So I've come to the conclusion that a winch is a must for me, so I'm just seeing what the best way for me to accomplish this would be.

I currently have the basic JCR non winch bumper(http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJBF/XJ-F-B.html)

I do not know how to weld, but can have someone with a decent amount of experience help me build something up if that's the route I go. Or would I be better off upgrading to a full on winch bumper?

I'm open to any suggestions so anything is appreciated!

 

Upgrade, sell your current and get something new.

 

This will be last resort for me. I don't have much funds to make this happen(broke college student) so I'd rather see other options.. if there is any

 

Go to a scrap yard and buy the steel. Both plate and some angle iron. 1/4" or min 3/16. Use the plans on here to make the tie-in's, use a piece for the winch plate, use the angle iron to mount the plate to the tie-in's. Use grade 8 or at least grade 5 bolts. It'll be an ugly little stubby but it will work and shouldn't cost more than $50 (that's including the nuts, bolts and washers).

 

if you could mount the bottom of the winch to the face of the bumper, then somehow rotate the fairlead up, all it would take is some drilling and minor body cutting

another option is modify your current bumper to accept a receiver mount, then mount the winch to that. but that will require welding..
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...E-RUGGED-RIDGE

but if you need a winch it's probably because you don't have lockers. just make sure someone in your group has a strap or winch, and you've got recovery points. you should be able to make it out of any situation like that

 

I already have recovery points/straps. I just want to be prepared as possible(yes I know it's frowned upon here but I do go wheeling by myself on some occasions. I avoid it as much as possible but I like entertaining people and it's too hard to say no. )

Referring to your statement about modifying my bumper to accept a receiver mount, how would I go about doing this? Someone has had to of tried doing this before.

 

Cut a square hole in it and weld in 2in id square tubing with reinforcements. Then build a winch cradle.

 

Check this out JeepMN

http://ericsxj.com/winch/winchbumper.htm

 

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Smittybilt has a relatively low cost winch mount plate.
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/smittybilt-winch-plate
It will kinda depend on your current bumper setup if it will work or not, but basically you mount the winch on the plate, and the plate on the bumper. The plate has many different mounting points you can use and has a fairlead mount on it as well....

 

Thanks for the link. Really helped me understand what needs to take place. I might end up making a fab thread when I get around to doing this in the next few months when it starts getting a little warmer up here in Minnesota.

 

NP. I had that saved in my bookmarks because I have never liked how far wench bumper stick out.

 

i'm kind of a newbie on this site but here's my two cents.

look into a front reciever from a company that makes them and get a winch basket for a winch. there are usually designed for stock bumpers, which are lower to the ground, and aftermarket bumbers are usually not as tall so fitting under yours shouldn't be an issue. this will also allow you other options with a reciever in the front; foot step for wrenching, moving things around (boats, trailers) and gives you front and rear options for winching.