Won't mounting it upside down and hidden make it harder to engage/disengage the clutch, and what about hooking the remote up, that sounds like it would make it a pain. And what about spooling, how can you tell how many loops you still have on the spool? You should have like 4-5 loops, if its hidden how can you tell. And spooling back in how can you tell if its even or is it all bunching up on one side?

And if it is visible from under the bumper, then doesn't that make it exposed for rock damage when rock crawling?

 

X2 on the questions you raise.
In particular, how would you engage the clutch? How would you make sure you're winding the line back on evenly (which is a major pain in the ass even when you can see the spool)?

 

this was my warn m9000 set up before i fabbed my aluminum j8 bumpers...my new bumper set up uses the same inverted configuration as in this pic...as for how it works,i have used it at least 10 times pulling some of my buddies out of some pretty technical recoveries

 

Okay, so the solenoid is still on top, that helps with the remote, but what about the other questions?

 

And I don't think this would even be an option on a Rubi. Seems like the electronic sway bar would be in the way.

 

Check this thread out: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...y-bumper-2001/

The write-up is great (w/pics). I've been toying around with a winch idea... whether to go new bumper with integral mount or mounting one above a new or the OEM bumper. Then I found the above thread which actually shows step by step instructions and a final pic. Very impressive but a lot of work.

 

mine was a 2 wheel drive conversion so i didn't have the electric motor...the clutch is located on top of the winch therefore mounted inverted puts it in easy reach,and the spool is easy to see...i have really put this set up to the test...trust me it works well...at least mine does

 

Great write up thanks.