Recessed mount winch bumper build

[dfjeepster]

I had previously installed the JCR Unibody tie in plates which I am very happy with and which should allow me to run a decent quality bumper that will bolt on in the stock location yet be much stronger without having to pull the steering box any time I need to pull the bumper.
Here's the JCR tie in plates

Whipped up some new bumper brackets from 1/4" plate 5" high 8" long drilled accordingly

Used a universal winch mounting channel as I had it sitting around, welded up about 30 extra holes in it and trimmed the edges down to fit up to the 5" high side plates

Approach angle with the new bumper

I am waiting on my D ring mounts to fit them in, then it will all get welded up and I am planning on some tube work for side protection and a small stinger type bar in front and then of course mount up the winch and trim the front crossmember when I get the money together.

 

[MrShaft696]

nice, very nice mounts & nice start, good foundation for a bumper you can build off of.

 

[dfjeepster]

Okay dug out the bender and started playing around

Bent up a small stinger

I also started the extensions that will go in front of the fenders but didn't get pics of them in place
My d ring mounts showed up at 5pm so after the kids went to bed I snuck out to fit them in and start welding it all together, who cares if its 19 degrees and snowing there's jeep work to be done, I just finished up a few minutes ago

Tacked in place

The d ring mounts will be fully perimeter welded and plug welded through the mounting plates
Mostly welded up

That's where it sits for tonight, I didn't want to piss off my neighbors too much by grinding this late. Hopefully after I finish shovelling this snow tomorrow I can get my tube work welded on and paint this thing up and mount it up. I might have a line on a super cheap winch too.

 

[retarius]

Looks great. I'll be following this as it is the direction I want to go on mine. What are you planning on using for a winch?

 

[dfjeepster]

Looks great. I'll be following this as it is the direction I want to go on mine. What are you planning on using for a winch?

Thanks I'm going to use a standard 8k or 9k non integrated solenoid winch like Ramsey, Harbor Freight, Engo, etc... I'm leaning towards the Engo as I've read great reviews and its pretty cheap but will have to see what I find a deal on.

 

[dfjeepster]

Finished the welding and got the hoop welded on too. Attempting to paint it but its only 16 out right now so I'm not sure how it'll come out. I'm going to add some fender protection and supports to the hoop but that can wait a little bit and I still need a winch.

 

[dfjeepster]

 

[G2WANIT]

NICE! you made it look easy, that would take me a month!

I'll be making a very similar bumper at some point, I'm looking forward to seeing how you shape/tie in the sides. :thumbup:

 

[dfjeepster]

I definitely want to add my tube work but will wait till its wamer and I pull it to mount the winch