Bumper Plans?
- Thread starter GaryMc
- Start date
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
I just went thru the same dilema. I wound up doing a daily craigslist search for winch bumper in the title. I scored a nice Warn winch bumper that came off of Chevy truck for $75. I cut the mounts off and fabed up some new ones to fit the Ford Van. It's got 2 flat pads on the front of the frame rail vs the Chevy mount mounting parallel to the frame. The only thing left was to add a hoop that I had and a front reciver hitch.
I just painted it two days ago and will install it soon. It's perfect and I got to decide how high and how close to the body I wanted it. It's also a little beefier than when it was on the Chevy.
I just painted it two days ago and will install it soon. It's perfect and I got to decide how high and how close to the body I wanted it. It's also a little beefier than when it was on the Chevy.
Ozrockrat
Expedition Leader
Hey that's about the same as what I did. Only mine was off an F250. I just needed something quick (because I am waiting for Chris to produce the UJOR ones 
) to mount the winch before 10 of us headed out to the rockies for christmas. Didn't need the winch but the lights were a blessing.
P.S. Still waiting for Chris to produce a kit version of his bumper, Hint hint :drool:
) to mount the winch before 10 of us headed out to the rockies for christmas. Didn't need the winch but the lights were a blessing.P.S. Still waiting for Chris to produce a kit version of his bumper, Hint hint :drool:
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
Got it done.
A Warn rep at the Overland Expo told me that a Warn 9500 XP would be what he would use and I lucked into a used one with synthetic line. He said they shine when run at or above max capacity and are lighter. I was able to mount the bumper with winch installed alone. I welded covers over the winch bolts to deter theives and may run a few beads to weld the bumper to the frame. Total investment was just over 700 and more hours than I care to admit but those are the kind of hours that are relaxing.
A Warn rep at the Overland Expo told me that a Warn 9500 XP would be what he would use and I lucked into a used one with synthetic line. He said they shine when run at or above max capacity and are lighter. I was able to mount the bumper with winch installed alone. I welded covers over the winch bolts to deter theives and may run a few beads to weld the bumper to the frame. Total investment was just over 700 and more hours than I care to admit but those are the kind of hours that are relaxing.
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
Your first post...Welcome! I don't know the weight but it does not have all the interior parts that a Sportsmobile has and I try to keep everything as light as possible. I also don't plan on dragging it thru hardcore trails so I'm sure the winch will pull fine. The frame horns are also a consideration but if I'm stuck bad enough to bend them I won't care. I read a ways back that a 12 -15k winch can bend them so I'd plan on some extra beef to the frame if you plan on the worst.
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
5616 was my factory 2WD curb weight. Thats 1300 more than a Rubicon 4wd. I wonder how much 4wd adds to a Van? Has anybody weighed before and after a conversion?
