I've decided to get a Warn VR8000 winch but I'm keeping my stock bumper. I don't want to add more weight to the front, and my wife won't go for it right now. I'm looking to see what winch plates people have used that aren't the Warn one, I don't want to pay a fortune for it. I know that there is one for $40ish from harbor freight, but I don't know if that would work. I'm looking to be informed by the forum. Please inform me ... Thanks for input. (I'm handy and have all normal tools, but am not a mechanic. I'm not looking for something that will take a lot of work outside of the standard directions)

 

I used the Smittybilt one. Bought it off Amazon for around $120 if I remember. You do have to cut slots in the stock bumper but they are covered by the mounting plate. I'll post a pic in a minute.

 

Here is a picture of the smittybuilt I used when I had my stock bumper on.

 

That's about what I assume it will end up looking like, 120 seems about right. Just seeing if there is a less expensive alternative.

 

if you can weld or know someone that can, you can weld a custom plate to put between the frame rails and mount inside the factory bumper.

 

No welders for me, I wish I knew someone or learned how. Not yet though.

 

Have seen some guys use the Harbor Freight winch plates (item # 90476). They run about 40 bucks without coupon.

Here is a clean install...

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...2/#post1214562

 

I'll take a look, thanks