Here is a rough write up on a Harbor freight winch plate and stubby front bumper.
Most winch plates for the JK are $220 + , i bought this for $39 or something like that. It required a lot of grinding, but well worth it. It is attached with 4 - grade 5 bolts to the top of the frame rails.

1- remove front bumper.--Thanks guys, forget about the other 8 bolts.

2- trim Harbor frieght plate to fit on top of the frame rails.

2-





This required a lot of grinding and cutting. But as a novice in that department it was easy.

Get a hand held grinder and a few blades and you are all set.

You gotta cut the front metal bumper pretty good, DON"T be shy, it's all hidden.

 

It took a lot of trimming for the plate and the bumper to match. Keep at it, it will go. The plate has to ride at the front of the frame rails, in order for the fairlead to sit flush.

At this time, I started to like the stubby look. so I searched stubby bumpers and followed that proceedure. Tape the bumpers and measure 10 inches, tape again, and cut.

I did mine with a utility knife, just be careful.

I worked alone, it took me 2-days,
I have a front hitch, and compressor, and air tank, and now a winch.
If you want to see all the pics, befriend me in facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...90428&ref=name

 

Awesome pics and write up That came out looking really good!

 

Heyspike, really nice write up. I was wondering what the items were up front as you were doing the winch plate install. Nice job on all the work as well.

 

I have a compressor and an air tank in the cavity located under the bumper. I had them bolted down but had to remove the bolts to install the front hitch. So I found it a lot easier to use wire clamps the 2nd time around. I have an air horn and a terminal jack for air under the hood. Search it, it's out there somewhere.
Thanks.

 

nice job. A cheap alternative for sure.

 

Edit: Never mind, my question was answered.

Nice hack! And I mean that in a good way.

 

That looks pretty good, nice job.

 

Dude! Nice job!....Great looking Shepard too!

 

Does that front receiver install require grinding? or just the winch plate? I want to get that receiver and then make my winch portable to the receivers so I can use it front or back and take it off when not needed. Thanks