Im not sure if this has been asked before, but is there a winch on the market that would not require changing the front bumper?
If so, which one?
Thanks.

 

There are a lot of winches out there that will go in the factory bumper.

But you still need a winch plate

 

Yes, in fact I think I just saw a new pic of one just yesterday. Sits right on top of the bumper.....search the winch threads. I think I saw a plate at either Quadratec or 4wd mag. You might call David at Northridge and see if he carrys them...

Also there are one or two posts where guys used the stock bumper and cut out the middle for the winch cable. This way the winch would sit down inside the bumper. Either way, it can still work for you with the stock bumper....

 

You can get a universal winch plate that will work (with a little trimming) at Harbor Freight for around $30.

 

Thanks guys.
I think the one that Dave mentioned is the type I was looking for.
To go between the frame rails without changing the bumper.
Ill check into it.

 

You have to do what you can afford, but putting a nice winch in the stock bumper is like putting lipstick on a pig. It might function for you, but I would hate to rely on that bumper for any serious winch issues.

 

I'm running a winch with the stock bumper and it's absolutely ROCK SOLID. It's mounted on a Bulldog Winch plate - requires slight bumper-cover trimming and drilling holes in the frame for SOLID mounting. Used it lots, so I know it works.

You do not need a new bumper to mount a winch.

 

I was shopping at my local Sam's Club and noticed they have a rear mounted winch, that mounts to the frame....kind of like a trailer hitch would mount.

Is there any advantage of having a front mounted winch vs. a rear mounted winch or vice versa?

 

Well one good thing about having a winch in the back is you can go back the way you came a lot easier. Meaning many times a guy may not want to go in any further after he sees what it's like and a winch in the back would make this happen a lot quicker.

That being said, many guys like their winch portable by putting a hitch on the front as well so you can use it on either end. Some even go as far as to put hitches on the sides of their rigs. Having a portable winch can be nice....it allows you to not have to drive around with the added weight if you're just going to work and back all week.

It's definitely something to consider. There are a few pics on here of rigs with winches on the back as well as hitches on the front to accept a winch. You'll have to look around for them tho as I have no idea where they are.

 

Thank you!!! That's very helpful!! I'm also wondering if with a rear mounted winch that maybe it would also eliminate the need to replace or modify the bumper?

I've been considering getting a winch mainly to assist others to get unstuck out of the snow and am now considering that a rear winch might be more beneficial to me because having it in the rear would also allow me the option to connect some tow chains to be able to use my Jeep to pull also if needed?