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Front Bumper and Hitch
10/20/2003
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I bought a used bumper off a wrecked Wrangler. The frame is wider on a Wrangler so the existing bolt holes could not be used and part of the bottom side had to be cut out so the front shackles would clear. I want to mount a receiving hitch on top of the bumper so I can slide in a winch. I want the freedom to easily move the winch to the back or leave it off so receiving hitches on front and back are a must. To mount the winch and secure the bumper I cut out a 34" x 7" x 1/4" steel plate and welded it under the top side of the bumper and drilled four bolt holes though the top and through the frame. I bolted some tow hooks on as well and secured it all in place with 1/2" bolts. |
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Next I picked up a 2" x 6" receiver. I found some 1/4" scrap steel behind dad's shop so I went to work. |
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I cut out 2 3/4" and 3" side mounting plates and welded the receiver collar all the way around (the factory only tack welded two corners and I am pretty sure that I am going to abuse this fella.) |
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I welded the hitch more or less in the middle with the face of the receiver flush with the bumper. I am troubled somewhat by not being able to weld the inside of the mount plates to the top plate but there is not much I can do about it. I might come back later and weld a brace over the top of the hitch. |
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Test fit the winch. It is pretty heavy and it hangs over so I might ought to rig up more bracing before driving with the winch mounted. It should be strong enough to pulling the Jeep out as it is. |
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I went ahead an sprayed some black paint on so it does not look so bad. When all my welding is done I should come back and grind things down and repaint. Until then a little paint and a lot of mud should make it look ok. |
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