I'm at the point in my build where it is now time to upgrade the front bumper.
I've got my rear Smittybilt with tire carrier done. (Needed to retain interior space.)

I do not want a front bumper with a winch. The winch (future) will be plate mounted for use on the front or rear receiver hitch.

I really like the plain simple style of the JCR Crusader front bumper.
Has HiLift points, LED cutouts and a front receiver.

http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJB/XJFC.html

Was wondering what other great bumpers like this many of you may have experience with?

Will hold off on my purchase for a week or so to gather feedback.

 

Also saw this style. Doesn't have LED cutouts, but imagine the Angry Eyes look with this:

http://www.dirtboundoffroad.com/moja...erokee-xj.html

 

I would suggest that you rethink your main winch on the front being a receiver mounted one, as they are not designed for any type of side pulls at all only straight ones.

I have my main winch on the front and a second smaller one for the rear that can be used at times but at very rare time it has been over 5 yrs now, almost a waste of money for me.

 

http://www.ajsoffroadarmor.com/produ...cat=251&page=1

 

A plate mounted winch would still be used for only straight pulls. If I need to pull sideways I'd use a tackle block or such and an anchor point. That is the correct way to pull sideways even with a front mounted winch ... right?

Also, I do not want a winch sitting on the bumper exposed to the elements all year long. I had one before and this Arizona heat played hell on all the electrical parts.

But, I'll take your suggestion to heart and keep it mind. Thanks for the feedback.

 

I'm running the dirtbound Mojave Front and I love it. Got it for $220 by geting the DIY version. Max and his crew at dirtbound are an amazing group of guys.

 

I'm not sure if rigidco is still in business but I dig their bumpers.
http://www.rigidco.com/products.htm

 

Yeah a plate mount winch sounds handy but in the real world is kinda worthless.A front mounted winch is all most people will ever need.Watch this video

 

Even using ****** blocks it's very uncommon to have a straight pull in recovery work. I had wrecker services in CO. for a number of yrs. and specialized in mountain recovery, so have made a few of them as have other members and Mods on here have,


As for the winch being exposed I have them on 4 trailers and my Jeep all different brands and sizes. I solved this problem yrs. ago using a business customer of ours that makes tents. He has made covers for every one of them just take it in and he measures the winch and how its mounted then custom makes one (they make large tents and rent them out all over the country). The last one for the Jeep cost me $25 off of his bill they did it while I waited about 25 min.


I would guess a boat cover place would do one also.


Had saw that before on you tube I watch all his stuff.

 

...as long as there are places to mount light bars, who needs a winch.....

 

I lived in Arizona for several years and I don't think this method will be possible for him in alot of the desert/mountains I went.

 

correct, not a lot of trees where I wheel ...

 

I like the JCR, thats the one I'm getting.

 

Use a land anchor or pull strap throught your spare tire buried deep.Or i have seen guys in the middle east fill a bag of sand tie a pull strap to it buried and tied the end of the strap to a wheel to use it as a winch.Or don't wheel alone and let your friend pull you out or use their rig as a pulling point if you have to.Theres always a way if you think hard and carry enough recovery gear to get yourself out of touble.