Finally decided to tackle a big project to put my skills to the test, along with my welding/grinding/fabricating skills.
I will be making a Front winch Bumper for my ZJ, over the next...while. I guess when ever I get time. Spring break will provide lots of opportunities, which is next week. I just ordered my Winch from www.WinchDepot.com and should recieve that next week probably monday. $299.95 shipped, however they have it listed for $284.95 shipped so I will see if I can get that price instead. For some reason it goes to 299 when you add to cart. Winch is pictured without the control box.
Smittybilt Winches - XRC8 Winch
* XRC8 Winch
* Line Pull: 8000 lbs.
* Voltage: 12V
* Motor: 4.1 hp
* Remote Control: 12 Ft. Lead
* Gear Ratio: 265:1
* Size: 21 in. x 6.22 in. x 7.28 in.
* Weight: 80 lbs.
* Wire rope: 92 Ft. of 5/16
* Fairlead Roller
* Type of Winch: Electric
"The new Smittybilt XRC-8 Winch encompassses all the best features you would want in a winch. Every XRC-8 (8000 lb) winch features a 4.1HP Permanent Magentic Motor and a Planetary Gear Sytem with 265:1 gear ratio that will deliver you power and reliability without hitting your pocket book."
Anyway, for those of you with ZJ's know there arent many options out there besides CRB (not winch version), and Kevins Offroad (Very nice, yet run about $850 shipped). And, the recently discontinued Hanson Offroad Bumper line. Since this is not a TJ, you have to find your own mounting points. I have chose the framerails. I will grind out the frame rails to acieve the flat part (will see picture).
One I finish Grinding that out I will use 3" x 2" x 1/4" Angle Mild Steel in there. 2" being width, 3 inches being height. The gap when fully cut is 5" x 2". I will then take my nuts that match up with the threads of some grade 8 bolts, and weld them to the angle steel in the correct places. This way I can tighten the bolt without screwing around with a wrench too.
The Angle Mounts will stick out probably a foot or two from the flush part of the bumper fascia, and here is where I will mount my winch. I will have a plate of steel the length of the gap, and probably about 7 inches wide, 1/4" thick. I will weld this fully to the angle iron with some angle left still. gussets and all types of supports will be put into action. For added security, I will drill 2 holes on each side, 4 total through the winch mounting plate and through the angle iron on the top, but to the left and right sides. I will put grade 8 bolts in here, with nuts on the other side. This ensures that if the welds fails for some reason the bolts should catch it. I will also weld a fair lead mount on the front face of the mounting plate. The entire mounting system will be 1/4" Steel.
From here, I have yet to decide what to do. I figure if I make the rest of the bumper with 1/4" steel it will be heavier than the Jeep itself (not really, but darn heavy) and I would rather have the stress go to the mounts when pulling, not just from every day driving. So I was thinking 1/8" for the rest of the bumper? I already have tow points in the front, so I do not need D-Ring mounts. The rest of the bumper would just be for show anyway, with some possible mounts for my Hellas.
Thanks for reading. All input appreciated greatly. I am only 16, not an engineer so dont completely cuss me out lol.
Let me know what you think
-Pat
I will be making a Front winch Bumper for my ZJ, over the next...while. I guess when ever I get time. Spring break will provide lots of opportunities, which is next week. I just ordered my Winch from www.WinchDepot.com and should recieve that next week probably monday. $299.95 shipped, however they have it listed for $284.95 shipped so I will see if I can get that price instead. For some reason it goes to 299 when you add to cart. Winch is pictured without the control box.
Smittybilt Winches - XRC8 Winch
* XRC8 Winch
* Line Pull: 8000 lbs.
* Voltage: 12V
* Motor: 4.1 hp
* Remote Control: 12 Ft. Lead
* Gear Ratio: 265:1
* Size: 21 in. x 6.22 in. x 7.28 in.
* Weight: 80 lbs.
* Wire rope: 92 Ft. of 5/16
* Fairlead Roller
* Type of Winch: Electric
"The new Smittybilt XRC-8 Winch encompassses all the best features you would want in a winch. Every XRC-8 (8000 lb) winch features a 4.1HP Permanent Magentic Motor and a Planetary Gear Sytem with 265:1 gear ratio that will deliver you power and reliability without hitting your pocket book."
Anyway, for those of you with ZJ's know there arent many options out there besides CRB (not winch version), and Kevins Offroad (Very nice, yet run about $850 shipped). And, the recently discontinued Hanson Offroad Bumper line. Since this is not a TJ, you have to find your own mounting points. I have chose the framerails. I will grind out the frame rails to acieve the flat part (will see picture).
One I finish Grinding that out I will use 3" x 2" x 1/4" Angle Mild Steel in there. 2" being width, 3 inches being height. The gap when fully cut is 5" x 2". I will then take my nuts that match up with the threads of some grade 8 bolts, and weld them to the angle steel in the correct places. This way I can tighten the bolt without screwing around with a wrench too.
The Angle Mounts will stick out probably a foot or two from the flush part of the bumper fascia, and here is where I will mount my winch. I will have a plate of steel the length of the gap, and probably about 7 inches wide, 1/4" thick. I will weld this fully to the angle iron with some angle left still. gussets and all types of supports will be put into action. For added security, I will drill 2 holes on each side, 4 total through the winch mounting plate and through the angle iron on the top, but to the left and right sides. I will put grade 8 bolts in here, with nuts on the other side. This ensures that if the welds fails for some reason the bolts should catch it. I will also weld a fair lead mount on the front face of the mounting plate. The entire mounting system will be 1/4" Steel.
From here, I have yet to decide what to do. I figure if I make the rest of the bumper with 1/4" steel it will be heavier than the Jeep itself (not really, but darn heavy) and I would rather have the stress go to the mounts when pulling, not just from every day driving. So I was thinking 1/8" for the rest of the bumper? I already have tow points in the front, so I do not need D-Ring mounts. The rest of the bumper would just be for show anyway, with some possible mounts for my Hellas.
Thanks for reading. All input appreciated greatly. I am only 16, not an engineer so dont completely cuss me out lol.
Let me know what you think
-Pat