Would you remove the front frame support for a better WINCH bumper?

[LWM]

New thread created with updated poll.


Would you remove the front frame support for a better WINCH bumper?

1) yes I would cut that piece, and I plan on installing an aftermarket steel bumper someday.
2) yes I would cut that piece, but I don't plan on changing my bumpers.
3) No I would not cut that piece, but I would like a steel replacement winch bumper
4) No I would not cut that piece, but I would like a steel replacement non-winch bumper (steamline bumper)
5) No I would not cut that piece, but I don't plan on changing my bumpers on this vehicle.

Here is where I am at today WITHOUT removing the cross-member:





Here are some photos of another builders over-lay which shows where I would remove the item and drop the winch in that space with plenty of support to be as strong or stronger than stock:

[Matt]

Yes, for a winch bumper I would prefer to cut that piece to keep the winch more "tucked in" as opposed to sticking out 18" in front of the bumper...... And I would like to install one someday.

[07JeepXK]

I would cut out the front frame support if it meant making everything stronger and like Matt said, if it helps keep everything tucked in.

[Matt]

Jon, you should bring those pictures into this thread too to explain/show why cutting that section (and replacing it with stronger framework for the bumper) is necessary to make a winch bumper that doesn't excessively protrude in front.

[LWM]

Jon, you should bring those pictures into this thread too to explain/show why cutting that section (and replacing it with stronger framework for the bumper) is necessary to make a winch bumper that doesn't excessively protrude in front.

1st post updated to show photos from other thread.

[Holaday07 4.7]

IMHO that bumper sticks out way to far. Is there an option to have more of a streamlined bumper if the winch would not be on it?

[cico7]

agree, sticks out too far.

[LWM]

IMHO that bumper sticks out way to far. Is there an option to have more of a streamlined bumper if the winch would not be on it?

Yes, I plan to make a "streamline" bumper but it cannot include a winch. That is option 4 in the poll.

[Matt]

And to be clear.... it sticks out too far because that crossmember is where the winch really needs to sit if we want a winch bumper that's more streamlined than that.... so for those who want a winching bumper, you'll need to consider the alternatives if you're afraid to cut out that section (and bolt in something stronger)

[LWM]

And to be clear.... it sticks out too far because that crossmember is where the winch really needs to sit if we want a winch bumper that's more streamlined than that.... so for those who want a winching bumper, you'll need to consider the alternatives if you're afraid to cut out that section (and bolt in something stronger)

Exactly, there are only three options if you do not remove the cross member:

1) Mount the winch in front of the cross member like my current R&D design as shown in post #1
2) Mount the winch above the cross member in front of the grill (similar to the GetLost bumper)
3) Mount the winch below the cross member and reduce your approach angle.