Top or recessed winch?

USMC Wrangler

USMC Wrangler

New member
Depending on how you look at it, I have an opportunity/challenge to decide where/how to mount my new Zeon 10-S winch on my homemade front bumper. The bumper is all 1/4" and is mounted to the Jeep using EVO d-ring mounts.

Clearly, the easiest and fastest thing to do would be to mount it up top. When I built the bumper I planned to recess it. Without spending any time test fitting, to recess it I would have to make a plate and weld it to the back of and inside of the bumper. I would also need to cut the front part out for the fairlead and relocate the vac pump. On a top mount, drill four holes and weld on a fairlead mount. I have the equipment and ability (I hope[emoji51]) to do either.

So, thinking of strongest mounting point, pros cons of recessed vs. top mount and ease of access, what's the thoughts of the WAL community?

Thanks in advance! [emoji106]


.......................................................................
Overall "build thread"
http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?26097-I-guess-it-s-the-quot-Super-Stocker-quot-build

DIY trail/tube door build http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?24449-My-DIY-Doors
 
Personally, I like the look of a recessed winch but you could always mount it to the bumper as it is and then later if you don't like it you could recesses it. Congrats on the sweet deal by the way. I have enjoyed your build.
 
I like the recessed look on the JKs just because I like the grill. But on my WJ, it blocks the whole grill and still runs the same temp. It doesn't hurt anything. Either way won't cause a problem. You're going to be so anxious to get that thing on, that you'll likely mount it right away and not go to the trouble of modifying the bumper.
 
How fast do you bomb through the desert? 100+? :cheesy: :idontknow: :crazyeyes:

I like the clean recessed look personally
 
I like the recessed personally. I don't believe recessed/top mount would make much of a difference strength-wise though.
 
Recess that beast. You'll be glad you went through the trouble to do it. If you just slap it on quick-style your gonna wish you took the time to recess it every time you look at the front of your jeep, or ANY other jeep too.
 
josiahmarton said:
Personally, I like the look of a recessed winch but you could always mount it to the bumper as it is and then later if you don't like it you could recesses it. Congrats on the sweet deal by the way. I have enjoyed your build.
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Thanks!

CastleRockJeep said:
Recessed... Keep airflow to your radiator clear, and I just looks better.
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I do like the look of a recessed winch better too.

WJCO said:
I like the recessed look on the JKs just because I like the grill. But on my WJ, it blocks the whole grill and still runs the same temp. It doesn't hurt anything. Either way won't cause a problem. You're going to be so anxious to get that thing on, that you'll likely mount it right away and not go to the trouble of modifying the bumper.
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Ha ha! I'm so torn right now. I'm heading out to a trail tomorrow and do want to slap it on the top so badly.

DWiggles said:
How fast do you bomb through the desert? 100+? :cheesy: :idontknow: :crazyeyes:

I like the clean recessed look personally
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At least 102, maybe 103...uphill. [emoji23]

GraniteCrystal said:
I also vote recessed. Cleaner look. Better air flow. Won't get as much dirt, sand, mud, salt on it.
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The debris buildup and exposure of the synthetic line in the AZ sun definitely has me leaning toward recessed.



.......................................................................
Overall "build thread"
http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?26097-I-guess-it-s-the-quot-Super-Stocker-quot-build

DIY trail/tube door build http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?24449-My-DIY-Doors
 
jkLogan said:
My winch is mounted on top but I wish it was recessed.
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Although short and sweet, I'm interested in your answer. You'd rather have it recessed because of all of the above?

jango said:
Im a fan of the recessed look. Itll also be more out of the way of harm.
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Agreed.

Ddays said:
I like the recessed personally. I don't believe recessed/top mount would make much of a difference strength-wise though.
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Ok. I was just considering all aspects and didn't want to make some fab mistake since I'm no engineer.

wayoflife said:
Here's another vote for recessed and down in between the frame rails.
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Thanks. It's good to hear from the WAL "mall crawler"! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] Seriously, with your actual, real world experience, it's good to hear that.

JeepJeep75 said:
Recess that beast. You'll be glad you went through the trouble to do it. If you just slap it on quick-style your gonna wish you took the time to recess it every time you look at the front of your jeep, or ANY other jeep too.
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You are right. I think if I just quickly threw it together for tomorrow's trip, mounting it on the top, I'd regret it. Also if I did go with the top with the intention of recessing later, I have a feeling it would be much later before I actually made the proper mods.

notnalc68 said:
Personally, and just for looks, I'd recess it.
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You prima-donna! [emoji23] Thanks.

Thanks again everyone. Recessed it will be, as hard as it is to leave it sitting at home for right now. [emoji106]



.......................................................................
Overall "build thread"
http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?26097-I-guess-it-s-the-quot-Super-Stocker-quot-build

DIY trail/tube door build http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?24449-My-DIY-Doors
 
USMC Wrangler said:
Although short and sweet, I'm interested in your answer. You'd rather have it recessed because of all of the above?

Mainly for looks, but also because it's just kinda hanging out up there waiting on something to smash it. Between the frame rails is what I would love to do.
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jkLogan said:
USMC Wrangler said:
Although short and sweet, I'm interested in your answer. You'd rather have it recessed because of all of the above?

Mainly for looks, but also because it's just kinda hanging out up there waiting on something to smash it. Between the frame rails is what I would love to do.
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Makes sense. Thanks. [emoji106]


.......................................................................
Overall "build thread"
http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?26097-I-guess-it-s-the-quot-Super-Stocker-quot-build

DIY trail/tube door build http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?24449-My-DIY-Doors
Click to expand...
 
Lots of manufactures have them non-recessed. Lots have big Winches with air compressors that block the air intake and still don't have any issues with increased temperature.
With that being said, I like the look and the peace of mind of a recessed winch. My vote is recessed!


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