Front crossmember delete for bumper upgrade?

[TreverStevens]

I found a guy selling a custom fabricated front bumper for a TJ, but you remove the front crossmember so the winch can sit a bit lower in front of the grill. I can’t remember what thickness the bumper is made out of, but it was pretty stout. Bumper is pretty well priced and is along the lines of what I’m looking for. Has the option of removing the front crossmember been discussed before? I couldn’t find any previous threads.

 

[Wildman]

I found a guy selling a custom fabricated front bumper for a TJ, but you remove the front crossmember so the winch can sit a bit lower in front of the grill. I can’t remember what thickness the bumper is made out of, but it was pretty stout. Bumper is pretty well priced and is along the lines of what I’m looking for. Has the option of removing the front crossmember been discussed before? I couldn’t find any previous threads.

Most people here who are doing a front bumper are looking at reducing weight and going aluminum & then a winch plate & low profile winch.

Based on where the steering box is I'm guessing you must be talking about a upright 8274 winch?

2 of us that I know of have removed the front crossmember & done the TNT Customs steering box rotation and stretch. That is about the only things I've seen dealing with the front crossmember.

 

[inkedrose]

Crossmember or sway bar? I have a motobilt bumper where the winch is sunk lower into the bumper. Won't work with a traditional sway bar, need a swayloc or antirock

 

[Wildman]

Crossmember or sway bar? I have a motobilt bumper where the winch is sunk lower into the bumper. Won't work with a traditional sway bar, need a swayloc or antirock

Like this?

One without the winch.... Doesn't actually sit any lower than any other winch on a winch plate.

 

[inkedrose]

@Wildman yeah looks similar, I don't have the full wrap though. The Crusher? Not a great photo of mine but jeep is buried in snow right now and I'm to lazy to go outside. Had a different bumper from PO when I bought it, this sits couple inches lower than what I had. Has a cut out that drops it and scoots it back next to grill

 

[inkedrose]

Like this?

View attachment 571544

One without the winch.... Doesn't actually sit any lower than any other winch on a winch plate.

View attachment 571546

I see what you're saying, still sits on frame rail

 

[Wildman]

@Wildman yeah looks similar, I don't have the full wrap though. The Crusher? Not a great photo of mine but jeep is buried in snow right now and I'm to lazy to go outside. Had a different bumper from PO when I bought it, this sits couple inches lower than what I had. Has a cut out that drops it and scoots it back next to grill

View attachment 571550

Yes Crusher with a 8274 plate welded into it. Had to do some trimming to make it all fit.

 

[inkedrose]

Yes Crusher with a 8274 plate welded into it. Had to do some trimming to make it all fit.

I have an old warn winch thats offset to one side. Had to notch the bumper a little to make it all fit

 

[jjvw]

I found a guy selling a custom fabricated front bumper for a TJ, but you remove the front crossmember so the winch can sit a bit lower in front of the grill. I can’t remember what thickness the bumper is made out of, but it was pretty stout. Bumper is pretty well priced and is along the lines of what I’m looking for. Has the option of removing the front crossmember been discussed before? I couldn’t find any previous threads.

Removing the front crossmember tube eliminates the ability to run an Antirock or SwayLoc. I would argue that is a poor compromise in performance.