jeeper_chiefb Posted September 3 Author Share Posted September 3 The bumper is a stubby YJ/TJ bumper, which I used as a frame chop winch mount behind the grill on the MJ. I previously had a JCR Vanguard and didn't like how far it stuck out reducing approach angle. .new bumper concept Making space by relocating wires and cutting out sheet metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeeper_chiefb Posted September 3 Author Share Posted September 3 The key to making this winch mount work behind the grill, while keeping the stock radiator mount, is this short drum Warn 9.0 winch. It's also possible because there is no A/C condenser. I chopped up the bumper to get it around MJ parts, but added gussets on the inside for support and XJ brackets to the outside for bolt on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89 MJ Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Any plans to add something that would help protect the header panel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeeper_chiefb Posted September 4 Author Share Posted September 4 I trying hard to minimize weight but the corners of the lights are definitely exposed. I'll probably add a flat plate under the turn signals for protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeeper_chiefb Posted September 10 Author Share Posted September 10 I had a flat tire one morning about a week ago and found the 33s had a dry rot and cracking leading to leaks. I have some leftover 5 lug beadlocks from my YJ project after going to 8 lug, so I searched for 17" tires for the MJ. I found these 35x12.50r17 Yokohama Geolander X-MTs on marketplace and the seller really wanted garage space so I got them for 400. After a night of mounting in the garage I put them on the MJ and found the 35s need more lift and fender clearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeeper_chiefb Posted September 22 Author Share Posted September 22 I got the ARB compressor mounted under hood and added switches in place of the ashtray with a printed piece. I've also been adding to the flatbed with accessories and whatnot. So far I've added a fuel and water jug, a Pelican 1630 for tools and recovery gear, fluid storage for 2 gallon jugs and 4 quart containers, a 3 ton offroad jack and cooler. All of it is temporary as I want to maintain the ability to haul dirt bikes or an ATV on the flatbed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeeper_chiefb Posted September 22 Author Share Posted September 22 Still working on tire clearance in the front. I trimmed the inner fender and flare at the rear but the 35s continued to grabbed the plastic when compressed. So I traced the flare with my plasma and removed the entire inner fender. No more plastic but now some clean up to do, so I ordered some Notch Customs flares for the front. The fender trimming was Friday and I made the trip to Holy Cross trail Saturday. Outgunned in my group of buggies and Jeeps on 40s but I was there and made it to the top. Rained all day so a couple winch pulls were required and happily my custom winch mount didn't pull apart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeeper_chiefb Posted October 2 Author Share Posted October 2 Before I packed it away for my 9 month trip to Iraq I experimented with some street tires/wheels. I tried to find the lightest aluminum wheels possible, as well as light duty all terrains. 32x9.50 Maxxis Liberty tires and 15x7 American Racing wheels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatJeepGuy Posted October 2 Share Posted October 2 Definitely dig the look with the 35 geolanders. Love the progress and updates btw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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