Front winch bumper build, questions 4 those who have one??
 

I am working a front bumper for my XJ, so that I can finally have my winch. Just have some thoughts, and would like to know what other people think about there bumpers. Likes, or dislikes, anything they would change, or anything they wouldn't change.

Biggest question I have is how high or low to mount the winch. I would like to keep it high for clearance, but do not want to block the grille. I'm afraid of a overheating problem. I do drive it in bumper to bumper traffic. So for those that have a winch in front of the grille, do you have a heating problem?

Second, I know the middle needs to be strong. I am building mine out of 1/4 plate. But do the end caps Have to be 1/4 or can I go smaller?

Any advise would be great, thanks

well i have one in chicago and have about a 3rd of my grill covered and no problems with heat and you would want to do 1/4 inch all the way around for strength and make sure you make some tie in brackets to the frame i had mine made by ares fab look them up

I do, after reading up on all the treads, it seems the biggest mistake is not take the bumper brackets far enough. I have mine past the sway and ever hole with a bolt that I can find. LOL

i wish i would have made mine with a better approach angle

I have thought about that, the approach angle. I was thinking of a bumper like this to help slide up on top of things. But all in the same time not trying to block my grille. I have the Warn 9000 so its rather tall, and can't stuff it under the grille. Thanks for the help guys.

I would suggest something that sinks the winch down a good amount. My old winch bumper had a great approach angle but blocked too much of my radiator. Our XJ's already have a lacking cooling system, blocking the radiator only makes it worse. I've since replaced it with a hanson offroad winch bumper and relocated the solenoid box under the hood.

[IMG]https://www.cherokeeforum.com/member...0327-00090.jpg[/IMG]

I like how hidden the winch is with the arb bumper, plus it has a decent approach angle..maybe get some ideas from it?

With that bumper did you have heating problems, and the new one you don't?

There are some ideas out there its crazy. LOL. I would know if they are happy after the bumper is put on. You see all the bumpers guys are building, but are they happy after?

The one I posted a pic of blocked a good amount of airflow, caused me to run at about 220 - 230 on the highway.

New bumper with relocated solenoid box I run about 210 highway. I'll post a pic of the new bumper later.

I also have a 10k winch, a bit overkill. In hindsight I wish I would have gone with an 8k.

i have a 12,500 and i have no problems with my cooling

Attachment 143305

Thats a massive winch. HA. After giving it some thought, Im thinking about putting the winch higher so the bumper will be higher. I can always help the cooling. A new radiator, fans, and other things. It will be to hard to re due the bumper.