Just tried to install the Warn Elite Bumper on my 08 JK Rubicon. Ran into a problem where the integrated winch plate hits the Sway Bar Disco motor.





In the picture you can see where the corner of the winch plate hits the rubber portion of the disco motor.

I called Warn and they said they had focused on the new model Wranglers when testing the bumper. They're bringing in an 07 Rubicon next week to replicate the problem and come up with a fix. I suspect they'll have to notch the corner of the winch plate.

I'll post what they do about it ... but, if you have an older JK Rubicon, I'd suggest waiting on purchasing the bumper until they get a fix into production.

 

I did do a test fitting using the old rectangular washers from the old bumper (4 of them that go between each of the upper and lower mounting bolts) as a spacer. The washers are about a 1/4" wide. And, that was enough to be able to install the bumper without it hitting the Disco motor.

I was also able to rotate the Swaybar Disconnect motor up and it doesn't hit the bumper either (Warn doesn't offer a front skid plate for this bumper and doesn't drop low enough to full protect the Disco ... so, you'll want to do this.)

Not a permanent fix ... since there is a center air gap with this configuration between the Warn and Jeep mounting plates (not good if you where to hit something ... want the shock to go down the frame not bend the mount plate). But, it proofs the concept. If Warn doesn't provide a fix, I'll probably get some 1/4" plate steel and a 7"x6" mount spacer fabricated.


Shows Jeep Rectangular washers and how mounted.


Shows washer/spacer mounted ... note air gap behind it



Shows winch plate doesn't hit the Disco motor

 

Decided not to wait on Warn ... no word yet on what they're going to do after a week of waiting. I went to a local steel fabricator and had them cut two 1/4" x 5" x 7" plates with 4 mounting holes (3/4") ... cost $50.

Installed the plates and the M8000 winch today ... worked great.

 

Still waiting on a resolution from Warn.

 

Warn got back to me. They are sending out modified brackets and spacers.


When I mentioned the delay and that I had engineered a fix, they apologized and said "Inside the big red machine (our factory), things take a little more time these days. Getting access to the correct vehicle, allocating engineering resources, allocating manufacturing and quality resources etc. We do our best to get it right and it does take some time." They also tested the new bumper setup "to 14,000lbs with <.0050 deflection, meaning the static bumper position cannot change more than .0050."

Can't fault them on that nor that they did come up with a fix for me (and all the other Rubicon owners) ... maybe just on the timeliness of the follow-up.

 

Glad it worked out,,how about some finished pics? I am wanting this bumper.

 

What he said...

 

Here are some photos as requested. Jeep is a bit dirty from the snow ... but, will give you an idea of what it looks like:







It is a well built, heavy bumper but you would expect that from Warn.

Other things I like (e.g. why I chose it):

• shouldn't impact approach angle
• style ... especially the way the bumper ends work with the fender flares ... looks factory
• the bull bar is sturdy and goes vertical at the top (e.g. doesn't stick out to far but should sort of act as a stinger if needed)
• the large flat surface especially around the winch ... will be handy to set things on if needed
• the winch sits between the frame rails which provides protection from the elements and doesn't affect airflow
• You can reuse your factory fog lights
• Lastly (and maybe most important for me) MADE IN THE USA

Installation was pretty simple. I put it on myself using hand tools and a drill (needed to enlarge one bolt hole on the jeep's mount point). Expect to spend about 3 hours to install. Make sure you use locktight on the bolt threads (test fit everything first).

I understand the 2012 installation is a bit more complicated because you have to move the air pump.

If you have a Rubicon, I would recommend rotating the swaybar disconnect motor up while you've got the bumper off ... I ordered the kit from Quadratech (it is just a bolt and sleeve which you could put together from the local hardware store) .... that took about 30 mins.

Winch install was really easy as well ... took about 45 min. The winch was a Warn ... so, all the bolt holes lined up perfectly (but, assume the winch bolt layouts are pretty standard with other brands).

So, 4-5 hours max to get everything installed. (Since I've taken it off and on a few times ... I'm down to less than 2 hours now. )

 

Looks good!

Thanks for taking the time to put the pictures and your impression on the sight here.

Can't wait to get mine this month!

 

did u have to take the bumper off to install the winch? or can it be installed with bumper on the jeep?

doing this on the weekend..would be great to know!