front bumper that good for a winch?

[ex91]

I need a front bumper from my 91 that will take a winch(is a superwinch 4500 anuff for light 4wheeling?) i would like to go with a bush gard of some surt. if you can help me it would help
ex91
4rd,4x4,4speed,4.0L,4me

 

[Seth]

Instead of getting a grille guard you might want to go with a bull bar. They are about the strongest things out there and some have a winch mount. You could also check with the companys that sell the winches, they usually have a bumper or grille guard winchmount combo.

 

[DOGMAN]

ex91,

There are many different winch bumpers to choose from. Smittybuilt, TJM, Reunel, Warn, James Duff, and many more. A custom winch bumper would also be nice if you can find a fabricator, either locally or through mail order. Some of the companies that make custom Jeep bumpers could possibly help you. Check the magazines, especially the Jeep ones, like JP or 4 Wheel Drive and Sport Utility.

As for winches, I'd go with at least an 8000 lb. model, preferably a 9000 lb. one. The Explorer is really too heavy for a 4500 lb. winch to do the job. There's a good chance you'd fry it the first time you used it, or, at best, it would just overheat and stall. The naked truth is, good winches are expensive -- most of the time you get what you pay for. If it was me, I'd stay with a Warn or Ramsey. It's great to have a winch that didn't cost you an arm and a leg, but if it's not sturdy and dependable when you really need it most, then it's not much worth having, is it?

You can get some good prices on the older 9000 lb. models from Ramsey since they just updated their Platinum 9000 again, to keep up with Warn.

Keep asking questions.

DOGMAN

 

[Paul B.]

I went with a ProZap bumper. They are built strong and are durable. I have a Superwinch 9,000 in it. It's also one of the better looking bumpers for the Explorer. The design fits the bodys contour. Their phone no. 209-532-5303. They are located in Sonora, CA.

 

[kvo]

I have a TJM T-17 steel bumper that holds a Ramsey REP9000 winch. Mine is also a '91 Explorer.

I think their web site is www.tjmproducts.com.au, if that's not correct, try searching for it by TJM or Hella. Hella is the only US distributor for the TJM bull bars from Australia.

This is where I bought mine from: Dead Link Removed

Also: AMERICA - Hella Inc.
201 Kelly Drive, Peachtree City. GA.
Ph: 1-800-247-5924
Fax: (770) 631-7575
Email: FAQ@HellaUSA.com



[This message has been edited by kvo (edited 02-04-2000).]

 

[Trace]

I tried to order a TJM bar several months ago without any luck. I was told they have quit importing to the US because ARB has such a stong hold on the market.

 

[Paul]

Trace -
During the Colors Run you mentioned that Duff was contemplating making a Pre-Runner front bumper that incorporated a winch mount... Haven't noticed anything new on their site as of late - - Know anything about it ??

Paul

 

[Green92]

The 4500 winch is definetly not good enough. if a stock explorer weighs 4300 pounds, you have to compensate for the friction of the ground that you are getting pulled from.

Physics states that the Force of friction equils the coeffecient of friction multiplied the weight of the car. if the coeffecient of static friction is .7 (like in mud) you will be pulling an additional 3010 pounds on top of the 4300. that will fry your winch. It is cheaper to buy a 9000 winch first, than buying the 4500 first and the 9000 second.

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1992 XLT, 4x4, 4.0L EFI

 

[Axel Fernandez]

Check out www.roadarmor.com. They offer some pretty stout front and rear bumpers for Explorer's. They're pretty unique and pretty expensive.

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FDEZ
96 Explorer XLT

 

[Trace]

I have not contacted James Duff since then, at that time the prototype was still in testing. They expected to go into production at the first of the year. Every time I mention mods to my truck, my wife's eyes glaze over. Sure sign she is not receptive to spending more money yet.

 

[Weatherman]

God, look at the road armor website and its offerings for the F-150. Is it me, or isn't that a little too heavy for anything other than a war?

 

[Mat R]

Trace and Paul,
As a fan of James Duff stuff myself, I called them not to long ago and picked the salespersons brain about the things they were considering for the Explorer. It sounds like there will be a good deal of new products in their 2000 catalog, which they are going to mail out in March. I know they already have extended radius arms for 2.5"-4" lifts right now, and I'm willing to bet the pre-runner with winch mount will be in there too. Look for pictures of my truck in the catalog!
Mat

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1992 Ford Explorer XLT
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