Full System Installation 4xGuard Matrix Full System Installation Step by Step by Chirpz

It took me a long time to decide to bite the bullet and purchase the 4xGuard Matrix system. It is not the cheapest system out there. Perhaps not even the strongest. I chose it for several reasons: 1. I just like the way it looks. It is a nice blend of good looks and function. 2. It goes with my other 4xGuard choices 3. It has a front receiver hitch 4. It is a “bolt on” system.... no drilling required I'm not going to argue the good or bad of it. You look at the various systems out there, and make your own choice. If you choose the 4xGuard system, then this guide may help you install it. It is not intended to be a substitute for using the directions that are supplied with the gear. Read the directions.

I ordered the system online from JBA Offroad I ordered the system online from JBA Offroad. They shipped it out quickly. There are 5 boxes in the full meal deal. This pictures shows 3 of them. The packaging was professional and secure. Everything arrived safe and secure. Disposing of the packaging was the only problem because there is a lot of it. Those foam pads squish down pretty thin but then they re-expand pretty quickly. The re-cycle people in our county won't take them so we have to stuff them in the garbage a few at a time. Flatten your boxes and use them as a padding to work on as you install your system. This will help avoid scratches.

I ordered the FULL matrix system that includes everything I ordered the FULL matrix system that includes everything. If you order less, your installation will be similar but not exactly the same. Some parts are not used when you have the full system. Most important, if your Jeep does NOT have the OEM tow hooks, you will need to order an extra part and you will have to remove your front facia. Since my Jeep DID have the hooks, I did not have to do this. So... if you have to go that route, you are on your own for that aspect of the install. The instructions included with the package are adequate.

If you have a 4xGuard Front Guard, remove it If you have a 4xGuard Front Guard, remove it. It is held on with 4 - 3/4” bolts. Do not remove the mounting brackets that it attaches to....just remove the big plate.

Remove your license plate, and then remove your tow hooks Remove your license plate, and then remove your tow hooks. The hooks are held on with 3 stud bolts and nuts. Two of the nuts are easily seen and can be removed with a ratchet and extension. I was temped to remove a piece of chrome trim but was able to flex it out of the way enough to remove the nuts. (I sprayed all the nuts with penetrating oil a day in advance.) Chrome Trim Two easy nuts

Three puny bolts hold the lower part of your plastic facia. Remove them, but save them. (Picture shows only two, I'm sure you will find them all)

Lay on your back, pull the loose facia forward a little and you will see the hidden nuts that hold the hooks. I used a ratchet and long extension to remove them. All the hook nuts are very tight! Hidden Nut

Set you hooks aside. If you are lucky, you can find someone to buy them. In the photo below, you can easily see the layout of the mounting holes.

This picture shows one inside and one outside mounting bracket This picture shows one inside and one outside mounting bracket. All parts are clearly identified with stamped part numbers. “Outside” means the bracket that is closest to the tire. “Inside” means the bracket that is closest to the centerline of the Jeep. These are the brackets for the passenger side of the Jeep. If you ordered the FULL matrix system, you will discard the two inside brackets. Discard Inside brackets Install the outside brackets using two nuts. I used the nuts that I removed from the hooks. Leave the nuts a little loose for now. Outside bracket install these Inside bracket is NOT used with the receiver kit. Front of Jeep

To install the outside bracket, just slip it over the two outside studs where the tow hooks were attached and hold them on with two nuts, barely snug. This picture shows the passenger side outside bracket installed. Remove the stud bolts that were used in the third hole of the hooks. There is one on each side of the Jeep. Just give them a good whack! Outside Bracket Remove studs one on each side Front of Jeep Two Nuts

Next you need to insert these backer plates into this hole. One plate goes on each side and they are “handed.” This hole is on the passenger side. The plate below is oriented properly to fit into the big hole and line up with the bolt holes. The little knobs face upward so the plate lays flat. Left access hole Left backer

Position the “Receiver” in place and attach it to the cross frame with 4 bolts. Leave all the bolts a little loose until everything is assembled after which we will have a final tightening. Place the heavy main bracket on the outside of the outside bracket making a steel sandwich and secure all three pieces with 3 large bolts. Leave them a little loose. Large Bracket Bolts Steel sandwich with the “outside” bracket in the middle Cross frame bolts If you are not using the receiver hitch, the “Inside Bracket” previously shown goes here.

This shows the driver side steel sandwich This shows the driver side steel sandwich. Notice that the long leg of the main bracket goes under the front of the Jeep. The short leg sticks up in front. Main Bracket Outside Bracket Notice that the Main Bracket fits OUTSIDE of the “outside bracket” Steel Sandwich Receiver Mount

Receiver kit Steel Sandwich Notice that the thick main brackets go to the extreme outside of everything.

Now you need to fully assemble the complete super-structure of the Matrix System. Attach the center trim to the risers using 4 bolts, two each side. Fully tighten them to 30 pounds. Use your padding to avoid scratches. Bolts

Attach the top hoop to the top of the risers. Inside bolt Attach the top hoop to the top of the risers. One bolt threads in from the inside of the riser on each side. One bolt is visible from the front. (Note – in this photo I have the hoop turned the wrong way...just flip it.)

Outside bolt for the hoop. You can fully tighten the hoop bolts now. Attach the brush guard rails with one bolt through the top hole from the back side. Fully tighten it but make sure that the other two holes line up. You should now have the complete super-structure assembled. Line these up but leave them empty

Place the fully assembled super-structure over the thick main brackets and bolt in place with two bolts per side. Make them snug but not fully tight.

Stand back and line everything up making little adjustments where needed. Make sure the brush rails look good. Make sure your hoop is not touching the body. Snug the four side bolts. Then beginning at the bottom, tighten everything to the proper torque. Re-check the alignment as you go.

Oops! I threw away the directions. This is a delimma. I'm old and now I have to remember something. As I recall, the medium size bolts and nuts that secure to the original hook studs are 65 pounds. All the receiver bolts are also 65 pounds. The big bolts on the steel sandwich are 70 pounds. Double check them all several times. The small super-structure bolts are 30 pounds. Consult your directions to make sure that I stating the torques correctly. Replace the 3 puny bolts that secure the plastic facia bottom. Reinstall your 4xGuard Front Guard

You did it. Only one thing remains You did it!! Only one thing remains. Get yourself a nice bow shackle to fit into that receiver and you are ready to pull anybody out of the muck.