So i am back, and i have done ALOT of work on the jeep, but its never going to be finished so onto the next project. Im wanting to add more approach angle and im sick of seeing my table of a front bumper.

So why not frame cut the jeep and bring everything in . I do like the VKS version 3 bumper they offer but i am wanting something a little more extreme because why not. So is there any real downside to having the winch and cutting the frame enough to have the winch behind the grille like in the image below? Thoughts? Things i need to look out for while building it.

 

Longest shot ever, but maybe I could interest you in a Poison Spyder BFH front bumper with tabs and fairlead mount

I like what you're thinking with the winch really being tucked away in general. The downside of that would be PITA should you ever have to monkey with the winch solenoid, or even to access the clutch handle really. Usually when you're winching you're in less than ideal situations/conditions.

 

Lol, I dont think it is quite what i am looking for, but ill keep it in mind .

But ya, the solenoid im not to worried about, i have already kind of figured a place to put it where i can semi easily reach it. I am also cheating i just picked me up one of those warn vr evos so its wireless, so not so much a concern. But the clutch is what had me worried. was thinking either stick my hand through the grill (see how long that lasts before i just rip it off in anger), but another thought was to drill a hole into the clutch handle and make a bar that comes our the front of the grill kind of like a choke. I also say someone saying that winches need air flow so they dont over heat??? Figured if it gets to that point im in the wrong trail for the rig or i need to get better at driving lol.

 

It seems like I've seen a winch sunken in between the rails like that before, maybe even an EJS concept. I wouldn't concern yourself with airflow over the winch, think about how many of us bury it and run it under the mud and muck until we get out. What about the folks running it on the rear, sunken between the rails? I think you're ok there.

 

Y, I can't say I recall ever hearing many talking about air flow around a winch. There was one bumper few years back I recall completely covering the winch up, and you had to access the clutch from the underside. I wouldn't worry about that either. The clutch is the main thing IMO. Again, just consider various positions your jeep could be in as you try to access the clutch. For example, nose high in the air on some rocks may not make it as easy to get your hand in there. Curious to see what you come up with though. Definitely post up some pics when you do it.

 

I took this image from the HD Customs build back in 2008, but they seem to be out of business as i cant find them anywhere.

And ok that solves one worry about the airflow. I will devise something for the clutch, Im 3d printing a full size winch right now for mock up while im waiting on the actual winch to come in. But if i do decide to go this route then i will prob do a build thread on it, might even release the cad files so others can modify as they see fit and build one.

 

Looks like a good idea! I’ll be watching to see how it turns out.

 

Thats where I have my winch.

 

I just used a generic warn mount plate which fit perfect between the frame rails.

 

You should post up a picture of your modified grill as well. I'd bet that is something OP would consider. Chopping that grille sure removes all issues accessing the clutch.