LawrenceR
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Lawrence
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2020
- Threads
- 18
- Messages
- 133
- Reaction score
- 83
- Location
- Auburn Ca.
- Vehicle(s)
- 2020 Willys Sport
Forgot to mention, aside from my time, I spent about $35.00 for the 3/16" angle iron, $13.00 on welding rods and roughly $5.00 new bolts. For the winch, $265.00, $35.00 angle iron.For me, I realized I probably wouldn't be hitting the Rubicon, doing any hardass off roading - but I would be doing some off roading. I wanted a winch and the ability to carry some extra fuel. I did just as you are, sought advise from members on this forum. This is what I came up with and did - hopefully my photo's will post..
I searched the internet and various 4x4 and offroad websites for what I was looking for, but couldn't find it - so I made it myself. I wanted a way carry extra fuel without putting a rack on the top, I wanted to carry more than a couple of gallons - I wanted to carry a standard size "Jerry Can" and it seemed like there was enough room to mount on the right side of the spare and still be able to fully open the "trunk".
I made my carrier from 3/16" angle iron, welded the corners and it bolts right to the same mounting points. I did replace the factory bolts with longer and hardened bolts found at "Home Cheepo" - funny part is, the new bolts use the same star bit supplied for use on the Jeep.
I received many comments as to how this wasn't going to work or that the rear tailgate would sag due to the extra weight. Well, so far so good, no sag and my thinking is that I have the best chance for success by placing the weight closest to the hinge.
Next thing I did was purchase a Smitty Built 9500 lb winch. I skinned off all of the factory plastic to get to the frame.
Again using 3/16" angle iron, I welded two braces between the frame for the winch to bolt up to. All of the factory plastic and parts still bolted back to where they came from, all that was needed was to cut the front plastic around the winch and rollers.
So, total I spent roughly $350.00 to get the gas carrier and winch - both installed not needing to purchase "steel bumpers" or any other crap.
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