Jeep Wrangler JL Winch and Bumper Install + Plastic Bumper Removal

[@rvboyett]

Anyone considering this project should research the method for installing the Mopar RivNuts. They don't just slip in. You have to compress them into position so they don't slip out. There is a special tool for doing this but you can do it yourself with an M10-1.5 x 50mm Bolt, two regular hex nuts, and a washer. I did this install a few weeks ago with the exact bumper and winchplate. I'm using a Smittbilt H2O 10000lb winch and had the same issue with the control box. I real PITA. BTW did you have any flicker issues with the LED fogs? I'm going to use the TaserJL to turn off the flicker issue that I'm currently having but the firmware for doing that is still in beta.

[@TrailRecon]

Great knowledge, thank you for sharing... I'm pinning this to the top so other can take note. Yes, I noticed a little flicker last night, so something I'll be looking into ver soon. Thank you!

[@tomd1939]

Metalcloak made a really good video about installing rivnuts. I'm not sure if the size of the bolts and nuts are the same in their video but the application is the same.

[@rvboyett]

You are correct @@tomd1939. That video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYDKXqd-freSZqs The only difference is that you'll need different sized wrenches and sockets and you don't need a lock washer because the Mopar RivNut isn't round and won't spin freely on its own.

[@USAFJUNKIE]

Yeah... Definitely a pain. I learned the same lesson when I upgraded to the Rubicon bumpers on my JK.

[@brad6200]

So Rick Can you use the Nuts and Bolts you state?Is their room to get the nuts in behind the bracket?

[@CarStory]

This is the kind of guy I wish was my neighbor.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

LOL No kidding

[@ealexmeza]

Did you use the original fog light if so how did you install it

[@thepopeut]

This video has the most important piece of information about this project regarding the difference between the steel bumper group vs the plastic bumper group. Around the 7 minute mark saved me several hours. You'll need a good Rivnut tool, or look up how to do it without one. Thank you Brad for saving my butt this weekend!

[@MarkBlankenship33]

I put those bolts on here in Toledo for you and made sure I made it extra hard to remove 🤣. Love your channel

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks for your hard work in Toledo... keep those Jeeps coming!

[@xtina818]

I love this channel. I just bought a Willys because of you and my bf got a Rubicon. I've never felt so free as I do with my jeep. Thank you for everything you do and all your amazing adventures that inspire me. ❤️

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Great video.. informative as always... mopar designed a nice front bumper... great choice

[@NathanielConverse]

That bumper looks way better! Good choice!

[@robertbond1662]

Love the detail, doing a very similar install changing the plastic bumper to the steel and the tip on the RivNut is very helpful. Another tool to buy, wahoo!

[@fiftyshadesofurban]

Really great to see the endorsement of the winch. I just got my Gladiator and I want to put on a winch because I know I'm probably gonna be wheeling alone and I wanna make sure I have self-recovery all handled, but having to buy the bumper, winch plate makes it that much tougher when the cheaper Warn winch is $800. Hearing you say you've had those winches for years gives me confidence that if I buy one I won't find myself in a bad situation.

[@mprudhon]

Thanks Brad… I just installed my winch and it was great to get a preview of the job

[@hemiweligalle6568]

Great guidance of installation Love that bumper and Zeon Winch my bucket list

[@johndiaz7240]

Good job , making your wife happy is always smart.

[@TrailRecon]

Happy wife, happy life!

[@BearCreek903]

With the help of this video, I did this exact same upgrade to my 2021 Rubicon. The part#'s for the 2 brackets are: 68353836AB & 68353837AB. They are about $15 each. Of course, you will need to install the RivNuts to bolt them into. Thanks for putting together a great video!

[@craigversetti5700]

Thx Brad !! Plan on doing the same thing to my JL , got hooked up with the from and rear bumpers so soon as i pick up another winch and winch plate it on !!! Lookin good.....

[@MattsCollection]

I just picked up a 2019 Rubicon...the one with the steel bumper group was gone. Nice to know that swapping out the plastic bumper is so easy! Now I just need to get a hold of one.

[@nitroxide17]

I love the weight breakdown! Amazing!

[@anthonyalmaraz7638]

Great video! Next year purchasing another off road vehicle. This will be for my wife. I'll talk her into some upgrades lol So far she loves the off roading.

[@omahaL98]

Good job Brad on your winch project on your wifes jeep, I now see the basics of installing winches on a jeep and foundation on SUV or Truck thanks.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@moabwheeling]

I really like the looks of the front end now . It looks more aggressive and will serve a purpose if needed . Happy New Year to you and your family . Until next time , take care !!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@PJHDesigns]

I love how Jeep designs so many components to be removed...like, they knew at the design stage that we'all gonna remove that gear and replace it anyway! Haha.

[@robertoribaartinano3675]

Great Chanel !! Greetings all the way from Costa Rica 😎🤙🏽

[@DiscoMan]

I just got that winch on my Land Rover. One of the best I've used.

[@Jabroni2U]

Cmon Brad, you know you want to take over that brand new jeep!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Sure, if I want to sleep on the couch!

[@socalexpedition]

Great video as always. Thx for the shout out!! Glad to see the bumper looking so good on another JL.

[@TrailRecon]

Excited to see your Jeep out on the trail soon!

[@RubiconUnlimited]

Nice clean factory upgrade for the Mrs! I love the steel bumper on my JK hard rock edition, and this JL version looks like a nice evolution of that. I cover the install of a winch on my channel, and you can really see how jeep improved on the install with the JL. No more trimming or vacuum pump bracket removal? Beauty! Nice work as always Brad 👍

[@MattsCollection]

I recently accomplished this same modification to my Rubicon and if you purchase the bumper and skid plate from Mopar, the rivnuts come with the hardware.

[@Jeffreyfrmn]

"Old plastic bumper" made me laugh... It's BRAND NEW! lol sick color though!

[@TheTruth-dm8wd]

Great video. Now I feel more confident that I can do it myself. Thanks!

[@DxDOverland]

This is an excellent video. I just did my own swap on my Gladiator, but using the Rock Hard winch plate and a Warn Zeon 10S. The install was a bit more difficult in some ways. However, I did not run into the missing rivnuts. The winch plate brackets bolted right over those brackets that fit the steel bumper. I had a helper and am not sure if the correct brackets came with the take-off bumper I had, or if they were part of the OEM gear from the factory. My helper was doing the work down below. I also don't recall the crossmember that was removed. I've messaged my helper to see what he remembers. However, I did the install of the OEM brackets with the new winch plate brackets over them and there was definitely no need to add rivnuts. My only issue is trying to figure out what the correct skid plate is. I've read conflicting info, and based on this rivnut discussion, it appears there may be some differences between the JL and the JT. Anyway, again, great video. Thanks very much for it. Keep an eye on my channel in late January and you should see that Gladiator out on the trails. ;-)

[@Spunky-iq8jm]

I have the 2021 Gladiator. The dealership changed the plastic front bumper to the factory steel. I removed the steel skid plate two weeks ago. I have 4 bolts and I can't remember where they go? I hand tightened 2 of them but the other two?

[@pianoforest5815]

7:37, did some research here, for originally OEM plastic bumper jeep owners, no need to buy bottom bracket or Mopar Rivnut. i would recommond the rough countery plate that offers different mounting points, and its cheaper

[@andreasschafer1249]

Very good work . Looks so nice . Greets from Germany.

[@usernameTheInnerTube]

Looking good! About time the Hella Yella Rubi gets some mods! 👍😁

[@TrailRecon]

Slowly but surely! Thanks!

[@OVRLNDX]

Looks awesome!!! Like That stubby look

[@TrailRecon]

Stubby bumpers rock!

[@CarGuy11]

How could Jeep put a plastic skid plate on a Rubicon???

[@TrailRecon]

Agree 100%

[@67wildwolf]

well I've owned 3 jeep wranglers(TJ,JK&JL) now and a CJ7 I had in high school but if I were to guess about the plastic bumper&skid is that they know the bumpers are one of the 1st mods we jeep owners do. Just remember how long has it been sense they offered the metal ones? After all they 1st showed up on the Rubicon 10th anniversary additions right?

[@elpablo99]

It's not a skid plate, it's a self pruning air dam that directs air away from the suspension crossbeams etc. To increase fuel efficiency. If you do use your jk off road, it "falls" off on the first obstacle you approach.

[@DxDOverland]

Interesting. The Gladiator Rubi comes with a plastic bumper (steel optional), but a steel skidplate/air dam.

[@Jeep.Generation]

Looks great. I hated my plastic bumper on my JL. I smashed it good at John Bull. LOL. The yellow FlatLink looks great.

[@TrailRecon]

John Bull! Heck ya, putting that Jeep to work!

[@Jeep.Generation]

@@TrailRecon Oh yeah, gotta get my badges. I put replaced my bumper with a Poison Spyder Crawler and added 37" KO2s. I saw a group of Jeeps a few weeks back at Holcomb Creek, one of them had a Trail Recon Sticker on them. We were letting them by, then seeing if you would have been in the group or not. Haha.

[@mithrandir1313]

Great Video!!! Wow!! Great camera too!! Thanks for putting this together!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@nicktrzcinski9327]

Another great video - love your stuff. Also, thanks for your service - prior Submariner checking in here!

[@Trickski23]

Brad, first off I love your channel. Secondly, I’ve always been curious about your military background as a corpsman. My wife and I are currently active duty corpsman in the navy and I always love hearing about other people’s experience as a corpsman.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for you and your wife's service! I was a Corpsman for 26 years and retired a few years ago. #corpsmanup

[@JLeezy864]

Rah for being a corpsman. Greenside is the best.

[@hunting762]

wondering can you use the factory plastic skid plate for this factory steal bumper?

[@gonecoastaljk6913]

My dealer was going to have to order the rivnuts so I just took two 1” long 3/16s grade 8 bolts and welded them to a piece of 1/2” wide flat stock and fead them up into the metal bracket where the rivnuts go, slid the skid plate brackets over the bolts and put a couple nuts on it.

[@allong5602]

Probably a dumb question, but I'm new to this. What is the advantage of the flat link over a regular winch hook?

[@jacman619]

Clean upgrade Brad! Hope she likes it! Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy new year!

[@TrailRecon]

Happy New Year to you as well! The wife is happy with it and we love the clean look.

[@behshadsamimi3180]

so sharp looking jl now

[@echothedog8315]

I think it would be cool if the recovery hooks were yellow to match

[@TrailRecon]

I was looking at the hooks that we took off on the plastic bumper and thinking the same thing!

[@echothedog8315]

I bet some yellow plastidip would look good in the meantime

[@MILITARYSIXX]

Great video!!! What are you using to cover the space between the body and the bumper? I'm installing my winch soon and that space is excessive in my opinion.

[@AmericanJeeper]

Looking good! I think the factory steel bumper (stubby version) is a good option

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks!

[@khcopter]

I’m doing the same thing right now to my JK Rubicon. But one thing I am adding I didn’t see you do. Is in-line fuse for the winch.

[@vancebreckenridge111]

Do you know what the part number is for the bracket that you have to reuse for Rubicon w/ the steel bumper package? I can't find the inclusion of those brackets in any Mopar accessories (steel front bumper, skid plate, winch mount)

[@Bakeneko449]

Mopar 68353836AA Passenger Side Front Bumper Skid Plate Bracket for 18-20 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT with Steel Bumper Mopar 68353837AA Driver Side Front Bumper Skid Plate Bracket for 18-20 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT with Steel Bumper go to quadratec 10.00 bucks per

[@67wildwolf]

Brad nice job. Mopar jeep front bumpers are great. Just don't put the back one on unless you want keep replacing the lic plate. I just helped a friend do a install of a teraflex 2.5 sport ST2 suspension with falcon 3.3 shocks on his wife's new JL Rubicon. His wife loves it. But she said her requested 35's were too small. She wants 37's now......go figure.....Happy New Year.....

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! I have the rear steel bumper, but don't think I'll be installing it. Not only does it have issues, but we have the back up sensors and the steel bumper doesn't have the holes for installing them, don't know if I want to fiddle with that.

[@67wildwolf]

Brad when you do the back bumper have it done. My JL's Stealth Fighter Rear Bumper had the holes for the sensors and it took someone that knew how to set them up right to get them working right. But those sensors are really helpful backing up on a lifted jeep. As for that back bumper I took my lic plate in to my local tag agency and the lady said what in havens name.....I said Black Bear and she gave me the replacement lic plate form.

[@oliverwhite30]

Excellent video. Thanks. I’m installing the same winch on my JLUR

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and good luck with your install!

[@KILLER_BEAN_UNLEASHED_FOREVER]

Happy New Year And Congratulations For The New Installations JEEP FOREVER 🚙OIIIIIIIO🚙❤🚙👌👍

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@blackstratus2664]

Looks great. You might have to add a pwm module for the foglights. They may start to flicker due to the difference in voltage. You can buy the led running/turn signal lights from the retrofitt source, and the Orem led tail lights are very cheap as well.

[@TrailRecon]

I noticed a little flicker last night, so something I'll be looking into. Thanks!

[@blackstratus2664]

TrailRecon look up the sales code or a tazer as well. I’ve heard those fix it.

[@PKDesigns2011]

Love the info and step by step details you put into these. I would like to have seen bit more slow, walk around final product shots ... it's just to kool to be left out ;)

[@donglin540]

Can I add a custom steel bumper with the stock skid? Plastic

[@AKArusty]

Great start to a New Year!!

[@murphsox1287]

Yeyy! Some 2 door love! keep the videos coming.

[@Itstwofourteen]

The videos on your wife's Jeep are hella helpful (pun intended) since this is the exact model I want to get. Thanks, Doc!

[@serjkeshish3384]

Grate video and that bumper looks grate now ,

[@comfort_in_discomfort]

The initial droop in the suspension will get greater over time (2015 JKHR). The stock front springs are so soft. My Warn 8K and steel bumper dropped to the point where I had about 1.5-2" to the bump-stop. Went with a 2" lift. No drop in 2 yrs time. I think the stock springs are too soft.

[@Seasonspass33]

I have a 2007 JK with plastic bumpers and I got a take-off JL 2018 front metal bumper. From researching, it appears I can just bolt on the jl metal bumper to my 2007 jk. Will, I have any issues? I also have the metal front skid plate, will that bolt on as well?

[@skipdippity]

If someone buys a winch without bolts for the top bumper cover you can take the clip nuts that are on the cover and just hold them with a pliers or maybe visegrip to put the screws back on…..!

[@BEMEiTY]

What would be awesome is a video of you talking about your likes and dislikes between the JK and the JL. That would be nice.

[@patrickjamesmcb]

Awesome upgrade for sure

[@kellydiver]

I love the clean look of that bumper. Is there anything similar for the JK that doesn’t have a big “cow guard” sticking out in front of it?

[@riccardonoonan2307]

Hello Sir! Thank you for this video, I followed you step by step mounting the same winch plate and bumper. The only problem I have is with the 8 nuts that attach the bumper to the frame, I have issue reaching the two bottom bolts next to the winch to tight them properly, I suspect my tools are too shorts but I wanted to see if you have any advice! Thank you for all your content.

[@fredpassafiume2218]

I was considering this for a new wrangler High Tide with the Recon pkg. I want to get set up to flat tow it behind a motor home and considering a bumper with shackles to attach the tow bar to however I’m concerned if the shackles will be too high because the tow bar is supposed to be level. Also, most bumper manufacturers do not rate the shackles for towing. I’m looking for feedback based on experience on what is a nice setup.

[@chrissimmons6358]

any1 have part numbers for the 2 brackets at bottom that comes with the steel bumper and not on the factory bumper? ...right before he talks about the rivets? I purchased a steel on a takeoff and didn't come with the 2 brackets on the bottom.

[@310to703]

Looks great love the new JL's

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! We love the new JL platform as well

[@materialman66]

Can you add the footage for the battery hook up. What accessory battery posts did you use? In what order did you hook up the Positive and Negative power leads?

[@espltd1096]

Can you show a picture or tell me where the fog light harness attaches to the warn winch mount like it says in the directions? There is no picture or explanation where to actually complete this. Also when you put the fairlead on the bumper the bolts go through the fairlead/ fairlead plate / bumper and the warn winch plate then the nuts will go on the bolts tying all 4 together correct? Another parts that is vague in the directions.... thanks and love your videos!!!

[@jpmcnown1]

Are the Warn spacers really necessary? It seems like all they do is push the bumper out to clear a larger winch, and if the winch fits, I'd rather have to rear skidplate hole line up.

[@clifforddodson5459]

Hey Brad what do you think a about salvage yards for stock steel mopar bumpers. Of course without damage.

[@Alboogie415]

I had a plastic bumper. Got the steel bumper bracket kit which includes the bolts and nutserts. Somehow the bolts are too short for both brackets. What did you specifically use and or any advice on what to do? Longer bolts? Is the bumper brackets really necessary?

[@danhambrick6331]

Nice job B-Rad.#Lovin the JL...

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@brianh.4801]

Did upgrading to the led fogs throw any kind of dummy lights code? I know some people had to have their jeep dealer flashed. I'm assuming those new fogs are OEM

[@jax5703]

Hi I would like to see how the plate actually mounts on the bracket . Thanks.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Hey brad. Mind me asking what video editing software you use? It’s time for me to change mine up

[@TrailRecon]

Been using Final Cut Pro for a couple years now and it took a bit to understand, but it gives you lot's of editing options.

[@georgeacp9112]

By any chance, would you know the Warn Winch Plate part # that you used in this video. Love the clean and professional installs and explanations in all your videos. Thank you.

[@salttrader4113]

I second this, need this plates as well.

[@ssaliba63]

Another good Video! Have a question though, how did you resolve the LED Fog Lights strobe flickering issue on a non-LED option JL? When I installed mine the new LED fog lights flicker badly.

[@philipdelzmen7226]

Is the winch add noisy ? Does it clank around when driving & hitting bumps in the road ? Also does the added weight change the steering or handling of the jeep ?

[@snapcrack55]

🌟Big Tip:🌟 remove your grill, then remove that plastic piece you drill out. MUCH better access to the inside bumper bolts. The driver side still SUCKS but it's a little easier.

[@explore_off_road]

Ha! This is a good one. We just my wife a 2019 JL a couple weeks ago and we are going to change out our plastic bumper for the Rubicon steel bumper, so we can add a winch (Pick the bumper up tomorrow). I actually like the look of the factory bumpers, so you doing this exact thing is kinda cool. But we will keep it wide, not stubby. My logic is because when we get into the tight trails (deep forest in Western Canada) the tree will bounce off the bumper... not the fender. This is cool. Can this setup work on the bumper that was already on this Jeep?

[@billdoerflinger6541]

Tastefully done. looks great.

[@Thatbeardedguy86]

Maybe a stupid question but I can’t seem to find the answer. I thought that all Rubicons come stock with a front steel skid plate. Not the plastic air dam. 2:49

[@45auto]

The real question is how does Mama feel about how it came out?

[@TrailRecon]

She is very happy with it and the Yellow flat link was a surprise little touch she really liked.

[@tf4]

Do you absolutely need a winch plate for installing a winch on the OEM bumper?

[@ericdzikowski4629]

Do you know of anyone looking to get rid of another bumper just like that one. I love the look and want to use one that might just be taking up room on someone’s floor instead or buying a brand new one. Also, do you know if that bumper would fit a JL Wrangler Sport or just the Rubicon? Thanks for your time. Love your channel.

[@offroad_adventures2934]

Can a metal front bumper and 12500 lbs winch be put on a stock JLU rubicon or a JLU Rubi with a 2.5" suspension lift? Thanks.

[@nosnerd1967]

Nice install

[@frank_60]

Hey Brad I was wondering if you knew the part number for the bracket that goes with the rivNuts between the winch mount bracket and the actual bumper mount. Love your videos by the way

[@salttrader4113]

Same here!

[@swampdonkeyoffgrid190]

Good job brad, just what i’ll be doing on my jk. Does a warne winchplate need to be specifically for the steel bumper ? And does a licenseplate bracket come with all of them ? Thanks

[@alexpalumbo3954]

You said the winch is 53lbs but on amazon says its 78lbs. Where's that 25lbs coming from? Seems kind of excessive! Awesome video by the way, super helpful.

[@abdoudjendou4857]

Hi, great and useful video, steel bumper & winch is my next upgrade... thanks. I have a question: I have just installed a 2” mopar lift kit on my 2 dr sport JL with 17x9 ProComp rims (-6mm offset) on 33s BFGs. Do you think the tires will rub when off-roading in the desert. Please advise. Once again thank you.

[@emu4wd]

Do you remember How long were the bolts for the hawse? Do they go through the plate and the bar and the hawse and the license plate plate?

[@eriksenactual]

You have this same set up on your gladiator right? Looking at it for mine and really love the look.

[@jac5431]

can you explain how you would recover some of the sag in the front end from the heavier bumper, winch and skid plate?

[@DxDOverland]

He briefly mentioned in the video he might add a puck--basically a disk that sets on top of the suspension spring. That's an inexpensive, easy way to recover lost height and maintain existing ride.

[@PatrickNolan001]

Would love to see how/where you installed those great looking KC lights on the front bumper . . .

[@Lightning3Zero]

I have a stock Willy’s wrangler sport… do I need a lift if I’m going to run a 90 pound bumper ?

[@yohanfu2807]

Very cool men👍👍Happy New Year brother🍸🍸🎉🎉🎆🎆

[@TrailRecon]

Happy New Year!

[@spikes1092]

Ever do anything with that winch box? I’d be upset about that.