Okay guys, I've been designing a front bumper for my YJ that positions the winch plate on the bottom of the frame rails, allowing the winch to sit between the rails. I am looking for design flaws or oversights from those of you who know more about retrofitting my whole front end with a custom bumper/crossmember.
My reasons for designing such a bumper are listed below:
-I wanted a challenge, and a unique look for my Jeep
-Lower CG (not much but I'm using it as a reason anyways)
-Aesthetics (I like the look of Hanson and ARB bumpers, but not the price)
-Protection for my winch
-Ability to customize the end caps for long or stubby setup (also good for damage repair)
Please take a look at my first thread about doing this in the YJ section for more background info: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/talk-me-out-removing-front-crossmember-winch-bumper-931159/ You will notice several changes from that thread to what I am planning here, and I am pretty sure it will change slightly again due to your input.
I plan to start with the standard YJ front end with a 3" diameter tube front crossmember and weld my 1/4" thick 7" wide winch plate to the bottom of the frame before I cut out the crossmember. See the next few pictures:
My reasons for designing such a bumper are listed below:
-I wanted a challenge, and a unique look for my Jeep
-Lower CG (not much but I'm using it as a reason anyways)
-Aesthetics (I like the look of Hanson and ARB bumpers, but not the price)
-Protection for my winch
-Ability to customize the end caps for long or stubby setup (also good for damage repair)
Please take a look at my first thread about doing this in the YJ section for more background info: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/talk-me-out-removing-front-crossmember-winch-bumper-931159/ You will notice several changes from that thread to what I am planning here, and I am pretty sure it will change slightly again due to your input.
I plan to start with the standard YJ front end with a 3" diameter tube front crossmember and weld my 1/4" thick 7" wide winch plate to the bottom of the frame before I cut out the crossmember. See the next few pictures: