Was going to mount winch tucked in low between frame rails but now want to retain lights in bumper: don"t think I can have both. If I make a mount to move the winch up a few inches so it will clear the lights, the cable won't come straight off the spool and through the fairlead. I realize this means the cable will almost always be in contact with the upper roller on the fairlead. Will this be an issue?

Thoughts?

 

I have a 2010 JK with the factory bumper still on it. I did however weld a steel plate between the frame rails. I set it right on top of the brace and stitch welded it. I then mounted a Ramsey 9.5e on it cut a hole in between the factory fog lights and mounted mt roller fairlead and put steel backing ont the backside of the fairlead for reinforcement. Pulled fullsize 83 ford with 40" muds. Mind you I had to hook another vehicle to me. In short a standard roller fairlead will fit. As long as the angle isn't crazy off you should be fine.

 

I'm assuming better with Synthetic than wire if it's off??

 

As long as the winch line isn't touching anything when it winds it doesn't matter the angle up and down. Winch line will saw through anything underload like a bandsaw blade. Synthetic it will fray and cut. Here are some pics of mine. If you need more info let me know.

 

Very slick. Thank. Time to measure some winches up

 

BTW if your interested that is a Ramsey 9.5e. It fits perfect in there and you can mount the controil box right next to it. If you go with the Ramsey I recommend the wireless remote adapter with it.