So it's time to add a winch to Grover. Like most of my projects, I
couldn't stand the thought of spending $600-$900 for a winch bumper when I could
make something myself. But, just like all my projects, this one gave me an
appreciation of why those bumpers are so expensive. They are very
time/labor intensive. I spent 14 long hours making this bumper, but I
think it turned out great. I spent a total of about $100 on the entire
project. The 3/16" thick 4"x4" box steel was $70 for 9ft, then add some
hardware and paint. As for the winch, it is a Smittybilt XRC8 8000lb.
It comes complete shipped to your door for about $300. I don't winch all
the time, so I figured I would give this one a shot. I figure at $300 it's
almost disposable.
 Here is the
stock setup I started with. |
 After removal
of the bumper and brush guard. |
 This is when
I mock everything up and start drawing everything out. I also want to
make sure the winch will fit where I want it. |
 The first
thing I did was cut a "C" section out of the box channel to make room for
the winch. |
 Metal
strapping is welded across the top to prevent the box channel from warping. |
 Here is the
bumper with the section removed. |
 Next, that
"C" section that I cut out is split down the middle. These two pieces
will make up base plate for the winch and will be welded back in place. |
 Here is the
"C" section welded back in to serve as the base for the winch. |
 Next, the
base gets two angled cut for aesthetics. |
 Here is the
first test fit. It's starting to look good! |
 Now and
angled piece of plate steel is added to mount the roller fair lead. |
 I use some of
this scrap 5/8" plate steel to cut some clevis tabs. |
 This is where
I want one on the tabs. I use the plasma cutter to cut a hole for it.
The tab is not something you want just flush welded - it needs to strong! |
 Cutting the
ends of the bumper was the most complicated and time consuming. |
 The clevis
tab gets a nice weld both on the outside... |
 ...and gets a
weld on the inside. |
|

The final test fit. |
 Now I needed
a place to mount my Hella lights, so I bent up some 2" tubing. |
 Here is
bumper after lots of finish grinding and sanding. |
 All painted
and installed! |
 With the
Hella lights installed. |
 And the final
product. I am not completely sold on the A-bar with the lights, so
that may change. |