Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK engine mounts

Factory steel bumper winch capable?

MacGuyver

MacGuyver

JK Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
May 13, 2020
Messages
997
Location
Wisconsin
Very happy with my latest upgrade to a 2015 Hard rock.

This is the first vehicle with a factory steel bumper, and I've been unable to find out what I have to do to put a winch on it. Googling has made it less clear. I haven't had a chance to pull the top plate off and look yet as it has been pretty cold here.

Has anyone put a winch on a JK factory steel bumper?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Speartip, Duster and MacGuyver
  • Like
Reactions: Speartip
MacGuyver said:
Very happy with my latest upgrade to a 2015 Hard rock.

This is the first vehicle with a factory steel bumper, and I've been unable to find out what I have to do to put a winch on it. Googling has made it less clear. I haven't had a chance to pull the top plate off and look yet as it has been pretty cold here.

Has anyone put a winch on a JK factory steel bumper?
Click to expand...

What sone of our Jeep brothers mentioned . The stock steel bumpers have a 3/16 or 1/4”, possibly thicker mounting plate that mounts on the either side of the frame As the stock steel bumpers are pretty thin .
The JL’s may have a thicker bumper . @Dirtydog can probably confirm with his new ride .
 
Speartip said:
What sone of our Jeep brothers mentioned . The stock steel bumpers have a 3/16 or 1/4”, possibly thicker mounting plate that mounts on the either side of the frame As the stock steel bumpers are pretty thin .
The JL’s may have a thicker bumper . @Dirtydog can probably confirm with his new ride .
Click to expand...

Makes sense that they are thin. I doubt car companies would be able to put ones similar to the aftermarket steel bumpers on and still pass safety requirements.

I think it will have to wait, just dropped a bunch on a new Alpine stereo to replace the awful 730N it came with.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Speartip
MacGuyver said:
Makes sense that they are thin. I doubt car companies would be able to put ones similar to the aftermarket steel bumpers on and still pass safety requirements.

I think it will have to wait, just dropped a bunch on a new Alpine stereo to replace the awful 730N it came with.
Click to expand...

I have the 75th anniversary bumper which is the same as your Hard rock. I found a few winch plates that were a bit more reasonably priced but will have to dig up the links... I haven't pulled the trigger yet, however.
 
There is one on Extreme Terrain that is a bit less, but still pretty expensive. I'd be very interested in a more reasonable one. Thanks!
 
MacGuyver said:
There is one on Extreme Terrain that is a bit less, but still pretty expensive. I'd be very interested in a more reasonable one. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Quadratec and XT both sell the Rugged Ridge for $241. I thought there was another out there but haven't found my bookmark yet. I'll keep looking...
 
Thanks. That is the one I have been eyeing. There are features on both that intrigue me. I wish the D-ring loops weren't so damn expensive on for the one from Rubitrex. I like that option.
 
RubiRecon said:
I went with the Mopar winch adapter kit, If I was to do it again I would go with the Mximus 3 kit.
Click to expand...

The more I look the more I lean that way. The plate is whatever, but the ability to add the d-ring loops, even with the price, has me leaning heavily toward Rubitrex. There doesn't seem to be anything that is similar, and of quality.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK engine mounts
Top Bottom