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Fabricating a Front Winch Bumper

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.