Stock bumper winch mount? About to embark on fab'ing one up, Any tips?

[Ollieb2705]

Evening from the UK guys and girls. This is the first of (hopefully) many posts to come!

I would like to fabricate a winch mounting plate for my winch. I've decided to do it now and get it done properly before other mods.

I've found a few threads on the topic, mostly just talk, but one with photos. Apologies about it being from another forum, I feel like a cheater on my first post!

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/xj-winch-behind-original-bumper-928227/

It looks okay, my question is, is this the best way to go about it? I agree cutting the front X-member is the only way if you want an integrated, hidden winch system.

I am stripping down the winch now, and all the electrics will be on extended lines and located where the stock air box is. (I have a k&n atm, will eventually go through the fire wall, under the scuttle. but that's for another day!)


Any tips, ideas and abuse all welcome!

[4.3LXJ]

Hi Ollie. I can understand why you would want to do this, since it looks nice and clean when done. There is one thing I would caution about this. If you get a cable pinched, it can be a real bugger getting the cable unspooled without a way to get to it. But yes, if you want to hide it you will have to do something about the front cross member.

[Rlpetty43]

just an random thought how about using a front receiver and just put the winch on when needed? something like this http://www.carid.com/draw-tite/front-trailer-hitch-with-receiver-opening-mpn-65009.html?gclid=CMOd2M7g48kCFQMMaQodBd0HLw

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-Winch-Accessories/Winch-Mount-Plate.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=126&t_pt=3440&t_pn=WES47-3100&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&emlprox=out&ppcfon=1&gp=1&gclid=CKy1yYvh48kCFQgKaQodG68AGQ

just throwing out another option granted its a compromise but the winch can be moved to the rear if needed.

[cobalt6700]

I know winch bumpers in the UK are hard to get hold of, let me know if you'd like one :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cobalt6700/IMG_1528_zpskvh7bxgs.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/cobalt6700/media/IMG_1528_zpskvh7bxgs.jpg.html)

[abebehrmann]

Evening from the UK guys and girls. This is the first of (hopefully) many posts to come!

I would like to fabricate a winch mounting plate for my winch. I've decided to do it now and get it done properly before other mods.

I've found a few threads on the topic, mostly just talk, but one with photos. Apologies about it being from another forum, I feel like a cheater on my first post!

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/xj-winch-behind-original-bumper-928227/

It looks okay, my question is, is this the best way to go about it? I agree cutting the front X-member is the only way if you want an integrated, hidden winch system.

I am stripping down the winch now, and all the electrics will be on extended lines and located where the stock air box is. (I have a k&n atm, will eventually go through the fire wall, under the scuttle. but that's for another day!)


Any tips, ideas and abuse all welcome!

That sounds like an awesome idea. As long as it is well braced, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

I hope you take lots of pics and share them with us... :pray::pray::pray: