Rigid XJ Front Winch Bumper Installation
	Category:	Armor
	Author:	MachineMan
	Date:	June 23rd, 2005

This write-up briefly shows the installation of a Rigid front winch bumper (p/n FbW2) on a 1990 Jeep Cherokee. I chose this bumper because of the price, good looks, light weight, durability, and additional reinforcement components.

Bumper Description
The bumper kit is not just and bumper alone. It comes with frame side plate reinforcements with the driver’s side plate doubling as a steering box brace. It also comes with a reinforced bumper mount bulkhead and winch mount to strengthen the front end of your Jeep. The kit includes all necessary grade-8 and grade-5 hardware for the complete installation. All parts are coated with POR-15 metal ready with zinc chromate film for rust prevention. They just need to be wiped down prior to painting. No primer or sanding is necessary. The bumper also has two anchor loops for ¾” clevis shackles with 7/8” pins and mount holes for winch fairleads.
The design is a bit flexible and Terry at Rigid seems very willing to accommodate special features or cuts. For mine he shortened the bumper end wings to fit with my Bushwacker fender flares and 35” tires. The best thing to do is give him a call and discuss any special needs you have.
The kit comes with very detailed step by step installation instructions so there’s no need make a comprehensive write up.

Delivered Bumper Kit

Preparation and Installation

1. Paint all the parts. I used a couple rattle cans of Rust-Oleum Semi-gloss black. Let dry over night or your going to scratch it during install.
   
2. Start by removing the current bumper, brackets, and vacuum canister.
   
   
   Stock Jeep Bumper
   
   
   Stock Bumper Removed
   
3. Mount the bulkhead plate. Note that its important to keep all the bolts loose and only torque when directed to in the instructions or things will not fit the first
4. Install the side plates. The driver’s side is tough because you have to let the steering box hang to install the new bolts.
   
5. Install the winch mount brackets, keep the bolts loose until later.
   
   
   Bulkhead, side plates and winch mounts installed
   
   
   
   
6. Loosely install and wire up the winch.
   
   
   Winch Installed
   
7. Mount the bumper and align everything up. You will have to trim some fender sheet metal to fit the bumper.
   
8. Reattach the vacuum canister wherever you see fit. I drilled 2 holes in the bulkhead plate and mounted it behind under the radiator.
   
   
   Mounted vacuum canister
   
9. Torque everything up and you’re done.
   

Complete Rigid bumper and winch

Links
Rigid Co. www.rigidco.com, Email orders@rigidco.com
Rigid Co. Phone (801) 450-0928 (mobile) or (801) 968-7893 (alternate)
Winches: www.warn.com, www.milemarker.com, www.ramsey.com
Optima Batteries: www.optimabatteries.com


Tom K. May 2005