Front bumper options (with winch)

[ChadH]

I just really don’t like windshield mounted light bars. They can whistle. They require an A-Pillar mount and most people do a shoddy job and it rusts. Then there’s the wiring which also is usually shoddy.

You could add a hoop to the OEM Bumper and a light bar there. I think it would clear the winch. Do something like @tworley. Then a bracket with some KC Hilite Fogs behind the OEM recovery hooks.

Thats exactly why I was looking at the Q-Tech bumper option. It would fit the fog lights, plus the 4 BD XL80's I run. I have never had windshield mounted lights before because of concern for whistling, and light glare back form the hood.

I do like the hoop idea but finding somebody in Missoula to fabricate one that works around the winch and then get a quality powder coat job so it doesnt chip and rust right away would be a big challenge.

It might be even cheaper yet to just keep the current bumper, and return the winch mount I have for a raised one that will work with the bumper.

 

[JMT]

It might be even cheaper yet to just keep the current bumper, and return the winch mount I have for a raised one that will work with the bumper.

If you’re happy with your bumper that’s what I’d do.

 

[tworley]

I just really don’t like windshield mounted light bars. They can whistle. They require an A-Pillar mount and most people do a shoddy job and it rusts. Then there’s the wiring which also is usually shoddy.

You could add a hoop to the OEM Bumper and a light bar there. I think it would clear the winch. Do something like @tworley. Then a bracket with some KC Hilite Fogs behind the OEM recovery hooks.

I think it was @sunnysideup_lj who originally came up with the design (plates and gussets), @rasband used it, then I copied them. The bar was $100 IIRC from Barnes, the plates and gussets were maybe $25-50 from SendcutSend, I cant quite remember the cost.

I do like the hoop idea but finding somebody in Missoula to fabricate one that works around the winch and then get a quality powder coat job so it doesnt chip and rust right away would be a big challenge.

It might be even cheaper yet to just keep the current bumper, and return the winch mount I have for a raised one that will work with the bumper.

Good excuse to buy a welder and start practicing! Its a fun tool to have and opens up the door to a lot you can do with your jeep.

My trimmed down stock bumber with an RC winch plate. I think my superwinch with syn rope is 60lbs

 

[ChadH]

Good excuse to buy a welder and start practicing! Its a fun tool to have and opens up the door to a lot you can do with your jeep.

I would love to but I dont have a shop. Everything I do is outside in the yard - so fabrication abilities are very limited to maybe some cutting here and there.

 

[Camdenst]

I’m in the same boat and leaning towards the Dirtworx, I like the full length look. Rob told the standard bumper is 40lbs.

 

[Camdenst]

There is also the UCF Aluminum one if weight is a concern. I’m torn between the two

 

[Westtown Willy]

if you ask him real nice I'm sure @Chris will make you one just like his

 

[ChadH]

I ended up ordering another winch mount. It is a raised mount so it can work with the current bumper on the TJ. Kinda a bummer it has to be raise up an inch or two but thats the only option at the moment. The other mount that sits flat is expensive to ship back for a return so it will be used on the LJ with the OEM bumper. Keeping it light up front is a goal and the weight of the Q-Tech bumper would bring front end additions to nearly 200 pounds which seems awful excessive, so I will just have to find someone to fabricate a couple bull bar's with tabs to mount the lights. I appreciate everybody's input!

 

[Camdenst]

I prefer the look of a raised plate, It tucks everything back a bit.

 

[ChadH]

I prefer the look of a raised plate, It tucks everything back a bit.

View attachment 575673

I do agree with that statement as well but I wasn't sure if it would put the winch too close to the grille to cause an issue. I'll have to double check with my winch where the wires come out, its been in the basement for several months now.

 

[Irun]

Stock bumper, winch plate, and winch cover.

Cheap bumper to replace if you hit a deer, and you’d probably get some damage either way.

Another option is an aftermarket steel stubby bumper. Keeps weight down (~42lbs) and strong. Doesn’t protect fenders

Add a set of these to what @JMT said. This cleans up the front end a little, is a cheap alternative, and the factory milk jugs offer no additional protection.

https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-12031-11-Stubby-1997-2006-Wrangler/dp/B07DGNS5YT/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Camdenst]

I have about an inch with a Warn Zeon 8

 

[ChadH]

Thats a good amount of room actually. Hmm.... well the raised mount is on backorder, and I have the flat mount right here. I'll put the raised mount on the TJ since it needs it, and see what the flat mount looks like on the LJ and see which I like best - but I agree having it tucked back instead of being pushed out a couple inches is preferred. I wouldnt get much back by returning the flat mount though so I might just end up using it anyway.

 

[Camdenst]

if you ask him real nice I'm sure @Chris will make you one just like his

View attachment 575662

What do you think that thing weighs hahaha