bracing for a winch question

[rehab]

not totally advaced but i would like your imput and your flames...

i need some opinions on how to brace the top of the bumper for the winch on the bumper i just rendered up. any info would be appreciated. i plan on building it out of 3/16 4*6 angle if possible (depending on the metal yard) and 1/4 plate for the mounts. ive built similar bumpers but never included a winch mount. thanks!
pics:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/88jeepcherokee/bumper_draft_winch_4.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/88jeepcherokee/bumper_draft_winch_3-1.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/88jeepcherokee/bumper_draft_winch_2-1.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/88jeepcherokee/bumper_draft_winch_1-1.jpg

PS.
if you have google sketch up then i can email you the file and you can play with it if you would like.

[IslanderXJ]

PM'ed you for a copy, will email you a adequately modified version. :D

[tealcherokee]

google cad....


thats awsome

[IslanderXJ]

Well, I haven't got anything yet. So I will just tell you.
You need bracing underneath the winch tray, the way you have it now the winch would bend the top of the bumper out and up as you winched.

[tealcherokee]

the 2nd pic shows what im talking about.

put a piece of box tubing, prolly 2x6x.25 wall between the mounts (where your D tabs are) and make it so its up against the top of the bumper (where the winch is going to mount).

use the box tubing to mount the winch to

[rehab]

cool thanks for the help guys. i havent built a winch bumper yet and just wanted to hear what you guys suggested. thanks!

[vintagespeed]

Box the back of the winch tray area in (will be lighter than using sq. tube) and add an extra layer of 3/16" plate under the winch tray to provide some resistance to flexing & the bolts ripping out. (aka Farmer syndrome)

Most "official" winch trays are 1/4" so if you use 3/16 + 3/16 = 3/8 it'll be stout & still light.

Nice design!

[muleequipped]

pm me the file and I'll run my brain through it