Smittybilt XRC Bumper Tie-In Bracket Options

[FernGreen]

Hey guys, long story short, i ordered Ares Fab Tie-in brackets before i bought a bumper and i found a smittybilt bumper of craigslist for a good deal so i bought it but now im wondering if i can opt to use my ares fab tie-in brackets instead of the smittybilt ones since the Ares fab ones tie in to the unibody in more places. My only concern is that the smittybilt bumper uses 4 bolts to mount the bumper to the smittybilt bracket versus the Ares fab only uses 3 bolts to mount the bumper to the bracket. Can i get away with mounting the smittybilt bumper with 3 bolts? I guess what im asking is which option would be stronger? I'll be winching off this bumper.

 

[Tim_MN]

If you use the biggest bolts that fit the holes the Ares brackets should be fine.

IMO a winch set-up should also have a cross-member reinforcement plate similar to this:

www.hooliganoffroad.com/products/xj-front-cross-member-stiffener

www.t-mfab.com/store-3/jeep-cherokee-xj-comanchee-mj-behind-the-front-bumper-stiffiner/

 

[FernGreen]

If you use the biggest bolts that fit the holes the Ares brackets should be fine.

IMO a winch set-up should also have a cross-member reinforcement plate similar to this:

www.hooliganoffroad.com/products/xj-front-cross-member-stiffener

www.t-mfab.com/store-3/jeep-cherokee-xj-comanchee-mj-behind-the-front-bumper-stiffiner/

Great, thank you i think that's what I'll do. I'll look into the cross-member, looks like i might have to remove the front clip to weld it on?

 

[Rob Mayercik]

IMO a winch set-up should also have a cross-member reinforcement plate

I always thought the winch bumper did that job, unless you're suggesting a weak bumper would buckle under winching stress and "bow forward", pulling the frame rails toward one another?

 

[Tim_MN]

..... might have to remove the front clip to weld it on ?

Just the bumper.

 

[ShoeterMcgav]

If you use the biggest bolts that fit the holes the Ares brackets should be fine.

IMO a winch set-up should also have a cross-member reinforcement plate similar to this:

www.hooliganoffroad.com/products/xj-front-cross-member-stiffener

www.t-mfab.com/store-3/jeep-cherokee-xj-comanchee-mj-behind-the-front-bumper-stiffiner/

Ya I agree... those are both good options for a fair price.

I kinda dig the hidden winch designs when I remake my front bumper to take a winch... in which case the crossmenber gets deleted right?