My Dirtbound Offroad Battery Tray...

[KANTANKRUS]

This thing is Beefy!!!

[75sv1]

I like mine. Sort of a running joke on me, but yes installed.  I like it. I did try and put in a larger battery. Didn't work for me. I did put in a dual post. I haven't redone the cables for it yet. I did get the driver's side set too. I haven't done that one yet. Need to figure out where the air filter will go.

[KANTANKRUS]

19 minutes ago, 75sv1 said:

I like mine. Sort of a running joke on me, but yes installed.  I like it. I did try and put in a larger battery. Didn't work for me. I did put in a dual post. I haven't redone the cables for it yet. I did get the driver's side set too. I haven't done that one yet. Need to figure out where the air filter will go.

I won't be permanently installing my winch... I will be running a receiver tray, for when I think I may need the winch. Otherwise, it will reside in the bed, inside a firmly secured metal and weather tight box. Along with other gear such as snatch blocks and so on.

 

I choose to do it this way, as I want the appearance of a nice and clean looking exterior. I have no interest in being like every other person out there, that want to be 'hey look at me, my truck has a winch' I love the original look of our MJ's Yes, I have XJ fenders and header panel, but they are only stock in case something like an accident occurs, then that is when they will be installed. 

[75sv1]

Both of mine will have hidden winches. I have the Bad Dad Fab  hidden winch set up on my '00. I have the Boostwerk hidden winch kit, that will go on my '01. I see some going the route you are. Have one winch to go front or rear. I don't like the winch bumpers that hang out a bunch. 

[KANTANKRUS]

38 minutes ago, 75sv1 said:

Both of mine will have hidden winches. I have the Bad Dad Fab  hidden winch set up on my '00. I have the Boostwerk hidden winch kit, that will go on my '01. I see some going the route you are. Have one winch to go front or rear. I don't like the winch bumpers that hang out a bunch. 

Oh my yes, you are correct! So are we talking about an XJ an not an MJ?

 

[75sv1]

Yes, I have 3 XJs and an MJ. On these two hidden winches, you have to cut the front panel between the frames. I do not want to do that to my MJ. I am thinking the factory hidden winch setup. I think someone might make a copy of it. I think its limited to a 6000 lb winch. Also, with a hidden winch, I was told to go with a synthetic rope. Kinking the synthetic rope won't damage it like a steel cable. 

[KANTANKRUS]

On 8/18/2023 at 8:42 AM, 75sv1 said:

Yes, I have 3 XJs and an MJ. On these two hidden winches, you have to cut the front panel between the frames. I do not want to do that to my MJ. I am thinking the factory hidden winch setup. I think someone might make a copy of it. I think its limited to a 6000 lb winch. Also, with a hidden winch, I was told to go with a synthetic rope. Kinking the synthetic rope won't damage it like a steel cable. 

I think, I will stick with the tray idea. 6,000 pounds is not enough for the sticky mud of PA.

[fiatslug87]

@75sv1 which hidden winch mount do you prefer? Any pros and cons between the two? Thanks

[75sv1]

       I had to look at Boostwerks website. I didn't see their Hidden winch mount listed. I wanted to see if the pillow block was incorporated or not.  It is in there Steering box brace. I do have Ironman's steering box brace. Which I like and will be going on the Comanche. I had it installed on my '98 XJ. I did not have the pillow block bearing installed, as my frame was bent. Also, another reason I wanted a hidden winch, was that 'people' would have less access to mess with the winch.

      I do not have the Boostwerks installed. So, take my 'review' with that in mind. I think I like to Bad Dad Fab's overall. Also, a company called Alpine makes one. Apline also makes a Track Bar brace. I have Ironman, RE, and Stinky Fab's trackbar brace. The Stinky's in installed.  

          The Boostwerk's is probably way easier to install. You do have to cut the front panel on both of them. This give space for the winch. Both will give a bit more stiffness to the front. The BDF I think will give more stiffness. It does wrap around the side of the frame. This could or did in my case make installation a lot harder. I had to pound on the 'cradle'. I do have frame stiffeners. So, this was taken into account when ordered. I did grind chamfers and a bit on the stiffeners to help fit the cradle on. I have not installed my winch yet. Possibly because of it. Also, need to get a synthetic rope. The Boostwerks does tie in both sides across the bottom like a steering box brace. The BDF just on the one side. BDF's kit for the steering box brace was $35. Boostwerks does have some additional stuff for Hidden winches. An Adapter and extension to get to the winch in and out switch. Also, a relocation setup for the solenoid. 

         I have a Logan's bumper that will go with the Boostwerks. So, a 'traditional ' bumper. The BDF has some bumper options. I did get the 'full' bumper for the BDF. He does make a tube center section with winged bumperetts. My full bumper was very easy to install. Easier than a stock one. I could see getting BDF's tube and a solid center section, with the wing sections. For wheeling, the tube would be more accessible.  The solid center better for DD work.