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.
Yes I would cut that piece, I plan on installing an aftermarket steel bumper someday
Yes I would cut that piece, but I don't plan on changing my bumpers
No I would not cut that piece, but I would like a steel replacement winch bumper
No I would not cut that piece, but I would like a steel replacement non-winch bumper
No I would not cut that piece, but I don't plan on changing my bumpers on this vehicle
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.
2006 XK Limited, 5.7L Hemi
Dark Khaki, QDII, Rocky Road 2.25" lift, Steel Armadillo front bumper with Warn PowerPlant winch, Steel Armadillo rear bumper w/ tire carrier, Rock Sliders, Light Bar & Front Fender Tube Fenders, 4xGuard belly skid plate & rear differential guard, BFG M/T A/T 255/75R17s on Rubicon rims, Spidertrax 1.5 inch wheel spacers, Rhino Rack Pioneer Tray with FoxWing Awning, Superchips VIVID Programmer, Air Flow snorkel, Steel Armadillo Secure Console, Cobra CB Radio, Lock Pick Video Programmer, ASFIR Skid Plates.
Knappster's Garage
AKA: the Owner of The Steel Armadillo L.L.C.
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?
2007 Jeep Commander: QTII, Leather, Sunroof, remote start, OEM Skid Plates, 2 in Daystar lift, 255.75.17 BFG Mud Terrains on Moabs, 1.25 " Spidertrax wheel spacers, 4x Guard front guard and Side Guards, Optima Red Top, Robbys half inch leveling spacer, Bilstein 5150 Rear Shocks, Pinch weld mod and trimming!
2006 XK Limited, 5.7L Hemi
Dark Khaki, QDII, Rocky Road 2.25" lift, Steel Armadillo front bumper with Warn PowerPlant winch, Steel Armadillo rear bumper w/ tire carrier, Rock Sliders, Light Bar & Front Fender Tube Fenders, 4xGuard belly skid plate & rear differential guard, BFG M/T A/T 255/75R17s on Rubicon rims, Spidertrax 1.5 inch wheel spacers, Rhino Rack Pioneer Tray with FoxWing Awning, Superchips VIVID Programmer, Air Flow snorkel, Steel Armadillo Secure Console, Cobra CB Radio, Lock Pick Video Programmer, ASFIR Skid Plates.
Knappster's Garage
AKA: the Owner of The Steel Armadillo L.L.C.
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.
2006 XK Limited, 5.7L Hemi
Dark Khaki, QDII, Rocky Road 2.25" lift, Steel Armadillo front bumper with Warn PowerPlant winch, Steel Armadillo rear bumper w/ tire carrier, Rock Sliders, Light Bar & Front Fender Tube Fenders, 4xGuard belly skid plate & rear differential guard, BFG M/T A/T 255/75R17s on Rubicon rims, Spidertrax 1.5 inch wheel spacers, Rhino Rack Pioneer Tray with FoxWing Awning, Superchips VIVID Programmer, Air Flow snorkel, Steel Armadillo Secure Console, Cobra CB Radio, Lock Pick Video Programmer, ASFIR Skid Plates.
Knappster's Garage
AKA: the Owner of The Steel Armadillo L.L.C.
4) get the more streamlined non-winch bumper with a 2" receiver and use a winch-in-cradle setup.
..... well that's what I would go with in that case.
But seeing how there are both WKs and XKs with winches behind the stock bumper in place of that frame section.... I'd prefer that method with a nice streamlined aftermarket steel bumper.
I'm torn. The bumper prototype looks great. I have no doubts this will be a high quality product in it's final form. I want to go with Sal and say "Yeah, lets go extreme heavy duty with it." But I also have reservations about cutting into the frame of the Jeep. I would need to see the replacement bracing and how it's mounted. How would a bolt on brace behave when the Jeep is out and being bounced and flexed and under stress? I've also seen the pictures of the jeep with the torn off front end, so I agree that there has to be a better system for mounting a winch to these vehicles that would hold up to the strain of being winched out of the mud, water, sand, etc. I may have to see one mounted that's been out and used and abused, and a follow up tear down to see how the structure is holding up before pulling the trigger. I know it may be overly cautious, but I don't think the wife will let me buy a third Commander anytime soon, so I'd need to be sure. There ya go, if you can sell it to my wife, I'll buy it!
2008 Overland in Black
Loaded, Leather, 5.7 Hemi QDII,
All 3 MOPAR Skids, VEC, Tow Pkg., 2" Rough Country Lift, 1 1/4" Spidertrax spacers, 255/75/17 BFG M/T's, Flowmaster 50 series muffler
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