Here is my dilemma. I have an older style Warn 8274 winch that has been sitting in my storage shed for about 8 years now. I used to use it on my YJ, but I sold that a long time ago. I am finally able to get back in the trailriding with my XJ and like to put a winch on it, but this 8274 winch is tall and nobody makes a mounting plate for them for XJ's. In order to use this winch I would have to get a bump fabricated, which would be a massive bumper and with the winch it would add a lot of extra weight to the front end. I only going to have a 3 1/2" lift on the XJ, so a huge bumper would hurt approach angles. On the other hand the 8274 is an awsome winch. Just been pondering a lot about if I should just sell the 8274 and use the money to buy a lower profile winch or just find someone who can fab up a front winch mount for it. I do have a mounting plate that come with the winch when I bought at the garage sale years ago, but the mounting plate is for a Suburban
Probally your best bet is to get a front receiver hitch (Draw-Tite) and a winch mounting place for the hitch. This allows you to remove the winch/mounting plate when not in use, thus not making the front sit lower. Also you can get a front hitch for $120ish and the mounting plate for around $75.
Just a thought. If you need links for deals or whatever let me know.
I actually thought about that seriously.. but the 8274 is very heavy and if I don't have it attached to the receiver when I get stuck, there is the possibility that the receiver will be either underwater or in the mud..lol. If I put it on before I get stuck, the that really kills my approach angle.
hmmm... I'd go with the reciever bumper. I always thought it'd be great to tow a trailer backwards lol! (they're on old farm tractors too... and Jeeps could be had with a PTO. wierdness... :) )
JCRoffroad.com has some good ones, I'd see what they have to say since they're in Kzoo, Michigan and have a good idea of the terrain Jeeps get into in the area. (mostly mud, sand, and some water)
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My Fleet 1996 XJ "Snowball"- 3.5" lift, bunch of little mods. I hate pegleg rear axles! 1974 AMC Javelin "Jade Grenade"- 360v8, 4sp, green inside and out. Underfunded Project. 2009 Kawsaki Vulan 900 "Rocket III"- Summer DD