Does a JLU Rubicon w/ OEM Steel bumpers need a lift for a winch?

[CorExMachina]

I'm planning to order to JLU Rubicon with the steel bumper package. I plan to add a winch.

Context:
- My main purpose for a JLUR is for overlanding, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping.
- I am almost always alone (no other people, no other vehicles) so capability and reliability are of utmost importance.
- A want a remote-controlled winch to get un-stuck when by myself.
- I am not actively trying to get into extreme off-road situations, but if circumstances dictate it, I'd like to be prepared.
- I do plan to go on the popular trails, as well as explore un-trailed areas.
- I will be in Boulder, CO. (moving from Orlando, FL)

Questions:
- Does Jeep manufacturer use different springs and/or settings when building the Rubicon with the steel bumpers (to compensate for the extra 100+ lbs)?
- I read the JLU has stiffer springs than the JL, will this stiffness be enough to compensate for the weight of the winch and mount pate?
- How many inches of drop/sagging should I tolerate before I decide to get it lifted?
- Is the Warn VR10 (synthetic) a good choice for the OEM Rubicon steel bumper?

Any other advice/comments welcome. Thanks!

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[AZCrawl]

People who have mounted winches on the OEM steel bumpers haven't noticed any sag when adding the winch, so it shouldn't be a concern.

 

[NYC_Bobby]

I'm planning to order to JLU Rubicon with the steel bumper package. I plan to add a winch.

Context:
- My main purpose for a JLUR is for overlanding, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping.
- I am almost always alone (no other people, no other vehicles) so capability and reliability are of utmost importance.
- A want a remote-controlled winch to get un-stuck when by myself.
- I am not actively trying to get into extreme off-road situations, but if circumstances dictate it, I'd like to be prepared.
- I do plan to go on the popular trails, as well as explore un-trailed areas.
- I will be in Boulder, CO. (moving from Orlando, FL)

Questions:
- Does Jeep manufacturer use different springs and/or settings when building the Rubicon with the steel bumpers (to compensate for the extra 100+ lbs)?
- I read the JLU has stiffer springs than the JL, will this stiffness be enough to compensate for the weight of the winch and mount pate?
- How many inches of drop/sagging should I tolerate before I decide to get it lifted?
- Is the Warn VR10 (synthetic) a good choice for the OEM Rubicon steel bumper?

Any other advice/comments welcome. Thanks!

Just an FYI, Warn came out with a plate for the factory steel bumper, check it out: https://www.rivercityoffroad.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WAR101255

 

[JIMBOX]

Unless you're Bill Gates---you have no control over the suspension springs installed in these JK/JL models-

It's been a "by guess/by golly" dilemma since 2007-

You'll have to look for forum experience-

Good luck

JIMBO

 

[My#8andlast]

I went through the same thoughts. The weight of the winch plate and winch and some on this forum saying that 35's on a stock Rubi WILL rub when disconnected at full articulation. I was going to do like a 1" spacer all the way around but decided if I'm going to do that, why not a kit. I ended up going with the Rubi Express 2" and love it. To each there own though.

 

[PaPasJP]

I didn't notice any sag after installing this Warn VR10s with a Rusty's plate.

Time will tell.

 

[kkuntz01]

Most likely it will require a 3/4” to 1” spring spacer to off set the additional weight. It may not sag right away, but it eventually.

 

[PaPasJP]

Most likely it will require a 3/4” to 1” spring spacer to off set the additional weight. It may not sag right away, but it eventually.

That is what I was thinking, but by then I may be into 37's and a lift.

We shall see.

 

[kkuntz01]

That is what I was thinking, but by then I may be into 37's and a lift.

We shall see.

Even after you do a lift you'll still want to run a small spacer to counteract the effects of spring sag. I've been running 3/4" spacer on the front of my JK since I did the lift, bumper & winch on back in 2013.

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