You could certainly mount a bumper without the backing plates under the nuts but if you're going to install a winch I would definately find some plates or fab some since those 8 bolts are your primary means of attaching the bumper/winch. You wouldn't want those nuts to pull through the holes!!

D-ring plates - some of the aftermarket bumpers replace the tow hooks with d-ring plates. Pure Jeep comes to mind.

 

Looking at this image of WOL's shrockworks bumper makes me think that my missing 'backing plates' may not be necessary. I don't know why they wouldn't be on my jeep.

 

Judging from the heavy piece behind the nuts in the pic I'd say you're correct. My Mopar bumper bolts in the same way the plastic one came off - all from the front so I wouldn't dare run without the plates but with the Shrockworks setup you should be fine.

 

Yes, you could cut the crush cans off and use say PureJeeps's D-ring mounts in place of the tow hooks. One of the members on here has done this. I can't remember his name, just do a search.

 

SO I figured it out looking at a couple of JK's. Those on the lot with tow hooks had the backing plates and those without didn't

Mine came without hooks - I bought them seperately and they didn't have the plates included. I'll just have to get some fabbed up.

PITA

 

Order 'em from your dealership...they were something $5/pair. PM me if you need the part number...I probably have it around somewhere.