Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK shifters

Factory steel bumper winch capable?

MacGuyver

MacGuyver

JK Enthusiast
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May 13, 2020
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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?
 
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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?
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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 .
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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.
 
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
 
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