I need ideas for a winch set up for my CRD

[jjt250]

Then make a custom cover/adapter to fill in the sections of the cut bumper cover.

This right here, I'm not sure how that would look and how exactly it would attach. Is there anything wrong with leaving the winch cradle slightly exposed? Again, I'm not sure how that would look.

[Matt]

Nothing really wrong with having the winch exposed. Can even get a winch cover just to protect it a bit.

[jjt250]

That is what I will most likely do. Hopefully it would look ok with the middle section of the bumper cut out for the winch cradle. Yeah now that I think of it, I see JKs all the time with their winches exposed. Thanks for the help!

[jumpoffjoe]

Exposeed winches look tough in my opinion. Deer can be hard on exposed winches however. I realize that it may look nice hidden and you don't like the idea of a craddle but I would strongly consider a reciever hitch plate. I know your country and I would imagine you trail in some mud or perhaps creek crossings. I have two ranch trucks with hidden winches. 70% of the time I get caught in a creek (crick!) crossing. Talk about a bad place to mess with a winch in the front, submerged 2" under the water. You also have the mud and water packed in there so you have to be good about cleaning it. Wiring takes a beating caked with wet mud. My 75 fj40 has an exposed winch but its fine and up high just like most wranglers. I would still say that there were many occasions that it would have been a lot more handy to winch out backwards instead of fighting the disaster I was heading at. Have you purchased a winch yet? I have my opinions on some to stay clear of that may seem attractive as far as cost. One in particular comes to mind that can burn up in only a few uses. I suggest the standard stuff. Ramsey, Warn, Mile Marker (for the budget guy)

[jjt250]

Thanks a lot Joe, you brought up a lot of things I hadn't even considered. You're right, I live in an area where hitting a deer is definitely possible and a lot of the wheeling is mud. I do try to stay away from mud because I hate the mess it makes. I have not purchased a winch yet but I'll definitely be seeking advice when I do. I need to get the whole mounting thing figured out first. Honestly, the time frame for this is most likely late summer, maybe later so I'm in no rush.

I'll have to ponder over this some more now.