hidden winch bumper/steering box brace build
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,146
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From: Clayton, NC
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.6L I6 Stroker with port matched +99 intake and 62mm TB
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 319
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From: High Desert, CA
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
My brain says you wouldn't gain very much strength with the proposed gussets but I have discovered things in simulation that I would never have considered.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,685
Likes: 6
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 92
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If you give me full dims of the current setup and the dims and locations of the gussets you want to use, I can build it in SolidWorks Simulation and run some calcs on it.
My brain says you wouldn't gain very much strength with the proposed gussets but I have discovered things in simulation that I would never have considered.
My brain says you wouldn't gain very much strength with the proposed gussets but I have discovered things in simulation that I would never have considered.
but my thinking was that it would create more of a cradle to help keep the center of the plate from curling up under heavy load. think about how most winch plates either curl up or down in the back.
i dont know, i have enough 1/4" angle in the scrap pile and it wont really add any weight so ill probably end up doing it.
but ill try and get some measurements because i am curious if it is actually doing anything.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,685
Likes: 6
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 92
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Winch holes drilled, 1/4" bolt protection skids welded on, and a piece of 1/4" angle welded on for a little more piece of mind. And the bumper is now done
First coat of paint applied
I've also decided to make the steering box brace bolt on instead of my original weld on plans. So ill add that on after the bumper is installed.
But tomorrow morning I bolt the bumper back on.
First coat of paint applied
I've also decided to make the steering box brace bolt on instead of my original weld on plans. So ill add that on after the bumper is installed.
But tomorrow morning I bolt the bumper back on.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
From: Clayton, NC
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.6L I6 Stroker with port matched +99 intake and 62mm TB
Do you have any pictures of your XJ with the cuts you made to the stock support cross member? I'm interested in seeing where you made those cuts because I want to run a recessed/hidden winch at some point.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,685
Likes: 6
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 92
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by bheath
Looking good man. I think it should be sturdy enough. I might have to copy it. Lol. Anything you don't like about it?