Did a solo-install this past weekend of the Warn Elite Series bumper and a 9500 cti winch on my '12 JK; thought I'd share some of my observations.

The Warn bumper is a very-well designed and attractive product on the JK; looks like it belongs rather than is just added on. In a couple of major advantages, it comes with the winch plate integrated and welded in, so no extra expense and it's very solid. The winch plate is also set down low so that once installed, only the top half of the winch is visible, keeping the center of gravity low.

What they don't tell you when you buy this is that for the '12 JK's, you have to saw off the metal bracket holding the small vacuum reservoir behind the stock bumper. This was a royal pain as you can't get a traditional hacksaw into the right alignment. I wound up using a keyhole saw with a metal cutting blade and 30 minutes and a couple busted knuckles later I had the bracket off. Then you have to enlarge a slot in the frame by 1/4" to accommodate a large bolt (and who the hell has a 15/16" socket?) So a rat-tail file and another 40 minutes spent there.

I figured the worse was behind me at that point, but was wrong. The tolerances are so tight on the 8 bolts holding the bumper to the frame that you wind up tightening then loosening alternate bolts before you can get all 8 into the threads. So, doing it solo took the better part of 1 day to get the bumper in place.

The winch should have been easier but wasn't. Here, the tolerances for the 4 mounting bolts and the mounting plate are so tight that it was another 3-4 hours before all 4 bolts were in place. This part would have gone 3X faster if I had a second person to move the winch around in response to my commands. Even so, the access for two of the bolts is very limited. Once in place, the electrical hook-up was fast.

Also installed Smittybilt 76644 rock sliders, and that installation was a breeze in comparison.

With all components installed, the front end was about 1/2" lower, so some leveling or lift is in my future.

Once the installation and the swearing was complete, I must say I was very pleased with the look and the "solid" feel of the respective products. I would highly recommend all 3 for you JK owners drooling over enhancing your stock JK. Just don't try it yourself; buy 2-3 6-packs and invite some friends with strong backs over for an afternoon's labor and you'll be fine.

 

In for pics...

 

Thanks for the info. Sounded like a long day!... I am thinking on the elite as well and will definitely have someone to help. Post some pictures when you can. Where did you end up buying the bumper from? Mind if I ask how much? You can inbox it if you don't want to post.

 

Post some pics... love to see it!!

 

In a wonderful coincidence of timing, there was a "Truck Fair" or somesuch event put on by 4WD parts in San Mateo. I printed out a bunch of items I had an interest in from the Amazon web site with prices, and 4WD was willing to match those prices on the spot. So...I got the Warn Elite bumper for $599, and the Warn 9500 cti for only $1066!

Not sure how to post pictures, but have a nice one if someone will walk me through the process./Users/richardhector/Desktop/Rubicon.jpg

 

Hopefully the picture is attached correctly.

Forgot to add that an added bonus of the Warn Elite bumper is that you can use your stock fog lights from the Rubicon, an additional savings of $130 on the Warn lights.

 

Looks good!!

 

Looks great! Good to know on using the factory fogs.... I think I am sold, it is the look I am looking for. Thanks again for the info and posting the pics

 

Sorry to hear of your pain.....But glad you got it on.....Looks great!
I did my 2011 install in about 2 hours......Lights and all. The only dif was
I didn't need to trim for the Vac Res.





Not trying to Jack your thread...Just love the bumper!! Great choice!

 

Jeep looks great. I do like that bumper... Is that grill guard welded on? Wondering if I can buy the one without and add one on at a later date?