I'm looking to replace my stock bumper with a stubby, winch-ready bumper. I was looking at the JCR offroad Dagger serires, which is listed at 55 lbs. I don't plan on putting a winch in just yet. I am concerned about how much weight I can put on the front before it becomes an issue requiring levelling or upgraded suspension. I am torn as to whether or not I will put a small lift on it someday. I do know that if I do it will be at least a couple years down the road.

Any thoughts on my weight concerns would be appreciated.

 

even with a big heavy bumper and a powerplant winch with steel rope (about the weight of a small guy standing on your front bumper), you'll only see about a .5"-.75" of height loss at most. needless to say, you won't really need to worry about things until you get to that point.

 

Thanks for the input

 

I installed a full width LoD and a Engo E10000 with synthetic line on my Sahara stock. No suspension bulging at all. Also no changes on the driving behavior.

 

JK's sit lower in the front from the factory. You could always put a 3/4" spacer up front to compensate for a bumper and winch, and also it will help level the vehicle. They are very inexpensive

 

Not to rock the boat, but my good buddy that i wheel with put a warn full-width bumper and warn powerplant with steel line on the front of his stock 4dr rubi (2008 i believe) and needed a 2" spacer in the front just to get it back to stock rake. Could just be a fluke, but figured i'd chime in.

-Adam

 

In my opinion I'm always more concerned that the added weight will cause more probs underneath, ball joints, the C's if ya haven't welded on gussets & the axle tube...sorry if I hijacked...

 

Some will see more sag if they have lower spring rates. I would measure prior to install and after to see if there was a drop. I've got a RR stubby with a synthetic line winch and I saw no noticeable difference. Daystar makes a 3/4 inch puck that's about $30. (oddly its the same price if you get both front and rear pucks together) Or you could put on some higher rated JKU springs from the for sale section/get them from the dealer.

 

I have a PSC Brawler Lite and a Warn VR 8000. My Rubicon lost at least an inch in the front.