I got my 2012 MW3 last week and am ready to start mods. Today I bought a Smittybuilt XRC10 and tried install in the bumper. I can't figure out how to mount the winch. The bumper is supposed to be "winch ready" but theres nowhere to mount the winch down inside the bumper. The jeep website shows the bumper with a Warn winch in it. The parts tech at the jeep dealership said that the bumper "probably only supports that winch" but I find that very hard to believe.

Does anyone know if there's a mounting bracket available for my particular bumper? I went to 4WD Hardware today but they couldnt find anything that would work. The bumper isn't bad looking so I don't really want to change bumpers unless there's no other option.

 

Nope that's EXACTLY what I need! Thank you!! Where can I get that? I asked the parts guy at the dealer and he was clueless. I said "I may have to just pull the bumper and put a new one on.". He said "you can't do that. They weld those bumpers to the frame cuz they don't want people messing with those things.". I knew right then he didn't have a clue.

Should that part have come with my bumper or is it an aftermarket item? I'll order one tonight.

Thanks again.

 

I just saw ur link. Thanks. My iPad JK app didnt show it at first. I was worried the Smittybuilt wouldn't fit under the lip. My Rottweiler shredded the box it came in, so there was no chance to return the winch.

Thanks again.

 

Thank you! Much appreciated.

 

i thought the MW3 jeep was supposed to come with the winch?

 

From what I gather from talking to a stealership about one the other day, if you pick up a non-winch version, they supply you with the winch delete plate(the cover piece) and no mounting bracket. If you get the winch on it already its the opposite. The bracket, but no delete plate on top of the bumper.

 

Contact AEV direct. There are several other parts you need to install a winch.
AEV sells the complete kit and it includes the winch plate. a fairlead plate,
vacuum pump relocation bracket and all required nuts and bolts to mount
a winch in the COD bumper. I just installed a Warn winch last week in mine.

 

I don't believe they would really weld on a bumper to a Jeep lol

 

My wife bought a new COD yesterday, and her bumper is ONLY bolted on. I guess I cheated out of the WELDED bumper

 

The bumpers are only bolted on, not welded.