The next step in the front suspension build is the track bar. That means I need to build a track bar mount, which means I need to build a frame for the track bar mount to attach to. So I built some frame/steering box reinforcement/winch bumper/front crossmember plates. Most XJ winch bumpers I've seen are huge, and stick way out in front of the grill. This one will actually have more ground clearance than stock. I will be removing the low-hanging stock front crossmember after the plates are on at the front tube is welded in to keep everything from moving. The front edge of it is less than 3.5" in front of the grill. I didn't take a measurement of the stock bumper, but I bet this sits very little further forward than stock (anyone want to measure a stock bumper for me?).
Here's a rough sketch of my concept. Pretty basic, but It should give rollover protection, transition nicely into the rest of the cage, hold the winch solidly in place, and stay out of the way as much as possible. I'll add some dimpled gussets where the two tubes meet on either side to pretty it up some.
Here are the plates. They have not yet been drilled for plug welds, or bent to follow the frame.
I clamped them on just to get an idea how they are coming out. From this you can kinda see the direction I'm headed with this. The stock crossmember you can see in this pic will be removed. There will be a plate underneath the frame running from side to side, and bent up to the top tube. The winch will sit on this plate, and the front part of it will house the fairlead. I built a similar bumper on my buggy (without the top tube) and liked how it worked out.
The front of the bumper will sit less than 3.5 inches in front of the grill. I would really like to know how this compares to a stock bumper.
You can get an idea of what the approach angle will be like. Not ninety degrees, but not bad, for a Cherokee...
Progress has been made. I just built my radius arms today. I'll take pics and post a proper update soon.
