Just did some searching. TDS makes an "air free spool" setup. Doesn't look like it works on warn, smittybilt, mile marker, ect style winches that most of us use. But it must be possible to put something together. I'm definitely gonna experiment with this for my build. Maybe add it to my list of products.

 

tacked in some gussets, and cut a hole...

 

Nice, you've forced me to walk out into my shop and look for steel.

I have a piece of 2x6x.25 about 6 foot long and a 24x48x.25 plate... Seems I have the steel to make a bumper like this.

I want to mount the bottom of my winch to the back face of the bumper tho. I'm debating whether I want to cut the back of the 2x6 out large enough to set the winch in or do I want to mount it to the back of the 2x6. I feel like I'll have a LOT more room if I cut out the back of the 2x6.

The only downfall I see to mounting the winch traditionally, like you're doing, is that it's going to be a ***** to get to the winch if you need to. If I mount it to the face I could easily get to it from under the Jeep.

Lookin good, Bud. Keep going.

I'd like to see a picture of the back of the bumper.

 

very nice!!

 

yea, getting the winch out is a little more of a hassle this way.

ill take some pictures of the back after i finish cleaning it up some, and plating it back in.

 

did the final test fit today. progress is slow on this because i really only have about 30 minutes a day to work on it right now.

but here are some pictures of the test fit to make sure everything clears.

winch sits in there nicely



engine clearance, the winch will sit about 1/2" further forward than shown in these pics.

 

Sub'ed, sweet build man. Definitely has me re-thinking my bumper plans. I was going to go with a removable as well but now i'm not so sure. An idea on the access, could taking your designs and flipping it pretty much upside down work? to where the winch is mounted on the top, upside down? you could add a few bars for protection, while still having complete access from the bottom. I think I'll have to look into something like that when I get to it.

 

Since I'm lazy and don't want to have to take my bumper off to measure... when you get a second could you take a measurement for me?

What is the length from the center of the very forward most holes in the brackets to the very front face of your bumper?

 

2.5" from center of hole to front of bumper

 

Nice, thanks. That makes the face of the bumper 1/2" or so past the grill?

 

Pretty much

 

here's a good pic of how far it sticks out

 

i like this alot. i cut my stock front almost to the frame rails and love the approach angles. i don't wanna go back to a full sized bumper when i make my own. plus i love the look of a stubby front on the xj as long as you got the width/stance to go with it and you do. good job man.

 

I cut the main piece of the bumper today.

Not I just have to make my winch fit inside of it.

 

Came into the shop while the family was still asleep....and progress!

Made some pieces to help transition the fairlead to the bumper... mostly just for aesthetics.








Finished welding the winch plate and the gussets in.




Considering using angle and welding it here and using 2 other pieces to tie into the gussets for a little more strength. Opinions?


And cleaned up some much neglected edges.


And the weight of the bumper


All that is left is to drill the winch mounting holes, and add 2 small strips of steel to act as a skid for the mounting bolts...then just paint and wire up the winch!