Can you get a winch mount without doing a full bumper?

**Kevin108** · 02-11-2010, 06:49 AM

I was just thinking and I can't remember having ever seen an XJ with a winch that wasn't stuck in a custom bumper of some sorts. Is it possible to mount a winch without a full bumper?

jonzer12 · 02-11-2010, 07:23 AM

Detours backbone or simply just get some front frame mounts from JCR or AJ's and weld a winch plate inbetween them. Some guys have snuck the wnich behind the front crossmember as well.

bigbike · 02-11-2010, 07:45 AM

Detours backbone, I have one its pretty sweet.
XJ / MJ Backbone Bumper System

TJ Rat · 02-11-2010, 07:59 AM

The factory use to offer a hidden winch option. It fit a Ramsey 6000# winch. Good luck finding one though.

Check out this link
My Hidden Winch Build - NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association

**Kevin108** · 02-11-2010, 11:29 AM

I'm not sure I like the look of this setup.

jonzer12 · 02-11-2010, 11:49 AM

It works but I don't anything has the winch blocking most of the grill.

cbordea · 02-11-2010, 12:11 PM

depending on your needs, you could also get a receiver hitch for the front. This would allow you to mount the winch on a receiver and use it in the front or rear and remove it when you won't be needing it.

cbordea · 02-11-2010, 12:20 PM

here's a link to a discussion around a front receiver hitch from awhile back.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/why-not-receiver-mounted-winch-678511/

SolerXJ · 02-11-2010, 12:37 PM

I have a front mounted receiver on my XJ. I don't currently have the money for a winch, but have seen it done before. You would have to get a winch plate like this. The hitch is rated for a 9,000lb line pull, and was super easy to install.

jonzer12 · 02-11-2010, 02:47 PM

^ 2 bolts per side????

SolerXJ · 02-11-2010, 03:09 PM

there are 3 per side. the 2 from the sway bar, and one that you drill for a half in bolt.

**Kevin108** · 02-11-2010, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolerXJ

I have a front mounted receiver on my XJ. I don't currently have the money for a winch, but have seen it done before. You would have to get a winch plate like this. The hitch is rated for a 9,000lb line pull, and was super easy to install.

That really sounds like the way to go. Plus you get to keep the winch out of the weather when you don't need it. Good call. What do you do for wiring? It would be handy to have it setup for front or rear use.

SolerXJ · 02-11-2010, 07:03 PM

I don't have the winch yet, thats what the tax return will be for

but for the rear i am going to use 0 gauge wire, and run it through the "frame" to the rear hitch.

Muddeprived · 02-11-2010, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin108

I'm not sure I like the look of this setup.

I sure do......and enough to get one for myself

It works very well. I was out pulling out stuck plow trucks a few days ago with it. One was a full size dodge ram with a plow that slid off the road into a ditch. Out he came.......

Personally I do not like receiver mounted winches. I had a xj with one following me on my recent trail ride and he got that thing hung up on alot. It hangs down lower than the winch mount I have and loses clearance. My friend has one on his 7" XJ and he doesn't like it now. Too much of a hassle and sticks out and down too far.

If you want a custom made winch mount then email Detours cuz he does custom bumpers and mounts.

herokitty · 05-05-2010, 06:54 PM

I mounted mine behind my stock bumper. It's not quite done but I will post more pics when it is if anyone is interested.

05-05-2010, 06:54 PM	#15
herokitty Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: portland or Posts: 2 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	hiden winch with stock bumper I mounted mine behind my stock bumper. It's not quite done but I will post more pics when it is if anyone is interested.