I've seen a couple of Rubi's in pictures with this type of winch, so I'm assuming it's doable.

Just to doublecheck, people are using this Harbor Freight plate, correct? It only says 3000lbs, is this a lighter weight version of what everyone else has?

http://www.harborfreight.com/mountin...nch-93202.html

Anyone know offhand if a Superwinch LP8500 fit?

 

Its the same winch plate but I actually picked up the one rated for 10,000 lbs. I don't think they have them anymore due to discontinuing them. Not really sure though.

 

When the winch plate is bolted to the jeep, it looks like you used two bolts per side. I assume you had to drill through both the plate and the frame.

How did you attach the bolts? I don't recall seeing access to get tools up into the frame area. Or, did you thread the holes in the frame to accept the bolts? Please share!

 

The winch mount plate from harbor freight that I used already had the holes drilled in the plate but yes I did drill through the frame. I used four grade 8 to mount the plate to the frame and I cut a small slot on on the end of the frame rail to allow a box wrench to be inserted. There are holes there already I just enlarged one of them. Worked great and has held up well. Sorry I didn't take pictures as installed.

RT

 

I did the same thing. I used 4 6 inch grade 8 bolts so they went all the way through the frame. Ill attach some pics so you can see what I did. Hopefully these give you a good idea.

 

Great writeup! Thanks!

 

Just picked up the LAST TWO Harbor Freight mount plates in Michigan!

Anyone have pictures of the cuts that must be made to the plate? Any measurements or other hints at how to do it right and easy the first time?

work smart, not hard.

 

What size bolts did you use?

 

Man, after much consideration I WAS going to go this route. However, I've had trouble finding the 10K winch mount plate from Harbor Freight. So, I started looking for other winch plates for OEM bumpers. I came across some but what I found next was a SHOCKER!

On this forum I found a thread from member Woods. JeepSwag.com is selling a full stubby bumper with winch mount for $150! For another $50 you can add shackle mounts. Using coupon code "fbracket" I was able to get free shipping on the shackle mounts and the total shipping cost was just $44.

The also offered a "rock light" mount to use the factory fog lights. Free shipping on those, too with coupon code "flbracket".

Sure, I'm paying a bit more than the Harbor Freight option, but since I can't find the plate, this was a VERY good alternative. The bumper looks awesome!

I pulled the trigger and order it!

 

Got a "universal winch mount plate" from amazon here in Germany.
Little cutting with the angle-grinder. i turned the knob for free spooling up, so i have comfortable access from above

Solenoid is under the hood and i have a remote control too, so everything ist fine