I have searched the forum for this topic, but have yet to find an answer. A winch wouldn't be a bad idea for me, but I can't afford a new bumper to hold it. So; 1) Will the stock bumper have enough area to mount the "average" winch?, and 2)Will the stock bumper get pulled off while using the winch?

 

I seen a thread here someplace....
They took a stock bumper and re-enforced it with angle etc behind it, and used a winch plate on it.
So it can be done but its not a simple cut n paste ordeal.
Plate: http://www.performance4trucks.com/Wi...=1sv2pgnk0hw7f
Just found the thread thanks to google.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/fr...w-winch-97312/

 

bumpers are rated for like 5mph but theres a mount that incorporates the stock bumper, http://detoursusa.com/xjbackbone.php check out his sweet build while your at it https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/ro...y-story-71774/

 

Crap. I always forget about using Google to search the forum. Right now I'm kinda limited as far as fabricating stuff, because I don't have a welder. But hopefully my dad will be getting one soon. I like the idea of cutting "splicing" in the plate.

 

I think that your best bet would be to either cruise the local wrecking yards for suitable bumper, fab one up yourself, or buy one off craigslist.

Even doing some fab work to strengthen the stock bumper is only going to be marginally stronger than factory. It may support the weight of the winch, but I doubt that it will be strong enough to winch you up a hill or out of a ditch.

Unless you are just going for the look of having a winch on the front, you don't want to go too cheap.

 

I am running stock bumper with a front hitch. A winch mount is made for the 2" receiver and you would be able to remove it when not needed.
http://www.autoanything.com/towing/7....aspx?kc=ffsku

 

Look into detours set up

 

I just bought this for mine.......plan on installing it in a couple weeks with my lift, and new tires...

 

x2 a bud of mine runs this and it works like a top. cheaper than a new bumper, and comes in handy for fish coolers and rod holders.

 

Hopefully, when taxes come back I can get hitches for the front and rear. You can get winch mounts that bolt into a 2" reciever right? Or could I just fab one up? Now that my dad got an almost new MIG welder, fab is a new option.

 

You can buy one. HF has on for 69.00 and I think Detours has one as well. But fab one up, you can make it the way you want it to be.

 

There was a factory option for a winch. If you remove the stock bumper you'll see all of the mounting provisions and power cable routing holes etc... It requires an array of brackets to support the front of the unibody and cutting a hole in the factory bumper cover for a fairlead. Look over on NAXJA, I've only seen it once before. Apprently it's a rare kit but could easily be remade.