I have a smittybilt front bumper, that doesn't have the winch cutout.
When I started modding, I didn't think that I would end up buying a winch. Now I've started to do a few mild trails, and want to add a winch to my rig.
Here's the question...Can I bolt a winch to the top of my bumper without having any special winch plate etc? The bumper is pretty thick steel, but I don't know if it's strong enough etc. Anyone done this? Any info much appreciated

 

Bump! Bump!

 

Since you will need a mount for the fairlead anyways, I would sugest buying an actual winch mount. Harbor Freight has a universal one for about $30 that lots of guys have used on this forum. Granted, you will have to look close before you go this direction to decide if your fab skills can do the work required to make it all look good.

 

Your other option is to take the loss and pick up a cheap bumper. I put on the Bestop stubby with winch mount. I love the bumper, it was cheap and works well. However, I have not used it under load yet.

You might be able to put your old one on Craig's List.

-John

 

If it were me in this situation I would definitely try to sell the bumper you have now and buy another bumper that is winch ready.