DIY Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU Stock Bumper w/Hidden Winch & Chopped Ends - Because, Adventure
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- Опубліковано 22 вер 2020
- Oscar, my 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Freedom Edition got a Great 1st Year Birthday Present, a Warn VR8000 Winch. While researching mounting options, I came across a photo of a random Jeep that had the Winch Hidden inside the Stock Bumper. I was immediately hooked on the idea and the rest is history.
The installation did take quite a bit of time and I utilized machinery that most people wouldn’t have access too, but in all honesty I believe that a skilled set of hands can accomplish the same result with everyday power hand tools.
The Bumper Chop came later as part of Oscar’s 4th Birthday Present being New Cooper STT Pro Tires, Spidertrax Wheel Spacers and Rough County Bumper Ends.
As always, leave a comment if your interested in tackling this project. I can provide more detail if needed.
Excellent work, very clean job!!
That’s awesome. Thank you for sharing this.
Wow, I wish I had your skills! I really like this look.
Thanks! I really love how it turned out. Not only does it look good, but very functional as well.
amazing video! I will take your idea almost to the detail! Thanks a lot!
Thanks & good luck with your project!
Always thumb up on a clean job
Thanks! I’m thrilled with how it turned out and is holding up well!
That’s a solid build and some great video editing too! I would like to fabricate something similar but with the rubicon and it’s sway bar disconnect I might have to do it differently.
Thanks for the kind words! Assuming the Rubicon that you mentioned is a JK/JKU I’m pretty sure that the sway bar disconnect actuator sits lower and further back than the area used for this modification. Good luck if you decide to give it a go!
I’d like to get the specs on that metal bracket I’ll be taking it to a shop as I don’t have a mill on hand in my garage. I just saw this idea and here’s a video to help me out. Appreciate your time.
Good luck with your project!
Do I need to email you or something on specs on metal bracket?
@@patrickconnolly2997 - I’m not sure exactly what you’re looking for, but please feel free to email me at BecauseAdventure@wi.rr.com and I will try and help with the details. It’s been 5 or 6 years since I added the winch so exact specifications might be a little fuzzy.
Nice build! I wonder if the Rubicon Hardrock steel bumper mounting plate would work then just do the stock bumper mods to accommodate the winch.
Thank you! Really all you need is a flat plate. I’ve heard of people using cheap universal winch plates from HF with success. The Hardrock plates are usually pretty expensive and would need a lot of cutting if I remember right.
With a JKU, I would need a larger winch (at least a 9500 or larger) I wonder if there is room behind the bumper. I will have to check the specs for the size difference to see if there is any.
Nice job!
Thanks for the kind words! Mine is a JKU and my VR8000 has never let me down. Generally speaking, higher capacity winches are the same size and footprint so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting one into the same space.
Great work, you inspired me to do something similar with mine!
What headlights and fog lights are you running, lenses look like they are smoked. Really looks great.
Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad to hear that you’re inspired! The light lenses are actually clear which was important to me in order to provide maximum light. The background behind the lights is black which gives them the blackout look. They’ve been installed for 3 years plus with no issues & I recommend them:
DOT Approved 7'' Black LED Headlights + 4 ''Cree LED Fog Lights Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 97-2017 JK TJ LJ www.amazon.com/dp/B01KNXSIYS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_H0H6P4WPRVVG7FRP7782?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Will this work with the rubicon? Since the sway bar motor is behind the bumper
Great question! My Jeep is not a Rubicon and doesn’t have the disconnect motor. I checked and while I’m not 100% certain, will say that it will probably not work. The sway bar gets pretty close to the winch. Sorry.
Is your grill matte black and the Jeep normal glossy black? It looks like that’s what it is. I have a black Jeep and I really like the way that looks. Might think about doing that now 🤔👍
It’s actually Granite Crystal along with the wheels.
@@BecauseAdventure Where did you get that? Didi you do it yourself? It looks great.
It’s original as part of the “Freedom” package that was offered in 2016. I like it a lot too!
How do you mount bumper back with winch plate installed. Is there any space to fit the wrench?
I used a 3/8 drive ratchet, extensions, swivel and socket. It’s tight, but very doable.
If you’re interested in doing this and have more questions, check out my Facebook Page where you can comment and I can include pictures to answer your questions.
facebook.com/102403738370812/posts/102634728347713/?d=n
NICE!!! Any plans to market that as a kit? I'd honestly be first in line! LOL
No plans to do that, but the same can be done with a cheap winch plate, some planning and patience.
I was gunna do this until i remembered having to mess with my cable, or watch the amount of spool on one side.
I ended up top mounting mine just for that reasoning.
When you’re stuck and pulling, making sure that the cable spools perfectly is not a concern, of mine anyway. I am glad to hear that you’re happy with your choice.
How easy/hard is it to get to the clutch/free spool and turn?
Not bad unless the bumper is submerged.
Hi. Do you have all specs, looks like I'll tackle this same project. I'm only concerned on the relocation of vacuum pump. Your mod is the cleanest out there. Did is sag much in front and how is the setup holding up. If I pay you, could you machine same plate for me?
Good luck on your project! There are a number of companies that you can get a vacuum pump relocation bracket from. I choose to modify the existing one just so I didn’t have to change the lines. Unfortunately I wouldn’t be interested in making one, but if you screenshot the video you should be able to replicate with a little trial and error.
@@BecauseAdventure the winch you use, is it because of dimension and that it fits within the cavity of the bumper?
@@victorcuevas5179 - I bought the winch first. It was just a happy coincidence that it fit perfectly.
@@BecauseAdventure Hi, I forgot to ask, you are using a 1/4" gauge plate, is it necessary or could I just purchase a winch plate and adjust accordingly?
I would think a winch plate would work, but it needs to be long enough to mount on the frame rails. Some are short to fit between the frame rails.
All that work you did you should have relocated control box under hood it would look so clean!!! Don’t get me wrong it looks good now but you should have spent and extra 1-2 hrs an did relocation
Thought about that, but it’s more convenient and accessible on the bumper in my opinion.
@@BecauseAdventure accessible yes. I use my cordless remote and leave the power on the winch. So I don’t need to do anything with it so I’m putting mine under the coke
@@Rubicon14 - If mine were wireless, I would’ve done like you mentioned.
@@BecauseAdventure ooooo ok i didn’t realize yours was not sorry
Can you access the winches free spool gear lever?
Yes, but I have to reach under the bumper.
@@BecauseAdventure thanks for the quick response.
Although this installation represents the most work, it's the only option that achieves the style/look I want.
Great work!
It’s a bit of a project, but definitely worth it. It’s been 6 years now and I’m still happy with the look and function.
ill buy that! lets talk
Haha, you’re not the first to make an offer. Not for sale but, you’re more than welcome to follow the video and make your own.