Maximus 3 winch plate, not aligned

[dannko]

So while Max 3 products seem extremely well made, they are not lining up to well. I have the winch plate and no way in hell is it going on unless I either grind the hell out of the winch plate or ream the hole in the frame (not preferred). Then whatever the plates are on the bottom of the frame rails upfront (pics shown) will not go back on because the winch plate will be in the way. A simple ass project is turning into a pain in the ass. I don't want to return the winch plate, but now I wish I just bought the Mopar plate. Where you see the hole almost lining up, that is the drivers side and maybe I can make that one work with persuasion. The other that is not lined up at all is the passengers side, and there is no way to persuade it as the Maximus 3 plate is hitting the sway bar welded bracket already. I would have to grind the Max3 plate, but then the powdercoating comes off. This is the kind of shit I don't like with aftermarket, but it may not totally be their fault since I am sure Jeep is not consistent with the welds on that sway bar bracket.

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[Maximus-3]

Hi @dannko

Maximus-3 is glad you were able to make the slight modification necessary to get this properly mounted. This issue arose from variance in weld thickness on the chassis frame of the JL. While this issue was not wide spread, it affected a small percent of customers and that was not our intention. We have since made necessary changes to the plate, and no one else should need to grind their Maximus-3 JL Winch Plate.
Thanks for choosing Maximus-3 we appreciate the support. Let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.

Matt, Maximus-3

 

[Maximus-3]

UPDATE: Maximus-3 has just released a (GEN 2) JL WINCH PLATE. The overall design stays the same, just now we've added features to improve both the fitment & installation process.

Please note: some of the installation processes, sequences, and steps have changed. Today we are editing our install guide and shooting a new install video. We will share them as soon as possible.

Features include:
* 100% bolt-on application (absolutely no cutting, drilling, bending, nor other modifications necessary)
* High strength 1/4" thick steel plate
* Strategic bends incorporated to improve rigidity
* Fits most popular winches
* Incredibly Strong
* Made in the USA

 

[TRZ]

I had a similar issue with my install, but only the passenger side needed grinding. No pics (sorry). It looked like the plate wasn’t properly set into the jig during the welding process. I bought my plate in April, so I presume I have the Gen 1 version.

I also had to cut down a couple of the winch mount bolts for securing the front of the winch as the bolts from Warn were too tall for the confined space. I just hope they are long enough to have proper bite into nuts!

 

[Chemy350]

installed mine a few months back, lined up perfectly, no issued.

 

[AnnDee4444]

I had some trouble mounting the plate also. Below are my notes from another thread, in reference to their installation video:

• The skidplate brackets need to be removed & trimmed before the winch plate will fit. Also the skidplate wont fit unless brackets are adjusted.
• Since you have to remove these brackets anyway, it's becomes way easier to get to the lower winch plate nuts from the bottom.
• I found it physically impossible to bolt a Zeon down after the bumper was installed. Bolts are too long, not enough clearance.
• It's possible to bolt a Zeon to the plate before the bumper. Factory nuts can be used. Thread them on as the bumper is being remounted.
• Tightening the outer bumper nuts first is wrong. If you are going to have issues it would be with the inner bolts. Tighten them first.
• The winch mounting holes are not aligned very well with a Zeon.

 

[sam0329]

How do I know if I am getting the Gen 1 or the new Gen 2?
https://www.northridge4x4.ca/fits/2...nch-plates/jl1012wm-maximus-3-winch-mount-kit

 

[JeepAddict14]

UPDATE: Maximus-3 has just released a (GEN 2) JL WINCH PLATE. The overall design stays the same, just now we've added features to improve both the fitment & installation process.

Please note: some of the installation processes, sequences, and steps have changed. Today we are editing our install guide and shooting a new install video. We will share them as soon as possible.

Features include:
* 100% bolt-on application (absolutely no cutting, drilling, bending, nor other modifications necessary)
* High strength 1/4" thick steel plate
* Strategic bends incorporated to improve rigidity
* Fits most popular winches
* Incredibly Strong
* Made in the USA

We just received our winch plate so assume it would be a Gen 2 JL Winch Plate. We are experiencing the same issue as in the photos above. My husband is trying to grind it just a tad so we can get it installed today rather than waiting for a different plate. Hopefully it will work but just wanted you aware that there is still an issue OR we received an older GEN 1 plate.

Debi

 

[dannko]

I am the original poster, and I had a problem with Maximus 3 tow loops, they sent new ones (my cost since the old ones bent like soft butter), which were supposed to be the new generation of tow loops that fit better. I received my order and said no way these are not a newer version, sure enough they were not. They sent the new ones while telling me "they didn't think there was any old versions left in the warehouse". I think you get the drift of my reply. Why I am pissed is when I received that first winch plate the sales guy (who doesn't work there anymore) was going to give me the newer version, but I said no, instead he said he would give me a free item of like $75 on some items for all my trouble. Yea, when I needed help with tow loops they helped by charging me.

 

[AnnDee4444]

I am the original poster, and I had a problem with Maximus 3 tow loops, they sent new ones (my cost since the old ones bent like soft butter), which were supposed to be the new generation of tow loops that fit better. I received my order and said no way these are not a newer version, sure enough they were not. They sent the new ones while telling me "they didn't think there was any old versions left in the warehouse". I think you get the drift of my reply. Why I am pissed is when I received that first winch plate the sales guy (who doesn't work there anymore) was going to give me the newer version, but I said no, instead he said he would give me a free item of like $75 on some items for all my trouble. Yea, when I needed help with tow loops they helped by charging me.

How did you bend the tow loops? Any idea on what the differences are between generation 1 & 2?

 

[2020JLR]

I had some trouble mounting the plate also. Below are my notes from another thread, in reference to their installation video:



[/QUOTE


I know this is an old post but I just had the same issues with my plate purchased December 2019. Had to elongate the frame holes for the lower bolts. Quite frustrating. They need to fix this (Maximus). Also sent me different plates than shown in the instructions and no updated video on their site. Very frustrating.

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