I am relatively new to Cherokee 4 wheeling, got too old for the dirt bike... anyhow, my trails are in Arizona and the Cherokee is a 1990 2 door Pioneer. The front bumper on this aged beauty is chromed steel bolted to the frame. The bumper is factory drllled in four places accross the bumper. I really don't want to go to the expense of a new "winch mounting" bumper. My question is, has anyone tried fabricating a plate for a winch and bolted it to the stock bumper? Second, Has anyone used this winch Champion 4500 lb. ATV/ UTV Winch Kit 40252.... I am not looking to drag jeeps accross a river and I don't want to be a rock crawler, just want to have something to get me out of a jam.... anyone done the stock bumper thing? thoughts? thanks

 

just get a front hitch reciever and mount your winch like that then you can take it off when not in use

 

I'd recommend buying recovery straps and a come-along over that winch.
I've used a come-along to recover a 1973 Ford F-series pickup, so a Cherokee should be no problem.

 

http://www.detoursusa.com/xjbackbone.php

 

A winch on the stock bumper will work great at removing the bumper the first time you use the winch. That winch is not for a full sized vehicle, only an ATV.

 

lol... dead on.

 

you want AT LEAST an 8k winch

 

Jeep did offer a winch, that locates behind the factory XJ bumper. And brackets that moved the bumper out a couple of inches. How well it worked, I don't know. I've never seen one, only read about them.

 

It was a really small winch (4500 I think) and it not that great.

x2. The backbone system mount to the unibody frame, so the stress isn't on the bumper itself. It's a really good system for people not looking to go with a completely new bumper.
Using the stock bumper alone will result in your jeep being stuck with the bumper ripped off. And you need a different winch - 8k at the minimum.
Check into RC and Smittybilt for some good winches at good prices.

 

im liking this backbone more and more....wish i could afford more and more. LOL

 

I saw one of those the other day. Late 80's model I think. The winch was behind th bumper with about a 12 inch wide slit cut out of the bumper with the hook hanging out. It was pretty cool. If I could find one I would mod it for my 01.

 

This is the hidden winch they were talking about, im thinking about doing it. You will need an 8k winch for yourself but an XRC8 is under $300 and pretty reliable. Then you should take out the front crossmember and but on a much beefyer one or just custom up something. Sense its in the frame it will just use the bumper for the flairend.

 

This looks like the way to go... its out of the way, looks good and doesn't use the bumper... great advice, appreciate the posts and feedback, reallucky

 

There is an extension that use to come with that system to push the bumper out enough to fit the winch in. You can see the plastic fill pieces on the top filling the gap.

 

You dont really need the estensions, a buddy of mine just did this to his XJ. But on his its a straight drop line from grill to flair end, his approach angle is amazing. He just did that crossmember and brackets thing i mentioned, heres a pic



You could just put the stock bumper back on over the winch, cut out a hole to put the flairend, and youd be set to go. But i would cut a 12 inch wide by 2-3 inch slot so you can controll the winch and attach the controller.