Been searching the forum and looking at google. I want to know the best way to mount my winch to my frame and put my factory bumper back over it. I like the inside look. I just don't think my winch will fit inside. I want it to look clean. I'm a minimalist. Thanks.

 

Just my opinion of course but I'd just get a clean looking recessed winch aftermarket bumper. The kit, the custom work, the cutting to have a winch in the factory bumper is kind of silly cause if your intent is wheeling, that bumper is going to get banged up and will provide your winch very little protection. There are some good bumper options in the $500 range so maybe you'd spend a little more than fabbing the stocker but worth it in my opinion. Plus you could sell your stock one for $50-100 to further offset a new bumper...

 

I think those guys run a remote solenoid location... Your winch seems to have an integrated one which is why it appears it won't fit under there... Maybe since they get mounted upside down it will still fit if the sway bar isn't too much in the way.

 

you're right. But I love the stock look. Just my style. I found one for 250 winch and jaws lead will work perfect. Installed my friends last night. Came with everything.

 

Smittybuilt X20 w/ synthetic line and remote solenoid. It's a tight fit and there is a good bit of fabrication work, but the result is nice

 

Here's an in progress picture

 

that's exactly what I want to do. How much fab we talking?which winch plate did you use?

 

Anyone have any idea which plate I should buy!? I see it has to be flipped upside down. I think I can make this work.

 

There are times when function over form is the right way to go. Stealth mounting a winch might look cool, but it is far from "cool." If you actually use a winch, it needs a lot of air flow. Stuffed in a bumper is the last place you want it. Performance will suffer and you will run into overheating issues. Manufacturers don't warranty a winch that was burnt out after overheating.

Not to mention there is no access to the spool motor for service. Every couple of uses I like to re-wrap the line. I can't count how many times I've seen a winch fail on the trail and it was due to a lead to the motor coming a little loose.

To summarize, if you plan to actually use your winch, then it doesn't belong in your bumper.

 

I hate all winch bumpers. Maybe il have to get someone to build me a one off so I don't have the same one like all the other wranglers in south Florida.