Anyone install Rock Hard 4x4 Braces?

[DocTwinkie]

So I’m trying to install @ROCK HARD 4X4 braces. It’s been a nightmare. The bolts were initially completely wrong. They were nice and overnighted new bolts.
Those were still wrong but more right.
The braces attach with 10x1.5x50mm bolts. These use a 17mm socket head.
They fit fine but the recessed hole doesn’t leave enough room for an actual socket to fit to tighten them.

I’m at a loss here.

anyone have any ideas or should I just return/sell this?
Ps I have two socket sets. My impact and my dinky tekton and neither will a socket that fits that head fit that hole.

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[DocTwinkie]

My second question to the forum is these braces are 1/2” thick then on top of them I’m putting their plate steel tire carrier.

they are having me use the stock tire carrier bolts. I’m curious if they will still be long enough after that much is between them and the swing gate.

seems like new bolts 1/2” longer would be needed to safely secure it.

 

[DocTwinkie]

I’m thinking a stack of washers. Lol. WTF.

 

[DocTwinkie]

I’ll also clarify why I went with this tire carrier.

I have an @Metalcloak rear bumper. Bumper won’t allow the wing gate to close with the spare hitting the bumper. So tire needs moved out about 1/2”. Seems the issue is the stock hitch bolts push the bumper just a smidge far enough out that the gate won’t close.

I don’t really need up/down. I need out. This setup seems to do that nicely and the rubber isolators even get moved to the carrier allotting for the wheel being moved forward.

I liked the look of @Metalcloak’s carrier better but it says it’s not compatible with the stock tire/rims and without moving the isolators I don’t imagine I can move the tire out.

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