From what I've read putting on a winch after installing the Elite can be challenging what about installing the winch on the bumper then bolting the assembly on? I have plenty of help and jacks/lifts. Anyone have actual done this? Thanks

 

I installed the Warn Elite front bumper with the 12k Power Plant winch and it turned out incredible but it sure was a job to install. It took a couple days to get it done and there was some modification on the frame and a vacuumed mounting bracket. I'm now sure about mounting the winch on the bumper first and then lifting them both up into place. It might be pretty tough to do it that way.

What winch are you going with? I know the Power Plant is an awesome winch especially having the built in air compressor, but its heavy. I would say bolt up the bumper first, that way it can get lined up and square, then install the winch. Either way I sure hope it all works out for you because once its installed your going to love it.

 

Thanks for the info, I just spent 2 1/2hrs removing the stock bumper and butchering a universal winch plate with a plasma cutter only to decide the end product wasn't what thought to be safe not to mention pretty and remounting the stock setup. Decided to go with the Elite and quit screwing around. Another reason being how they handle the relocation of the vacuum unit without cutting/splicing the wires or tubing. I selected 9500CTI based on my needs as I have a 2door model and already have the aux air thing handled. Regards,

 

I have the Warn Elite and the 9.5cti. I did a write-up that you can find on this forum.
If you're doing the install by yourself (not recommended, based on my experience), I can see where mating the winch to the bumper before installing the bumper could save you some time. It took me a long, long time to get the four 9.5cti bolts aligned and started. The tolerances are very tight and the winch does press against the vacuum reservoir hoses, giving you less ability to nudge the winch into place. Also, access to feed the bolts up into the winch from the bottom is pretty tight. A second person to move the winch on your command could shorten the install time considerably.

However, adding a full 100 lbs to the bumper by mounting the winch first and then trying to get the bumper into place also strikes me as setting yourself up for grief as the 8 bolts to the frame are equally difficult to get into alignment, especially if you're doing this by yourself. If you had 2 floor jacks and jack stands to balance it, maybe it would work (others who have installed this bumper had an easier time than I, so you'll have to judge for yourself).

So, there is some frustration (at least on my part) to complete the install, but once it's done, you'll be very happy with the outcome.

 

Thanks for the advice. I was anticipating the trouble trying to get the square nuts to align with the holes and pretty much the weight thing. I have help and a hydraulic trans jack and several floor jacks to handle the subtle shifts that everyone alludes to. Was thinking of going slightly bigger on the bolt holes, maybe 1/16? Sounds like a case of when you want to cuss now or later. But as you say the end result is worth it

 

If you have help I would definitely install the winch first. I wasn't sure there for a while that I would get those mounting bolts in!

 

I think it would be a safety mistake to enlarge the winch mount bolt holes just to save you some frustration. You could introduce some "play" that could contribute to a failure. Bad things always happen at the worst possible moment; simply not worth it.

 

I concur in most instances enlarging the holes on something of this nature isn't probably a great idea but I was thinking in terms of 1 /16 larger as I have the correct machinery to do that. That being said I supposed just for my ego I'll try the stock way and then go to plan B if I have to. Again Thanks to those that have replied.

 

If you are installing by yourself I would add the winch after. It is a pain to install the winch but the bumper install is not bad since the bumper alone is not too heavy.

 

Gues I should come clean right now I have Spydura not cable so I'll have something in my favor.