Awesome thread
Here is what I have so far:

I purchased the Smittybilt winch plate for a TJ for my starting point. I then made a few cuts and then welded on an extension for the fairlead:





The extention moves the fairlead out exactly 3.5" which touches the outer layer of the bumper plastic. I removed the inner plastic layer and the metal part of the bumper:


Here is the Jeep with all the cuts treated with rust primer:


I'm currently in the process of painting the winch plate and will post more pics when it is done.

Edit: I finally finished!

 

I built a winch tray...



... and then cut the plastic that needed to go away to hang the plastic bumper fascia in place.







Still need to fab the spacers to get the towhooks mounted up, but it's otherwise functional at this point. Also considering a stubby mod

 

Very nice!

 

Very nice work Tobyw.

That is clean and pro, right in the frame rails. Exceptional job

 

Great thread and awesome work. I was concerned about buying a new bumper to hold a winch. This takes care of it. Thank you!

 

I finally finished my winch install! I edited my original post and added new pictures here:

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...=1#post2630640

 

Smittybuilt also makes a winch plate for the factory bumper. It looks pretty good when done. Runs about $100.

I would send pics, but recently swapped to a body armor bumper.

 

I am currently in the process of mounting my winch in the factory bumper of my Rubicon. I am mounting my winch plate on top of the frame. Upside down, and in order to clear the sway bar disconnect, mount the winch plate more forward. It will put it right up against the metal bumper, that will require to cut underside of metal bumper, so that it sits right in front of the winch. Only problem is that puts the winch in front of the lower frame rail that can protect it, but to fix that problem, a front skid should work.

 

Be sure to post up some pics of your work!

 

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