I am wondering if it would be possible to mount a flat plate to the top of the bumper, with a vertical piece coming up through the plastic bumper to actually hold the winch? It would look something like the old detours, without the hooks on the front.

I just installed the Ath Fab shackle mounts, and would like some sort of set up to do a winch above that which does not require replacing the bumper. I like Ath Fab's winch mount bumpers, but I'd like to keep the stock look if possible.
So - can something like that work?

I've seen some that are plates with tabs on the back to fit over the back of the bumper. These would mount to the top. Then, the plate up front would stick up through the plastic. I've have to rig something else for it to sit on as well.

I don't think I'd have the winch on all of the time. I'd probably remove it except when off road.

The other options, for now, are a portable winch, spare battery to run it, tree mount, and hi-lift and/or manual cable puller.

Thanks for any thoughts.

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Black 2011 Liberty Limited, Select Trac II

Detours is still in business
As far as mounting a winch plate it could be done , depending on your fab skills
It wouldn't be just a mount plate to frame and install bumper cover back on though

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MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

Thanks, I'll see if I can message them and inquire. I thought they dropped this piece from their work.

If not, i'll see what else I can come up with.

Thanks again.

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Black 2011 Liberty Limited, Select Trac II

Contact ATH, you may be able to adapt just the center section of his bumper setup.
Something similar to what I made for my KA.
I know the KK skin is different, but you may be able to glean a few ideas from my build.

My basic design. Only two pieces of 1/4" steel here, the back plate, against the cross member, is welded on to the plate. The rest is one piece cut and bent.




All boxed in for strength.


My KA skin cutout. The holes on top are for the rear feet of the winch.


Install complete.




I have since made and added shackle tabs just inside of the front corners, under the plate, after the last Pic. Sorry no Pic of that I can share here.

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07 KA Light Khaki, Manual trany.
2.5" Adjust-A-Strut JBA lift, Euro taillights,
Home made; Front Tilt Hood, Roof Rack, RAM Air, & CAI.
ESP Off Switch
Take a ride on the Trō side!

Thanks, I'll ask him.

Something like what you have there is the type of look I would like to get.

Nice work, thanks for sharing.

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Black 2011 Liberty Limited, Select Trac II

Thank you.
ATH was a great help when I was working on the design of my plate. The KA and KK share the same basic frame.

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07 KA Light Khaki, Manual trany.
2.5" Adjust-A-Strut JBA lift, Euro taillights,
Home made; Front Tilt Hood, Roof Rack, RAM Air, & CAI.
ESP Off Switch
Take a ride on the Trō side!

Thanks. I'll reach out to him. I do't really want to take the shackle mounts out for a new bumper, and would much rather go with something that looks like yours.

Thanks again - much appreciated.

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Black 2011 Liberty Limited, Select Trac II

Unfortunately, any winch plate you add will have to use the same mounting holes the shackle tabs are mounted in. Detours, ATH, and mine all use those holes. Mine uses the 2 stock holes on the bottom of the frame plus a third I put 2" further back.


I also have 3 bolts going into the front of the the cross member.
All my holes/bolts are also backed with an additional 1/4" plate inside the frame and also inside the cross member.
The front cross member just isn't strong enough to be used alone to pull the rig.

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07 KA Light Khaki, Manual trany.
2.5" Adjust-A-Strut JBA lift, Euro taillights,
Home made; Front Tilt Hood, Roof Rack, RAM Air, & CAI.
ESP Off Switch
Take a ride on the Trō side!

Sorry for the late reply, but thanks for the info. I was afraid that may be the case.

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Black 2011 Liberty Limited, Select Trac II