How to Install a Warn Winch on JL/JT O.E. Steel Bumper

Want to install a winch in the OE factory steel bumper in your JT Gladiator or JL Wrangler? We show you how, so join us in the Northridge4x4 DIY Garage and see how easy it is.
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[@northridgenation]

Shop the Warn Winch here! www.northridge4x4.com/part/jeep-truck-suv-winches/92815-warn-zeon-10-s-platinum-winch?KZbin&Video&Warn_Zeon_10s_Winch_Video

[@KidRichmond]

To anyone watching, make your life easier and don’t bolt the winch down until you’ve tightened all the bumper bolts. You want the winch in its cradle and able to slide so you can get to the bumper bolts on the inside of the frame horns. Once they’re tight then put your winch bolts in. If you don’t have enough clearance between the bottom of the winch plate and the bottom lip of the bumper then use a pry bar and gently flex the bumper and create some breathing room. It’ll save you a ton of time.

[@RaceMentally]

Glad I got my winch plate today and saw this comment. My man beer on me.

[@goyitosproductions]

Excellent please next time do one final close up at the job.

[@patchesohoulihan949]

Great to see Scott Ian is a Jeep guy 😂😂

[@alexrusho1928]

Awesome video, the factory steel bumper with the warn winch looks amazing

[@Berserkeroffroad]

Thank you for all the little install tips, like zip tying the plate to the frame!

[@northridgenation]

Glad they helped.

[@mcmiller5989]

Great video. Your explanation for mounting the line to the drum was very helpful. As was the removal of the plastic bumper. In fact, you might consider a separate video covering plastic bumper removal. I would never have thought to look at this video for that.

[@northridgenation]

We now have the front bumper removal video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2Omd519iKycack

[@TheComputerCowboy]

Tape-on-the-nut plus a little thick axle grease = next level improvement for keeping the nut in the socket.

[@FiremanGMC]

Nice video can’t wait to upgrade my JKU

[@chriselfrank736]

Great video.

[@bobvedder2451]

I want to install a smittybilt 12000 winch in my gladiator. I will refer to this video when i get it!

[@edward1730]

Excellent video - subscribing now due to the professional layout of the videos. You are right up there with Project Farm. Amen. I wish more channels would professionalize their content with proper editing.

[@northridgenation]

Awesome, thank you!

[@wesrobinson7366]

Good video as I was debating the right winch. The problem i see is that the winch in the picture has the new black face plate and hook. Though in the link it's the older silver one.

[@northridgenation]

The owner of the Gladiator wanted that blackout look, so we installed the Warn Epic Black Fairlead: www.northridge4x4.com/part/fairleads-fairlead-brackets/100655-warn-epic-1-0-fairlead-black

[@irwansopyan80]

Keren... 😎

[@michaelhalstead64]

Did you guys ever do your video on pre-loading the line? Hopefully you still plan on it.

[@WaitWhat-jy9ck]

Great video Northridge4X4! Can a winch be installed on a '19 JL Rubicon with factory steel bumper and a flat-tow base plate?

[@northridgenation]

It would depend on the flat tow base and how it mounts. The Maximus 3 Tow Loops will work: www.northridge4x4.com/part/towing-hitches/jl1025tl-maximus-3-tow-loops-red The RockJock Tow Base Plate requires some modifications to the winch plate brackets. RockJock Tow Base Plate: www.northridge4x4.com/part/towing-hitches/ce-9033jls-rockjock-tow-bar-mounting-kit

[@isiahwilliams1427]

Would this bumper and winch fit a 2018 jeep jl sport?

[@andrewtippitt6469]

Any reason the wire routing was skipped. Some reason all the winch install videos on the tube seem to be skipping major sections of these installs. This is definitely one of the better ones and Northridge how tos are usually the go tos for these things

[@northridgenation]

Check out this video here, it shows how we typically wire in the winch here in the DIY Garage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2O2kGl6oLh_brc

[@cynthiaraftus7599]

Love the winch, great video, but who wants to do all that, installing the rope I mean, most of them come with the rope all ready spooled

[@sisyphusofmorons]

Portal axles would be sweet on that JT. But more down to earth could you show mounting and installing a fridge in the bed that would work exposed to the weather?

[@northridgenation]

That's a big possibility. Speak up viewers.... who else wants to see a bed mounted fridge? Of course the best exposed bed fridge would be the ARB Elements fridge: www.northridge4x4.com/part/refrigeration-coolers/10810602-arb-all-weather-fridge-freezer-63qt ARB Slide Mount: www.northridge4x4.com/part/refrigeration-coolers/10900040-arb-elements-fridge-slide-63qt ARB Tie Down Kit: www.northridge4x4.com/part/refrigeration-coolers/10900038-arb-elements-63qt-fridge-tie-down-kit

[@Spunky-iq8jm]

My Warn Winch plate holes did not line up with the winch. I had to widen two of the 4 holes.

[@photoapeal]

My new bumpers have lights so it may be a bit more involved.

[@honusail]

Great video! About how long of an install is this? Thanks

[@northridgenation]

If you have decent mechanic aptitude, you should be able to get this done in a couple hours. Don't forget to do the grill hack to make removing the grill easier in the future: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYnRqYOid5ipaZY

[@luiscorrea5931]

What Fairlead did you use, 1.0" or 1.5"? (Also, very cool and helpful video!)

[@kg0311]

1.0

[@dimensionsinflavor110]

Would an upgraded transmission cooler be good with those 40's, or is that really just for towing?

[@northridgenation]

Really depends on what you're doing with the JT. Towing, it would be a good idea. Super slow rock crawling, again a good idea. Cruising the streets and weekend warrior off roading, probably not needed.

[@somerandomclimber5683]

On my '21 JLURe, there is a small nut welded on each skid plate mounting bracket. These welded nuts interfere with the corner of the winch plate mounting brackets. Have you seen this with other installations on '21 models? I'm tempted to remove these nuts since nothing attaches to them.

[@northridgenation]

We haven't seen a problems with the skid plate brackets yet.

[@paulmorris6914]

I’m almost ready to purchase my new Gladiator...with the kind of wheeling I plan to use it for, I’m torn between a 4.5 and a 6.5 inch EVO suspension lift while only running 37’s. (Only because the spare tire carrier will fit up to a 37) My truck will spend half it’s life on road while the other half will go overlanding, hunting, fishing, etc. I plan on using Dynatrac prorock 44’s front and rear. My question is, what else can I do to make my driveline as bulletproof as possible?

[@northridgenation]

Sounds like a fun build. Are you going with a Rubicon model or other? The larger fender openings on the Rubi model allows more tire with smaller lift. Look at doing a D60 for the rear. The D44 will be a little light duty with 37s. Adams driveshafts would be a good upgrade too.

[@JeffPalmer941]

@@northridgenation If he's adding a lift, and changing axles to prorock, he's literally removing 90% of what makes a rubicon a rubicon, isn't he? Other than the gearing in the transfer case. And lets be honest.. if you are removing all the other components anyway, why not save the $10k "rubicon tax" and spend that on an atlas t-case?

[@voodoo1506]

Did you have problems reinstalling the skid plate under front bumper after using the Warn winch plate? I think it may unalign the bolt holes to frame.

[@northridgenation]

We had to slot the lower holes about one bolt width.

[@Heigthball]

won't your electric cable scratch the paint on the grill with the vibration of driving ?(really wondering since i have that problem)

[@northridgenation]

Yes, it can be a problem.

[@alanfiguracion2447]

Excellent Video! Can a Blue Ox Baseplate mount with the Warn Winch Plate?

[@northridgenation]

We haven't tried one yet. Looking at their instructions, that JL baseplate mounts to the outside of the frame and hangs down lower than the bumper, so there's a chance it will.

[@cmmeme]

Yes it will I am currently doing it and have seen it done on several here at Jeep Invasion.

[@derek6947]

Good video. Is the Zeon 12S Platinum the same size as the 10s?

[@northridgenation]

Yes, the same size, the difference is in the internals.

[@LeoHolanda_CANBR]

Do you recommend any license plane relocation kit that fits the Mopar steel bumper? Something near that does not require drilling...

[@northridgenation]

Check out the LoD Flip-Up license plate holder. It mounts under you fairlead. No drilling required. www.northridge4x4.com/part/license-plate-solutions-1/jlp0731-lod-universal-front-bumper-fairlead-flip-up-license-plate-mount

[@richardkemna2895]

How to install aux switch setup on Jeep that came without. Greatvideos

[@northridgenation]

Thanks! Glad you like them.

[@northridgenation]

@richard kemna How-To program your JL/JT Aux Switch video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6O5aniie92ojNE

[@kingofkings6242]

what about the steel air dam? does it need any modification or is it also just located back?

[@northridgenation]

You need to slot or enlarge the lower two holes on the air dam/splash shield to get it to bold back in place.

[@GuilhermeSilva-li4tj]

I have a 2021 Gladiator Mojave, tried to install mine today using the same Warn winch plate, the skid plate brackets on my Jeep are different than the one on this video, so the winch plate brackets don’t fit properly ugh! Any suggestions?

[@northridgenation]

Do you have a stock Jeep steel skid plate? You will need to slot the rear two holes a little bit to get the bolt holes to line up.

[@redneck6pack]

I would like to see how much lift you need to run 37s I was told 3 to 3.5 ? I see tons of room in my JT fenders!! I am thinking 2?

[@northridgenation]

What model do you have? A Rubicon has higher clearance flares and can fit 37s with a 2.5" lift. A Sport will need a 3.5"-4.5" lift or a 2.5" lift with a set of Rubicon flares. The axles in the Rubicon and Max-Tow Gladiators are also wider, which will give you more tire clearance at the frame.

[@redneck6pack]

Northridge4x4 thanks for the feedback and I appreciate your help! I did compare my max tow to my buddy’s rubicon and your 100% correct his fender flares are higher and even the curvature is a bit different allowing more clearance so I will proceed with shopping 3.5 lifts!

[@guidok3762]

Is The 10s enough for a Gladiator, or do I need a 12S?

[@northridgenation]

The rule of thumb for winch sizing has always been 1.5 x vehicle weight. The Gladiator weighs in around 5100 lbs. (depending on model and options), so the 10s will be plenty big for your Gladiator. www.northridge4x4.com/part/jeep-truck-suv-winches/89611-warn-zeon-10-s-winch

[@alexhalterman5278]

Will a warn vr-evo 12k winch fit in the factory bumper?

[@northridgenation]

The VR-EVO 10 and 12K winches are the same size.

[@aprilearly4287]

Thank you for this video. My Warn winch is installed! I’m trying to find the pretension video you mentioned but so far haven’t. Could you post the link here?

[@northridgenation]

That one isn't available yet. Coming soon.

[@genxiong2695]

Easy you don't need a video for that. Hook it to a good support (post, tree, etc..) and put the vehicle in neutral and wheel it in. You need at least 1000lbs of tension. On the last 10 ft. , you can use body tension to wheel in. Simple as that.

[@jaminoes_]

Can you link to the Fairlead you used? It is not listed in the product list above.

[@northridgenation]

www.northridge4x4.com/part/hooks/00050-04-factor-55-flatlink-black

[@omnikurt]

My Rubicon steel bumper has a steel skid plate that bolts to the same locations that the two Warn plates attach (1:33). Can you no longer use the skid plate after the winch install?

[@northridgenation]

Yes you can, you need to slot the two lower holes just a little to make up for the additional plate thickness.

[@joebarbera1366]

Is there any reason this bumper and winch bracket wouldn’t fit a JT 2021 Sport S Ecodiesel with the LED light package? Mopar website says it won’t my JT. I have a hard time believing this bumper won’t fit. Thanks!

[@northridgenation]

Not sure why they are saying that. While we haven't tried the Warn winch plate on an Ecodiesel, we have tried the Grimm Off Road winch plate with the factory steel bumper on a 2021 Rubicon Ecodiesel and it fit just fine. www.northridge4x4.com/part/winch-plates/10067-grimm-offroad-steel-bumper-winch-plate

[@derek6947]

Where did you get the steel bumper? From Mopar or eBay? I see many cheaper knock offs on eBay that I assume are non-OEM knock-offs.

[@northridgenation]

Craigslist.

[@jaygonzalez9118]

Is the zeon winch install different for the vr winch?

[@northridgenation]

The VR and Zeon are pretty much the same for installation. The older VR is a little smaller, the new VR2 is very similar in size to the Zeon.

[@zachlawrence1209]

does anyone know if you need all of these parts if you already have the steel bumper

[@northridgenation]

The factory steel bumper does not come with a winch mount.

[@fxanimator1]

If you install the hawse fairlead into the bumper first, before you install the bumper, how do you bolt it Al the way through the new winch plate you just put on? The winch plate has 2 holes for the fairlead bolts to go through, are you not supposed to use them?

[@northridgenation]

That was an editing error. Yes, you should wait on the fairlead until you have the bumper mounted in place. One trick to make it a little easier is to leave the winch bolts a little loose, so you can move it around to help get the fairlead bolts tightened.

[@fxanimator1]

@@northridgenation- Unfortunately the bolts provided are not long enough to put the fairlead on ahead of time(I don't think you would want to anyway, because of the bolt heads being sandwiched in between the winch plate and the bumper), you have to go through the 1/4 inch winch plate, steel bumper, the plate in front of the bumper(license plate holder), and the fairlead thickness. We went and got longer bolts and installed the fairlead last. I suspect that installing the fairlead ahead of time, like the video shows, could be the culprit of the skid plate not fitting. That bolt head thickness that is sandwiched in between the winch plate and bumper is probably 1/4 inch. I keep reading about people having to drill out the back 2 holes of the skid plate. Ours fit perfectly, but we didn't have the fairlead bolt head worth of thickness to deal with, because we waited until the end.

[@blck04gt]

I found it really difficult to get the grill back in without scratching it. Any tips and tricks?

[@northridgenation]

Have you seen this grill mod? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYnRqYOid5ipaZY

[@blck04gt]

No! This makes total sense though. You’re a lifesaver.

[@nathanstoll2453]

Can I use this if I install a JL front bumper on my jk?

[@northridgenation]

We haven't tried that one. The front facia bolts should be pretty close, the lower brackets are going to be the issue.

[@Imolared_m5]

I just installed a JL Mopar steel bumper and winch on my JK. The JL bumper bolts right up but You’ll need to use the JK Rubicon Hardrock/anniversary winch plate, not a JL winch plate like used in this video.

[@crbulldog5638]

Can I still remove the grill to replace my headlights?

[@northridgenation]

Yes, it will, but it can be tight. We'd recommend doing the grill mod to make grille removal a lot easier: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYnRqYOid5ipaZY

[@sspence65]

Will this install on the willys / sport, or is at Rubicon only?

[@northridgenation]

If you have the factory steel bumper, it will work.

[@sspence65]

@@northridgenation my bumper has a plastic cover, no exposed bolts. I can send you pictures.

[@NO-background-music-in-videos.]

Good info.. SHIT for background noise (music)

[@sirlost94]

Wait so we can’t reuse the skid plate with the winch plate??

[@northridgenation]

Yes, you can.

[@Spunky-iq8jm]

You skipped some removal and installation. Too fast. How many bolts to reattach the crash protector? I have had mine apart for two weeks and it does not appear to line up with the frames holes.

[@realJohnWare]

The video shows the fairlead and filler plate being bolted to the bumper at 04:45, before the bumper is reinstalled on the Jeep. That is not correct. The fairlead bolts are supposed to go through the holes in the front of the winch plate too - otherwise the inside of the bumper will not sit flush against the front of the winch plate. This is why the Warn instructions say to reinstall the bumper to the Jeep in step 23 and then install the filler plate and fairlead in step 24. Maybe someone will read this and save themselves some time/headache.

[@malifestro3319]

I did notice that too after I ran into clearance issues! I just installed mine today but ran into problems. How the heck do you get the fairlead on!? I dont have any room to attach it once the bumper is flush up against the plate. I feel like my only option is to some how fish it thru the fairlead itself, with the head of the bolt towards the winch, not exposed. And then maybe get a cap nut to make it look decent. Suggestions?

[@realJohnWare]

@@malifestro3319 I ordered one of these to fish the bolts in: “CURT 58410 Fish Wire for 7/16-Inch Diameter Bolts” They are $3-4 on Amazon. And you are correct - the head of the bolt goes toward the winch and the nut goes on the outside against the fairlead. I think my Warn kit came with a couple chrome acorn/cap nuts for this.

[@Billrovid]

When did you remove all the zip ties bro?

[@northridgenation]

Before we slid the OE steel bumper back in place.

[@KentOlsen]

At the 2:46 mark you show with the winch removed and then you remove an OEM bracket??? You said nothing at that point???

[@northridgenation]

Those stiffner brackets may need to be removed depending on the length of the winch you install.

[@Spunky-iq8jm]

The large zip straps were missing. I had to buy a package of zip ties.

[@SoCalJeepGladiator]

Where is the pretension video?

[@northridgenation]

We shot it, unfortunately the wind was so bad, the audio sucked, so we couldn't use it. We will shoot another one on our next winch install video. In the meantime you can check out a write-up we did awhile back: www.northridgenation.com/warn-jl-elite-winch-bumper-install/

[@naamangeist7843]

Next video: How to install recovery points for D-rings under the bumper without having to cut the bumper. Is it even possible?

[@northridgenation]

Anything is possible with cutting, LoL. But that's not something we've seen yet.

[@naamangeist7843]

@@northridgenation What were the Jeep engineers thinking here? They could at least given us an option to purchase a recovery package and/or made the bumper to accommodate a later upgrade, rather than us having to do an aftermarket hack job.

[@oscrm1760]

That steel bumper is rubicon correct

[@northridgenation]

Correct.

[@joshuakazfields4374]

Good way to spend $2k