Smittybilt Gen 3 XRC 9.5 Comp winch in a factory steel bumper

[sportsguy]

Went in yesterday to have the shop put the new winch in the factory steel bumper. Digging the low profile look and pleased with the install overall. Had them replace the stock hook on the end of the rope with this Smittybilt 20k pound option. It happened to be on sale so I grabbed it - May replace it later with a Factor 55 unit - we’ll see.

The factory steel bumper makes for a tight fit and you can see the wires up against the bottom of the grill here. That control box can be remote mounted, so I might do that later as well.

This winch comes with a wired remote and an extra 12v source on the wiring box allowing you to power, say, an air pump without having to lift the hood. Small thing, but could be a useful touch depending on your air-up options.

Used the Warn mounting plate kit (part number 101255) inside the factory steel bumper. Overall, added about 110 pounds up front and you can definitely feel it. Jeep rides smoother now, and I lost about 1/4” of height with this. Measured from the lowest point on the skid plate under the bumper to the ground, I’m at 14” now - so if anyone has a factory JLU Rubicon with the steel bumper group (and tow package, if that matters), we could do a more apples-to-apples comparison and see if my 1/4” guesstimate is close with this combo.

Have not tried the winch yet in any real capacity.

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[IronScott]

This winch comes with a wired remote and an extra 12v source on the wiring box allowing you to power, say, an air pump without having to lift the hood. Small thing, but could be a useful touch depending on your air-up options.

I have the X20 10K winch. I would love this extra 12v option. That would be super convenient for my compressor. Very nice feature.

 

[dtortie]

Looks good, I like that it sits low. Do you mind explaining the differences (pros/cons) of a hook vs. this Smittybilt end vs. Factor 55?

 

[Thdoors]

Love it. Exact setup I’m looking at. Any pics of the wiring route? Any issues with the Warn plate install? I’ve read that some modification to the bumper needs to be done.

 

[Cthehentz]

Looks good, I like that it sits low. Do you mind explaining the differences (pros/cons) of a hook vs. this Smittybilt end vs. Factor 55?

I just had my winch installed and also went with the smittybilt do to price, $60 vs $150 for the factor55.

 

[KobzSr]

Sportsguy,

any chance you can measure the height of the control box above the top of the bumper and from the front face of the control box to the edge of the bumper?

top down pic would be awesome

Cheers

 

[Cthehentz]

Sportsguy,

any chance you can measure the height of the control box above the top of the bumper and from the front face of the control box to the edge of the bumper?

top down pic would be awesome

Cheers

From top of the bumper to top of the box is 3" and slopes towards the back to 3 1/8".

 

[KobzSr]

Sweet .. super helpful

Is that a Mopar winch/grill guard?

 

[Cthehentz]

Sweet .. super helpful

Is that a Mopar winch/grill guard?

It is the Mopar grill guard, the bumper looked kinda naked without it lol, I do have a winch cover that stays on 24/7 only because the Vegas sun brutal.

 

[ConqSoft]

Nice! went with the same winch and love it. 4 Wheel Parts is running a deal to include the Smittybilt Shackle free with the winch purchase, if anyone is looking to get one now.

I installed mine onto my Smittybilt bumper so no additional winch plate needed.

 

[damyers8]

Nice! went with the same winch and love it. 4 Wheel Parts is running a deal to include the Smittybilt Shackle free with the winch purchase, if anyone is looking to get one now.

I installed mine onto my Smittybilt bumper so no additional winch plate needed.

Nice! I just installed my Gen3 yesterday, too. I mounted mine with an Artec winch plate for the stock rubicon steel bumper. I also went with the over the motor mount. Just not enough room to mount over the spool.

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