Well, I don't think this is as good as my back bumper but after having a winch sitting in my garage for about three months, and getting stuck in snow without it on the jeep, I figured it was time to get goin. I told myself I don't care how bad it is I just want the winch on there. So here's some progress Pics of attempt number two! I had one before this and it wasn't working out so I just threw it in my scrap bin and started over




































































































So far it's all 3/16 plating, except the frame mounts, those are 1/4. And the shackle mounts are 1.5x.75

 

Looks good how far is going to stick out ?

 

About 7 inches in front of the grill, and about 5-6 inches below the header panel :/

 

Couple more pics.. Also I cad'd up how I'm going to do top tonight, so ill cut those pieces out tomorrow before work hopefully

 

Some of those welds it looks like you blew right through the steel. Or is it just the picture?

 

I noticed that too, On the 4th and 5th pic. Other then that it looks like it coming along pretty nice.

 

I want to see this mounted. I like the idea of a stubby bumper for an xj.

 

And the bottom of a d-ring it looks blown out too.

Post up the finished product when done though! Always nice seeing what people come up with.

 

It's just undercut a little bit. One more pass with a little less heat would make it look fine.

 

It's not blown through at all.. Its just big beads that have good penetration. But yes on one of the d ring tabs I did over cut it a little. I don't plan on using those as my recovery points seeing as how it's a winch bumper.. More for holding the winch cable.



















Got a plasma cutter to play around with
























































A lot of grinding....




















Basically done! Just gotta mount the winch and mount it on the jeep!

 

Why does it being a winch bumper mean you can't use it for recovery? Winches fail. Make sure the bumper is able to recover you.

Looks good though I like stubby bumpers for some reason.

 

I like it! Thick welds but they'll definitely hold with the penetration you got. Strong welds don't have to be pretty - that's what flap wheels are for.

 

nice i like it. i need to build one for mine soon

 

Thanks, and you have a valid point. I thought of that as well, and trust both those mounts as recovery points

 

Definitely not as nice or thought out as yours, but it'll hold on there and I finally got my winch on, which is all I cared about!

Like I said in the beginning, I plan on making a new one within the next year or so, that is more thought out and better designed for approach and clearance angles. But as of now I'm just happy to have my winch on the jeep instead of on my garage floor