Winch or not ? “ UPDATED”

[mandrew]

If you have no plan to take your rig off the road, you will be fine without a winch.

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[Jondrew]

Ok guys have a question, my next mod is coming very soon at it’s going to be a steel bumper versus the current plastic one my Sahara now sports with halogen fogs

This is the setup I am pretty much looking at

I will be forfeiting my halogen fogs for the light bar which is ok but my biggest dilemma is the winch, I honestly don’t rock crawl and don’t off road much at all except going to the beach’s here in south Texas and get off in the sand alittle so is a winch really necessary.

Buying a winch will add to the overall cost but in the scheme of things not a huge expense so cost is not really the issue, I honestly don’t want to have the slot for a winch and have nothing in it and yes I know that sounds pretty dam stupid to spend money on a winch just because I don’t want to look at a empty slot but I figured since the bumper is coming off that would be the best time to add the winch than putting it on then taking it off later to add a winch.

So what are everyone’s thoughts, and yes I have considered keeping my plastic bumper since I don’t get off road much as it has tow kooks and it’s pretty much my daily driver back and fourth in the concrete jungle I live so looking for everyone’s thoughts, ideas and suggestions

Here’s my Jeep as it sits currently

Personal opinion: From what you’ve said. Skip the bumper and the winch. Sounds like money down the drain unless this is a look you really like. Are those halogen headlights? Spend the money on LED upgrades. Its something you’d appreciate every day.

(Full disclosure - I’m getting a steel bumper and winch for my Rubi)

 

[Jondrew]

Great choice! I have this winch on my Wrangler and love it. Not a JL, I know, but the winch works & looks great - and it's fast! I also love the LED above the drum, the wireless capability, IP67 waterproof rating, and removable clutch handle that helps prevents drunken fools (Or friends) from unspooling your line.

-Rick

Hi RIck,

Is that removable clutch handle compatable with the Jeep JLs? If I recall the Warn winch had a 90 degree turn instead of a 180 to not interfere with the grill.

 

[EZMFE]

It looks like the next step is a steel or aluminum bumper, so will it be black/silver or are you going to have it painted to match the color of the vehicle? As far as a winch, I would go with a good snatch rope instead if the beach is where she will be. I believe there is a perception that real Jeeps have winches though.

I see both silver and black trim. You might want to change the Jeep logo, those silver parts of the grill, and headlight bezels to black.
How about A-Pillar lights - Single or Dual pod?
If those bolts that are in the wheels can be removed, I would consider buying replacements and having the heads of the bolts powder coated - Passion red with a clear vision top coat.
Rack is a good touch and will allow you to throw a shovel and maxtrax on there without filling the inside of the Jeep with sand.

Maybe a couple decals...not all but maybe a couple
Custom Hood Lettering

Sahara Retro Hood Decal

1941 Hood Decal

Since you have a Sahara and those lower profile fenders... I would consider having vinyl put in that fender indent like Rebel Offroad did. That body line is super sexy and you cannot even see the entire line on a Rubicon. Would make it instantly different.

 

[ResqFE]

Carry a strap or 2 for pulling. Put a cover plate on the winch mount opening and call it good. Divert $$$ to another mod.

 

[WranglerMan]

Thanks for all the replies gents, if I change bumpers it does not seem to make sense not to have a winch as the stock bumper even though it’s alot of plastic has tow hooks so I I put on a steel bumper with no winch to me that’s no better than the factory one I currently sport not counting materials of which they are made of

 

[Zazoh]

I actually like the look of the plastic bumper. It is also designed for safety and crumple in a collision.

I was worried about approaching rocks but in an off-road park recently was able to drive right up to and on a large bolder with a flat front.

No winch for me as I’m not an extreme type of off road driver. I will go off-road 5-8 times a year, but have a few tow straps and shackles on board for that. Never alone and usually someone else has a winch they are dying to use.

 

[drdriller]

I installed a winch and have never been off road. It’s vain, but I like the looks.

 

[WranglerMan]

Well guys after looking and looking and talking and doing a lot of soul searching I decided to get my bumper and winch, I got ahold of @TTEChris of Tankcustoms and got a sweet deal on a complete setup installed, case of being in the right place at the right time, anyway I could have spent a lot more I guess but I’m thinking this setup will serve me well

Here is a before shot

And here is the after

ROAM stubby with short bull bar
RC Pro 9500 winch with synthetic line
Factor 55 flatlink hook
RC 20” Cree LED bar
Some matching red D rings with shackle isolators

I couldn’t be happier with the look and price so anybody looking to get there Jeep worked on and modded see @TTEChris of Tankcustoms here in Houston he will treat you right.

I am very, very particular on how stuff looks and this looks so professional, all cabling is all ziptied and very neatly done and the LED bar was even tied in with a matching factory connector so my fog light button now turns on the LED bar.

I can’t honestly run with the LED bar going down the road as it’s bright as the sun but really nice having it tied into the factory switch so no real chance of getting. water inside

Now I just need to update my DRL and headlamps to LED’s

 

[ChattVol]

Well guys after looking and looking and talking and doing a lot of soul searching I decided to get my bumper and winch, I got ahold of @TTEChris of Tankcustoms and got a sweet deal on a complete setup installed, case of being in the right place at the right time, anyway I could have spent a lot more I guess but I’m thinking this setup will serve me well

Here is a before shot

And here is the after

ROAM stubby with short bull bar
RC Pro 9500 winch with synthetic line
Factor 55 flatlink hook
RC 20” Cree LED bar
Some matching red D rings with shackle isolators

I couldn’t be happier with the look and price so anybody looking to get there Jeep worked on and modded see @TTEChris of Tankcustoms here in Houston he will treat you right.

I am very, very particular on how stuff looks and this looks so professional, all cabling is all ziptied and very neatly done and the LED bar was even tied in with a matching factory connector so my fog light button now turns on the LED bar.

I can’t honestly run with the LED bar going down the road as it’s bright as the sun but really nice having it tied into the factory switch so no real chance of getting. water inside

Now I just need to update my DRL and headlamps to LED’s

Looks great...What lift do you have? Are those 315/70/17 ko2's...thoughts on tire pressure to get even wear and smooth ride?

 

[WranglerMan]

Looks great...What lift do you have? Are those 315/70/17 ko2's...thoughts on tire pressure to get even wear and smooth ride?

I have the RC 2.5” budget boost and I was advised by @TTEChris to run the pressure somewhere around 30# and sure enough that’s where the pressure ended up being after I chalked the tires , the ride to me is very smooth and according to Chris he said my JL has very good steering, I thought it had a lot of play and drifted just alittle but he advised its one of the better JL’s he’s driven

 

[maxjlu]

Well guys after looking and looking and talking and doing a lot of soul searching I decided to get my bumper and winch, I got ahold of @TTEChris of Tankcustoms and got a sweet deal on a complete setup installed, case of being in the right place at the right time, anyway I could have spent a lot more I guess but I’m thinking this setup will serve me well

Here is a before shot

And here is the after

ROAM stubby with short bull bar
RC Pro 9500 winch with synthetic line
Factor 55 flatlink hook
RC 20” Cree LED bar
Some matching red D rings with shackle isolators

I couldn’t be happier with the look and price so anybody looking to get there Jeep worked on and modded see @TTEChris of Tankcustoms here in Houston he will treat you right.

I am very, very particular on how stuff looks and this looks so professional, all cabling is all ziptied and very neatly done and the LED bar was even tied in with a matching factory connector so my fog light button now turns on the LED bar.

I can’t honestly run with the LED bar going down the road as it’s bright as the sun but really nice having it tied into the factory switch so no real chance of getting. water inside

Now I just need to update my DRL and headlamps to LED’s

looks amazing ,love the bumper!!

 

[WranglerMan]

Had time to do a quick wash and detail spray, super pleased with how it all came out

 

[allenn]

Well guys after looking and looking and talking and doing a lot of soul searching I decided to get my bumper and winch, I got ahold of @TTEChris of Tankcustoms and got a sweet deal on a complete setup installed, case of being in the right place at the right time, anyway I could have spent a lot more I guess but I’m thinking this setup will serve me well

Here is a before shot

And here is the after

ROAM stubby with short bull bar
RC Pro 9500 winch with synthetic line
Factor 55 flatlink hook
RC 20” Cree LED bar
Some matching red D rings with shackle isolators

I couldn’t be happier with the look and price so anybody looking to get there Jeep worked on and modded see @TTEChris of Tankcustoms here in Houston he will treat you right.

I am very, very particular on how stuff looks and this looks so professional, all cabling is all ziptied and very neatly done and the LED bar was even tied in with a matching factory connector so my fog light button now turns on the LED bar.

I can’t honestly run with the LED bar going down the road as it’s bright as the sun but really nice having it tied into the factory switch so no real chance of getting. water inside

Now I just need to update my DRL and headlamps to LED’s

Looks great!

 

[WranglerMan]

Since I got my winch and new bumper from Tankcustoms I figured I needed a few more things to make it more useful if needed so I picked up these items

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