Bumper / winch question

[resqr1]

I just purchased a 2004 Nissan Xterra. I want to add a winch to the front. But the only bumper I can find is an ARB. Darn things cost half of what I paid for the vehicle. So my question is this...can a 9500 lb. winch be attached to a heavy duty bush guard that attaches directly to the frame?

 

[v_man]

Got a link to the product? Most people think of brush guards as silly add ons that have no practical function or purpose beyond appearance. If the bumper you are referring to fully bolts and integrates to the vehicle frame , then adding a winch should be no issue...

 

[smritte]

When I build winch mounts, I make a "box" out of 1/4 plate. The bumper/brush guard is attached to that. When looking at properly made winch bumpers, this is something you look for. That's one of the reasons those bumpers are so expensive.

Scott

 

[Dirty Ape]

This one isn't the prettiest, but the price is right.

https://www.4x4parts.com/i-18980110-xterra-front-winch-mount-bumper.html

 

[bushnut]

This one is pretty

1st Gen Xterra High Clearance Front Bumper Kit | Coastal Offroad

High clearance winch bumper weld-together kit for the 1st generation (1998-2004) Nissan Xterra. 3-10 days shipping & secure online payment.

www.coastaloffroad.com

 

[JungleSkunk]

With a quick google search I found a half dozen winch bumpers for the 2000-2004 Xterra by typing "Xterra 2004 winch bumper" Nothing custom is going to be cheap. The cheapest being just over $500.

If your looking for the cheapest route find a local fabricator or welder and get them to build a custom winch plate on the existing bumper.

I would not trust the premade brush guards or push bar type bolt ons to hold enough force when winching without modifying them which goes back to the custom winch plate being cheaper and more reliable.

 

[The other Sean]

Customize Wincher

wambumpers.com

2000-2004 Xterra Front Bumper, 1st Generation

Front Winch Mount Bumper for 1st Generation Xterra, 2000-2004 ShrockWorks Nissan Front Winch Bumpers, Xterra & Frontier Off Road Bumpers, Steel Bumpers, Winch Mounts, Bull Bars ShrockWorks manufactures a large selection of Bumpers, Rock Sliders and Skid Plates to armor your rig. You will not...

www.shrockworks.com

 

[resqr1]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Gives me a lot more options.

 

[Devin P.]

Coastal Offroad If you can weld or have a friend that can.
Schrock Works

I was dealing with Coastal offroad before deciding to get into a JK.

 

[Offroadtb]

When i make my bumpers i always start out with a 3/16" plate that goes across the top of the frame from one side to another. This acts as the cradle mount, the next piece is front fascia and it wraps around to the bottom and this is the front of your bumper. This photo is looking into the inside of the bumper as it attaches. There are only 4 holes that the bolt goes through the frame attaching it. I use t1 100 grade domex for the added strength.

 

[Desert Runner]

When I build winch mounts, I make a "box" out of 1/4 plate. The bumper/brush guard is attached to that. When looking at properly made winch bumpers, this is something you look for. That's one of the reasons those bumpers are so expensive.

Scott

Probably something more important, that is given a thought in passing, is how that new bumper is attached to the vehicles frame. There are vidios of recoverys causing those bumpers to tear off. Those attach points can not be done with 2, or 4 bolts. 6 is good, and 8 is best. That gives 4 to a side, which insures a safe working load, especially in challenging MUD conditions.

I once watched a bumper pull that resulted in the trucks 2 frame ends joining each other due to the winch pull exceeding the frames strength. That is also where a proper BOXED WINCH MOUNT has the ability to keep that from happening. If you do decide on a winch bumper, ask how many bolts each side of the bumper has for those frame boxes. Some good nice looking bumpers are not as strong as they should be.

Just something to keep in mind[emoji2]