I would like to have a winch hoop. Not sure why, but I like the look of it and believe it would help protect the grill in the event of a low-flying aircraft collision with my JK. Regardless of the reason for me wanting to do this, would it be possible? Where would I attach the hoop to? The Rugged Ridge hopp has mounting holes, so securing it is not the issue. Does the stock bumper (underneath all that plastic) have sufficient strength to support said hoop? Where on the bumper would it fall? Anyone have dimensions?

I suppose I would have to drill holes through the metal bumper, then drill slightly larger holes in the plastic part and place metal spacers so the plastic doesn't get pinched and look awkward.

I had the Mopar "Rubicon" winch hoop on my '05 TJ and thought it looked great. I'm trying to achieve the same look without having to dish out hundreds of dollars for a new bumper. Unfortunately, the JK's bumper is shrouded in plastic, so it makes attaching things more difficult.

Am I just crazy?

 

it could probably be done easily by just drilling some holes in the frame and cutting the plastic out of the way. i'd imagine RR would use the frame as extra support for the hoops, but you never know.

i know a winch hoop can be done with the stock bumber, i almost followed what another member here did with mine. here is what he did:
the full thread is here https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-show-tell-33/factory-bumper-chopped-winched-hooped-15027/

and the hoop can be brought from here: http://www.redjeepclub.com/RedJeepClubHome.php go to the bottom of the page.



dunno if this helps any.

 

The Rugged Ridge hoop isn't wide enough to attach to the frame, so it would have to be attached to the bumper. And I don't think the stock bumper has enough metal in that area.

 

If you did'nt know that he did that himself, you would think that was the new factory stub W/winch mount & grill guard. Well done !

 

that looks really good. is that winch painted?

 

Good job on the plastic welds. Nice and neat

 

Rugged Ridge XHD Hoop on my stock bumper and VDP Stubby end caps