only way I’ll ever replace it is if I do roll the Jeep and destroy the cage. Then I’ll go with a weld in. Until then it’ll stay in my rig forever. Nice video! Very informative. I wanted to do a video of the Smittybilt cage because there’s not much out there, but you did it much better than I would have.
I’m glad it helped. It’s good to hear that yours was the same quality. I was definitely surprised. I was expecting cheap stuff and would have been okay with it as a temporary cage. But I’m as impressed as you are. Thanks for the support man. Appreciate it!
Do you think this type of cage would be good for a Hellcat jeep youd look to drag race/daily driver? With high speed if wreck possibly hold up safely. @@WarPaintOffroad
Man I want to thank you for this video and all the information you have given me thank you again you have helped me make my choice for my family's safety
Great info and video. I run Smittybilt front/rear bumpers and have had zero issues with them. The finish has held up and I like the look. Anyone can be a product snob when they aren’t funding the project.
I'm thinking about getting a Trektop NX and I have the Smittybilt cage with Rockhard4x4's c-pillar braces. Did you have any interference issues with the top?
Yes sir! I remember. I have tons of them planned. I just can’t do them all super quickly. I can’t wait to do the fender deletes video. That will be soon. But I need the time. Maybe I’ll start them next week.
No issue with a soft top at all. I run a bestop glide slant back and don’t have any issues at all. It first with a hard top too. The new boy thing you might have to do with the hard top it’s trim where the roof and Abel’s line up on top of the speaker bar. But there are directions that show you how to do it. It’s very simple.
just bought this kit for my TJ and i plan on installing it then welding it at all the clamp points. and then adding the pillars that go all the way to the floor from another company
Hate to be devils advocate but all I can think of with that roll cage is how it would snap off in pieces and impale and dismember the occupants in the cabin during a high speed collision. By the looks of it though it seems to be sufficiently capable of surviving a low speed roll over on the trail. Bit of a catch 22 damned if you will damned if you don’t situation.
Yes and no. The jeep is an Offroad rig. Nothing about it would snap off in a high speed collision at all. And nothing is in a position to impale anyone. But that’s exactly it…it’s a jeep. It doesn’t do high speed anything. This cage is meant to make the factory roll bar stronger while still allowing full use of the interior. It works for what it is.
What do you think about welding the clamps together after the install and then welding them to the factory cage. I think this would eliminate inherent weak spot of the clamp and the bolts that hold it together. Also, that side mount of the front section doesn't look ideal. Is there room to tie in a tube that takes it to the floor? Seems you are happy with the quality of the tubing?
So I’m very happy with the quality of the tube and the welds. There really isn’t a way with this cage to tie it into the floor. But the door jam steel where it mounts is much thicker and not just sheet metal…so it’s stronger than you think. Remember, this cage is t meant to be a race level cage that will roll and roll and not deform. It simply adds more safety than the factory roll bar offers without it. With that said, I don’t think welding the clamps would add necessary strength. Of course it would make the clamps stronger…but the clamps are already not the weak point of this cage…the rest of the factory cage is. So for a full race ready cage…a well designed weld in is the only option. I’ll probably do one of those eventually. But the added strength and safety this cage provides over the factory roll bar at this price point…just can’t beat it.
Thanks for the support. So I took the bolt in cage and painted it before I installed it. The rest of the cage, I just pulled the padding and took off the speaker bar. I covered the interior with plastic and the. Sanded, cleaned, primed, and rattle canned the cage. It has held up really well.
Good vid, so you went with a Smitty Built cage, and Rock Hard rear pillars? Or are those rear pillars from Smitty? Was thinking weld in cage, but I don't feel like I need that. This looks good...
Smittybilt cage and the rock hard c pillars. Rock hard also makes a harness bar for the front and the rear. I don’t have the need for those at this point. But this bolt in cage offers a lot more protection than not having one. I’m happy with it for now.
Having a look at some of your back catalogue. I have flirted with the TJ version of this cage, so interesting to hear your comments re the strength of the joints. I also note rockhard still don't appear to specify material beyond saying it is steel. A year on has your thinking evolved?
Hey there! Great question. So at this point…I’m still very happy with it. For my uses. At the end of the day and like I said in this video, it’s still not as strong as a full weld in. But it allows use of the interior better and easier…I will be doing a designed by me weld in cage on my CJ build…because I’ll wheel that jeep on more extreme stuff and a little harder than I wheel my Jku. Eventually, I might upgrade the cage in the Jku to a full weld in. But for now…still using it as a daily here and there…I like the added protection and full use of interior.
Hi @@WarPaintOffroad I just came back to this video as I was after finding out if Smittybilt and Rock Hard tube size is the same, and therefore if the harness bar from Rock Hard will fit the Smittybilt cage. I had forgotten about your C Pillar addition - question answered, thank you Being in the UK the cost of Jeep parts can by eye watering - just imagine the cost of shipping a cage, after that there is almost 25% import taxes (including on the cost of shipping). So having quality reviews and product info, as provided by your channel is really appreciated. I have a friend who rolled his JK down a hill last year, went over three times. The cage saved his life. I had thought it was a weld in, but have just found out it was bolt in. So maybe not as good as a weld in, but bolt in cages do dramatically improve things if something goes wrong!
Great to hear! Thanks for the support! I really like that cage. However, this fall I’ll be starting a couple fun builds that I’ll fully film and put in here. And I’ll be showing an affordable way to bend and make your own tube sliders and cage. So stay tuned for even more options.
Looking at getting this product. Can't find diameter of the bar going across the dash. I want to order clamps to mount my traildash and phone but need to know diameter of dash bar. Thanks.
Well it’s certainly not a cage like a weld in. But it’s much stronger than not having it in and just relying on the factory thin wall roll bar. That was my point in doing it. Just added protection until another cage is built.
I just added it to the description. I thought it was already there. Sorry about that. Just be sure you order the right cage for your year. There are some slight differences.
I understand. I might have mention it in the video, I can’t remember, but mine doesn’t restrict my view anymore than without it because of where I have my Hi-Lift Jack mounted. I’m not sure how long you have had it installed. But give it some time. You’ll get used to it. It’s in the same position as all other roll cages.
@@WarPaintOffroad you were correct, time is all that was needed. I don't even notice it anymore. The only time I do is when I jump in the wife's JL and it isn't there. I do enjoy the look and the ability to mount accessories like my tablet and phone to it with ease. I just hope I never test out its primary function. Keep up the good videos!
Every one of your videos that I was interested in a watched was really good and informative but when you have a Channel with videos you open yourself up to criticism from everybody you just got to have thick skin and handle it crying about it only makes them get on you more so keep your head up and keep going
I thought I showed it? I guess I didn’t edit the video with how it attaches on the bottom. That must have gotten edited out. But I definitely showed the clamp on the top. Not much else to see. But you’ll get info from the bottom on Rock Hard 4x4’s website.
Yea. It got edited out. Never made the cut. But they definitely have a decent website with a ton of photos. It was pretty easy to instal. I’ll have to show it in another video when I review the softtop.
Hey buddy, it’s a good cage. It will only make the factory cage stiffer. I was impressed with the quality. It’s not as strong as a weld in…but it’s a good start.
I went with the exact same setup just before you did. Smittybilt cage and rock hard C pillars. I’m definitely very impressed with the Smittybilt cage compared to all the rest of their stuff. I’m very happy I went the route I did. Only way I’ll ever replace it is if I do roll the Jeep and destroy the cage. Then I’ll go with a weld in. Until then it’ll stay in my rig forever. Nice video! Very informative. I wanted to do a video of the Smittybilt cage because there’s not much out there, but you did it much better than I would have.
I’m glad it helped. It’s good to hear that yours was the same quality. I was definitely surprised. I was expecting cheap stuff and would have been okay with it as a temporary cage. But I’m as impressed as you are.
Thanks for the support man. Appreciate it!
Do you think this type of cage would be good for a Hellcat jeep youd look to drag race/daily driver? With high speed if wreck possibly hold up safely. @@WarPaintOffroad
Man I want to thank you for this video and all the information you have given me thank you again you have helped me make my choice for my family's safety
I’m so glad! I’m sorry I didn’t see this comment sooner. But I’m really happy that it helped you decide on what you wanted.
What a great video- you brought up some excellent points regarding research, and why you went with SmittyBilt. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for the support!
Great info and video. I run Smittybilt front/rear bumpers and have had zero issues with them. The finish has held up and I like the look. Anyone can be a product snob when they aren’t funding the project.
For sure!
Definitely informative video and getting a cage is something that I have been considering for a while now.
Well done thanks for the info you answered so many questions I had
Definitely putting this on my shopping list🙌🏽🙌🏽
I'm thinking about getting a Trektop NX and I have the Smittybilt cage with Rockhard4x4's c-pillar braces. Did you have any interference issues with the top?
None at all. It didn’t affect it one bit. It affects the hard top more actually. But it fit like the soft top was designed around it.
@@WarPaintOffroad Good to hear, thanks man!
thanks for the video, I requested it and you produced it. Great info
Yes sir! I remember. I have tons of them planned. I just can’t do them all super quickly. I can’t wait to do the fender deletes video. That will be soon. But I need the time. Maybe I’ll start them next week.
Nice Jeep. Red cage pops! Good choice. Good job.
Hey curious can you still run soft top with it? Kinda looks like the clamps might interfere with surrounds. Any issues with hard top?
No issue with a soft top at all. I run a bestop glide slant back and don’t have any issues at all. It first with a hard top too. The new boy thing you might have to do with the hard top it’s trim where the roof and Abel’s line up on top of the speaker bar. But there are directions that show you how to do it. It’s very simple.
@@WarPaintOffroad thank you I been considering this cage also and run hard top in winter soft in summer months.
just bought this kit for my TJ and i plan on installing it then welding it at all the clamp points. and then adding the pillars that go all the way to the floor from another company
Assuming you mean the Rock Hard froor support extensions. Have you done that yet? If so, do they just bolt up to the smittybilt cage?
Hate to be devils advocate but all I can think of with that roll cage is how it would snap off in pieces and impale and dismember the occupants in the cabin during a high speed collision. By the looks of it though it seems to be sufficiently capable of surviving a low speed roll over on the trail. Bit of a catch 22 damned if you will damned if you don’t situation.
Yes and no. The jeep is an Offroad rig. Nothing about it would snap off in a high speed collision at all. And nothing is in a position to impale anyone. But that’s exactly it…it’s a jeep. It doesn’t do high speed anything. This cage is meant to make the factory roll bar stronger while still allowing full use of the interior. It works for what it is.
What do you think about welding the clamps together after the install and then welding them to the factory cage. I think this would eliminate inherent weak spot of the clamp and the bolts that hold it together.
Also, that side mount of the front section doesn't look ideal. Is there room to tie in a tube that takes it to the floor?
Seems you are happy with the quality of the tubing?
So I’m very happy with the quality of the tube and the welds. There really isn’t a way with this cage to tie it into the floor. But the door jam steel where it mounts is much thicker and not just sheet metal…so it’s stronger than you think. Remember, this cage is t meant to be a race level cage that will roll and roll and not deform. It simply adds more safety than the factory roll bar offers without it. With that said, I don’t think welding the clamps would add necessary strength. Of course it would make the clamps stronger…but the clamps are already not the weak point of this cage…the rest of the factory cage is. So for a full race ready cage…a well designed weld in is the only option. I’ll probably do one of those eventually. But the added strength and safety this cage provides over the factory roll bar at this price point…just can’t beat it.
Thanks for the video, great information 👏🏻
Thanks for the support!
Great video. I love the red on your jeep. How did you paint the cage?
Thanks for the support. So I took the bolt in cage and painted it before I installed it. The rest of the cage, I just pulled the padding and took off the speaker bar. I covered the interior with plastic and the. Sanded, cleaned, primed, and rattle canned the cage. It has held up really well.
Good vid, so you went with a Smitty Built cage, and Rock Hard rear pillars? Or are those rear pillars from Smitty? Was thinking weld in cage, but I don't feel like I need that. This looks good...
Smittybilt cage and the rock hard c pillars. Rock hard also makes a harness bar for the front and the rear. I don’t have the need for those at this point. But this bolt in cage offers a lot more protection than not having one. I’m happy with it for now.
Having a look at some of your back catalogue. I have flirted with the TJ version of this cage, so interesting to hear your comments re the strength of the joints. I also note rockhard still don't appear to specify material beyond saying it is steel.
A year on has your thinking evolved?
Hey there! Great question. So at this point…I’m still very happy with it. For my uses. At the end of the day and like I said in this video, it’s still not as strong as a full weld in. But it allows use of the interior better and easier…I will be doing a designed by me weld in cage on my CJ build…because I’ll wheel that jeep on more extreme stuff and a little harder than I wheel my Jku. Eventually, I might upgrade the cage in the Jku to a full weld in. But for now…still using it as a daily here and there…I like the added protection and full use of interior.
Hi @@WarPaintOffroad I just came back to this video as I was after finding out if Smittybilt and Rock Hard tube size is the same, and therefore if the harness bar from Rock Hard will fit the Smittybilt cage. I had forgotten about your C Pillar addition - question answered, thank you
Being in the UK the cost of Jeep parts can by eye watering - just imagine the cost of shipping a cage, after that there is almost 25% import taxes (including on the cost of shipping). So having quality reviews and product info, as provided by your channel is really appreciated.
I have a friend who rolled his JK down a hill last year, went over three times. The cage saved his life. I had thought it was a weld in, but have just found out it was bolt in. So maybe not as good as a weld in, but bolt in cages do dramatically improve things if something goes wrong!
I really appreciate your input and perspective on this. I am actively considering cages. I think this might work for me. Have a great day!
Great to hear! Thanks for the support! I really like that cage. However, this fall I’ll be starting a couple fun builds that I’ll fully film and put in here. And I’ll be showing an affordable way to bend and make your own tube sliders and cage. So stay tuned for even more options.
@@WarPaintOffroad Where are you located?
Texas. You?
@@WarPaintOffroad Southern Utah. St George.
That’s awesome. I’ll be out in Moab for EJS in 2023.
Love the cage. How much weight did this add to your jeep?
Looking at getting this product. Can't find diameter of the bar going across the dash. I want to order clamps to mount my traildash and phone but need to know diameter of dash bar. Thanks.
Awesome. It’s the same as the rest of the tubing on the cage, 1.75 inches.
this appears to be a great cage. I like the looks of it so the strength or durability would be my own concern.
Well it’s certainly not a cage like a weld in. But it’s much stronger than not having it in and just relying on the factory thin wall roll bar. That was my point in doing it. Just added protection until another cage is built.
Can you leave link for the cage and c pilars.. thanks great video help me
I just added it to the description. I thought it was already there. Sorry about that. Just be sure you order the right cage for your year. There are some slight differences.
@@WarPaintOffroad thanks will do..
just wanted to no what was they price on all of they roll cage
At the time I bought it, I paid about $600. It might be more now. Depends on who you buy it from as well and if you can find a sale.
How did u match the red paint to the red powder?
None of it is powder. I painted the cage…I sanded down the powder that came in it and repainted it to match the rest.
I'm having a hard time getting use to the lower bar on the dash. I wish it was a half inch lower.
I understand. I might have mention it in the video, I can’t remember, but mine doesn’t restrict my view anymore than without it because of where I have my Hi-Lift Jack mounted. I’m not sure how long you have had it installed. But give it some time. You’ll get used to it. It’s in the same position as all other roll cages.
@@WarPaintOffroad you were correct, time is all that was needed. I don't even notice it anymore. The only time I do is when I jump in the wife's JL and it isn't there.
I do enjoy the look and the ability to mount accessories like my tablet and phone to it with ease. I just hope I never test out its primary function.
Keep up the good videos!
Great video that’s roll cage fits hard tops
It does! Apparently you have to trim a tiny bit out of the freedom panels (on the inside of course). But there are videos showing that. It’s simple!
@@WarPaintOffroad thank you 👍🏼👍🏼
Next upgrade forsure
Thanks for the support! You’ll be happy with it. I was VERY surprised at the quality.
Dan do you know do they make this kit for the 2 door?
They do. They also make it for the TJ. Search around and you’ll find a part number. Then try different places for the best price.
Can you still run hard top with it?
You can!
Every one of your videos that I was interested in a watched was really good and informative but when you have a Channel with videos you open yourself up to criticism from everybody you just got to have thick skin and handle it crying about it only makes them get on you more so keep your head up and keep going
Yes sir. I just didn’t want people to think that I’m ignoring them when they have great things to say. Thanks for the support brother!
good i liked it good one
Thanks for the support!
Would have been nice to see the C pillar setup.
I thought I showed it? I guess I didn’t edit the video with how it attaches on the bottom. That must have gotten edited out. But I definitely showed the clamp on the top. Not much else to see. But you’ll get info from the bottom on Rock Hard 4x4’s website.
Yes, I was referring to the bottom where it mounts to the tub. I found what I needed on their website.
Yea. It got edited out. Never made the cut. But they definitely have a decent website with a ton of photos. It was pretty easy to instal. I’ll have to show it in another video when I review the softtop.
Hi amigo l.want to buy cage ...is good
Hey buddy, it’s a good cage. It will only make the factory cage stiffer. I was impressed with the quality. It’s not as strong as a weld in…but it’s a good start.
Thank you sir
Thanks for the support!
Into cage bolt n jku smittybuilt fine
I have the Smittybilt in my LJ...........
It’s a great cage. Really surprised me.