Need winch plate/mount advice

[brownrxmd]

My next upgrade is going to be a winch, my question is about the winch mount. I've been looking around and see a wide range in prices and several manufacturers. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

 

[Torxhead]

I have a Warn mount on mine, I did have to do some work on it to make it fit good. I guess working on a CJ does take some fab skills. If you don't have any, you will aquire them in time, that is for sure. Usually the cost is a factor in how things fit and work.

 

[hdgapeach]

Initial mount was one I made in the shop out of heavy angle steel and plate. That got replaced by a new HD bumper that already had one built onto it.

The homemade one definitely wasn't "name brand" but, it was more than adequate and a heck of a lot cheaper!

 

[hondo]

i just took a steel plate and bolted the winch to it then bolted the plate down to the jeep didn't even have to drill any holes in the jeep.

 

[brownrxmd]

Hey Hondo I'd like to see pics of your setup.

 

[Peanut Butter]

Other than a steel plate to mount to, you will need something to mount the Fairlead. This can be a big piece of angle iron or a piece of plate welded to another with some gussets, or you can buy one. Rod

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

You need to fill out your vehicle info, and also what Winch. I have the OEM Warn Special Equipment Mount and the matching M8274. And all it is, is a bent winch plate, 2 angled support brackets, 2 light brackets, 2 frame to plate brackets and bolts & spacers.
Some have it incorporated into the bumper and some mounted on a receiver hitch cradle.

 

[CJ]

My next upgrade is going to be a winch, my question is about the winch mount. I've been looking around and see a wide range in prices and several manufacturers. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

If you would as was asked when you signed up with the site and fill out your profile with your Jeep information it would really help.

I have no idea if you have a 1942 or a 1985 Jeep.

 

[PaRenegade]

I found the same thing when looking for one years ago. The pricing varied $100 or so but the only difference was the name. Some were specific for a brand of winch, others were universal. Most were 3/16" plate or 6mm but a few were 1/4".
I ended up buying a univ. one from Promark for $80. It's a three piece setup and fits both my old factory frame and my new TDK frame (with some mods to the frame)
Jeep Wrangler CJ Winch Mounting Plate. 50% Off Retail.
They say they're out of stock though.

 

[Hedgehog]

Check out the Harbor Freight winch plate. Well worth the money ~$45.00

 

[brownrxmd]

If you would as was asked when you signed up with the site and fill out your profile with your Jeep information it would really help.

I have no idea if you have a 1942 or a 1985 Jeep.

Whoops sorry for not filling that out. It's done now. I also have a build thread in the builds section if anyone is interested. I haven't decided on a winch brand yet or even the size of winch I want. I've never needed a winch in the past, however with my upcoming roadtrip to the arctic circle (Feb) I feel it's one of those "just in case things" I should have.

 

[Petescj]

Mines pretty beefy. If you want I can grab some more pics.

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

Here is the back side of mount J813 1083 which is the OEM (CJ`s 1976-1986) for the Warn M8274 the standard for winches.

 

[hondo]

i don't have any pictures on my computer i will try to get some as soon as i can

 

[brownrxmd]

Mines pretty beefy. If you want I can grab some more pics.

Yeah I like the pics, I guess I just never looked at winches before and never considered that a mounting plate was needed to install one. I followed someones advice and looked at the harbor freight plate for 49.99 but haven't ordered yet. I'm also looking at the wiring issue. I do have two batteries in my jeep but do not have a dual battery tray. the spare battery just sits in the back of the jeep. I should probably charge it on down time. I'd get a dual battery tray but the relays I've seen are really expensive. Any thoughts on that aspect is welcome too.

 

[brownrxmd]

i don't have any pictures on my computer i will try to get some as soon as i can

Thanks Hondo I appreciate it. Do the plates and winch interfere at all with the steering gear box?

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

Most plates mount on top of the frame or to the sides and either have holes for steering bolt access or remove to gain access.

Search for Team Rush posts on the dual battery wiring diagrams.

Trays can be fabricated or purchased from Wrangler North West Power Products, Crown or other places.

 

[hondo]

Thanks Hondo I appreciate it. Do the plates and winch interfere at all with the steering gear box?

no interference i can't get to anything from the top and it was a real pain to get the front bolts in with the stock front plate on the frame. if it wasnt for the fact i was in a hurry and couldn't have my jeep down for very long i would have removed it and built a new plate to replace it and act as the winch plate. if i ever get one of my other jeeps running and registered i am going to pull it and do that for ease of maintenance and aded strength pics tomorrow

 

[brownrxmd]

no interference i can't get to anything from the top and it was a real pain to get the front bolts in with the stock front plate on the frame. if it wasnt for the fact i was in a hurry and couldn't have my jeep down for very long i would have removed it and built a new plate to replace it and act as the winch plate. if i ever get one of my other jeeps running and registered i am going to pull it and do that for ease of maintenance and aded strength pics tomorrow

Hey thanks for taking the time to help out with this. I'm looking at harbor freight at a badlands winch and universal winch plate. The winch gets good reviews and one of the concerns I have to consider is shipping. I live in a remote village, harbor freight offers free shipping. the cost of shipping is often a deal breaker for me when it comes to buying heavy stuff.

 

[duffer]

I build my own mounting. What will work will absolutely depend on which winch is sourced. Personally, I would find a used 8274 and just go though it. Even if it ends up costing a bit more than a new chinese one it's way worth it.

The aftermarket winch mounts usually have way more unnecessary weight than I want, block too much air flow, and I much prefer a low mounting. Here is what I put on my B: