Rear Winch Inside
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
From: Macon, GA
Very nice setup GKR. I've tried to think of way to do this as well. I like your take on it, but I don't have the skills to pull this off. I do know some folks, so maybe I will explore this route some more. My biggest concern is the towing aspect, as I do tow some with mine. Thanks for ideas!
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 506
Likes: 0
From: Beaconsfield, QC
I took a slightly different route with the installation and cut out the cubby to get the winch as out of the way as possible. No change in departure angle. And after one season of wheeling with it on the rocks, I've had no issues with damage.
Tucked up out of the way ....
Fairlead comes through the rear bumper...
No change to departure angles ....
Completely unneccessary wheeling shot...
Here is a link to the 'write-up' and more photos on the install...
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...lation-project
In the spring I plan to add a small skidplate to the setup for some more insurance. I'm also thinking of configuring it so it can also be used as a suck-down winch.
Tucked up out of the way ....
Fairlead comes through the rear bumper...
No change to departure angles ....
Completely unneccessary wheeling shot...
Here is a link to the 'write-up' and more photos on the install...
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...lation-project
In the spring I plan to add a small skidplate to the setup for some more insurance. I'm also thinking of configuring it so it can also be used as a suck-down winch.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 406
Likes: 1
From: Hot Springs, AR
That's some hardcore installation when you start cutting out cross members etc but excellent installs indeed.
I'm just curious if you guys are installing a battery in the back or running the huge battery cables from the front?
I'm just curious if you guys are installing a battery in the back or running the huge battery cables from the front?
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Kent, WA
I had installed a tubular crossmember which you can see the back of the winch plate is welded to. The bottom of my winch plate is on the same plane as the crossmember was so rear clearance is the same. I did run heavy cables to a solinoid under the hood. Power is sent to the rear only when needed which is activated by a switch. It's a custom bumper. I tend to carry too much crap 
and didn't want to give up the storage cubby. I'm actually going to cut out the factory one and make a larger one using the available space......
I moved my batteries under the rear seat but you can see the solinoid behind the fuse box. Under that is a power distrubution point.
and didn't want to give up the storage cubby. I'm actually going to cut out the factory one and make a larger one using the available space......I moved my batteries under the rear seat but you can see the solinoid behind the fuse box. Under that is a power distrubution point.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 0
From: El Mirage, AZ
I've run a rear winch on my last three rigs and have found with just a bit of shielding from the elements they last just fine. On my JK I had to give up the small jack storage area and I cut out the existing crossmember. I then built a winch plate that replaced what I cut out. It's protected from the elements, pretty secure and there when I need it.
Just throwing out another option for a rear mounted winch.
and the hitch reciever is just for a trail vice, I don't tow with this.
Just throwing out another option for a rear mounted winch.
and the hitch reciever is just for a trail vice, I don't tow with this.
