Winch Bumper modification

[etjeep]

I pulled off my winch bumper to make some modifications to it to get my winch to fit. The stock holes were the correct spacing but they were too close to the front plate/fairlead mount. Anyway, while I had it off I decided to do some trimming.

Before:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2260550390069564115bxlUMT

After:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2212385960069564115GdLTwz

Side view:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2678541380069564115gFZyPJ

I just need to plate up the underside, except the shackle swing area and create a beefy jack point. FWIW this is my $25 Chevy truck winch bumper I got at the inventory reduction sale to go with my $25 chevy brush guard I got at the same sale. To effectively create this:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2809146400069564115aqRtRI

I was initially thinking weight reduction, but I am not going to fool myself. Thought I would post up and show ya'll the progress.

[jepj2000]

What holes on the frame are you using to mount the bumper to? Looks pretty good for $50 bucks.

Rankin

[etjeep]

When I made my first bumper, it was just rectangular tube. I drilled three holes in the front crossmember and used 1/4" angle as a backing plate behind the cross-member. For this bumper, we just used the same three holes w/backing plate and the two on the frame rails were for the factory bumper supports.

[etjeep]

I just need to plate up the underside, except the shackle swing area and create a beefy jack point.

Did not do too much on the jeep last night. Looking from the bottom it already has decent jacking points on the ends of the center winch bucket. I am just going to weld the flanges back on the bottom edge and call it good.

I got another package in the mail from Ramsey last night. They sent me a new plastic cover for the remote solenoid pack. The old one got dinged up in shipping. Kudos to Ramsey for making good!

[etjeep]

Flanges welded back on.....
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2725128150069564115fqYAzb

this side just needs a little grinder work to smooth and ready for paint just like the other side.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2616731000069564115jsUPBr

I'll finish that up tomorrow.

[etjeep]

Got this finished. Ready for the rattle can. Just need to re-drill my winch holes and mount it.

[jepj2000]

Can't wait to see it mounted up. Be sure to post some pics when it is done.

Rankin

[etjeep]

Gang,
I got everything painted up, Picked up some new 1/2" x 3" grade 8 bolts and got the winch bumper re-mounted. I have the winch mounted in the bucket as well as the roller fairlead. Fits nicely in the cutout I made and the great news is I do not have to trim the Al facia. I had my grill work off to do the nose trimming in the middle of the bottom front. I did this mostly so I could fully cover my radiator to protect from errant sparks or woopses.

The winch came with a big-S remote solenoid box, so I spent about 2-hours deciding where to mount it. I have a location picked out so I'll fab a mounting bracket and wire it. Pix to follow.

[etjeep]

The winch came with a big-S remote solenoid box, so I spent about 2-hours deciding where to mount it. I have a location picked out so I'll fab a mounting bracket and wire it. Pix to follow.

I fabbed up a bracket for the solenoid box last night so I can mount it in the location I wanted. As soon as the paint drys, I will be able to mount everything. I'll snap a few pix at that time.

[etjeep]

I got the winch installed and "garage-tested". I'll post a few pics later. I bought the remote and mounted the receiver behind the boobie turn signal on the pass side. I have the 12-ft power lead as well in case the remote ever goes fubar. I think I am going to like the remote control deal.

[etjeep]

Here is a pic of the final w/winch installed;
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2613334940069564115YxfRcv
More pics in the winch album

[Slick Willie]

Nice. I like the barstool idea. :thumbsup:

[etjeep]

Thanks. It was the perfect height since I had to attach the ground cable from the solenoid pack.