Bumper Removal, Prep for Maximus-3 Winch Mount Installation
In this article, we remove the factory Rubicon X bumper and prepare the frame for the Maximus-3 Winch Mount.
Project Rubicon X is about to get a face lift. After a full inventory of our parts and gathering the tools we would require, it was time to dig in. Maximus-3 provided a thorough set of instructions for both the winch mount and classic hoop, as well as separate but equally complete instructions for the D-ring Hoops. Their instructions were accurate with plenty of photos, and detailed easily understood directions.
The tools we needed for this job were minimal and pretty common. Most vehicles produced today use metric tool sizes and the Wrangler is no exception. We laid out our complete set of Metric Drive Sockets on the bench, from which we would need the 10mm, 15mm, 18mm and 19mm. We also had our set of Metric wrenches and adjustables, L shape Allen Keys, L shaped Metric Torx key #30, Phillips screw drivers, electric Drill and various drill bits, a 1 3/4″ diameter (44mm) Hole-Saw, tin snips, pliers and our 4 1/2″ angle grinder with a 1/16″ metal cutting wheel. We ended up using several other misc tools as well and even got out the air tools to make quicker work of some of wrenching. With our tools at hand, it was time to remove the bumper.
Remove the 7 skidplate bolts, remove the skidplate.
Remove the winch delete plate by removing the 8 Torx bolts that surround the plate.
Protect the grill with a piece of cardboard. Lift the winch delete plate back and up towards the grill to remove.
Remove the plastic filler trim located directly under the grill. This trim is retained by two plastic Phillips screws that are nearly impossible to remove intact. We tried lightly turning them with a screw driver but they just stripped out. Maximus-3 instructions suggest using a wood screw to extract the plastic screw, which we did and it came out very easily.
Disconnect the two fog light connectors located directly behind the fog lights.
Use an 18mm deep socket to remove the bumper flange nuts, 8 per side. There is a backing plate with each upper and lower pair of nuts. Also remove this backing plate. Upon removal of the last nut, the bumper is free from the frame.
The factory hooks make great handles to lift the bumper assembly up and away from the frame flanges. Be sure to rest the bumper on a protective surface like a couple sheets of thick cardboard. You will need to work on it and you probably don’t want scratches all over the bumper.
Using a flathead screw driver, remove the two u-nuts located directly behind the red factory hooks. To prevent future rust, now is a good time to tape off and spray some touch-up paint on the surface where the u-nut came off.
Using a pry tool, flathead screw driver or a pair of pliers, carefully remove the fog light wiring harness from the side of the frame.
Disconnect the vacuum pump using a 10mm socket and remove it or secure the pump out of the way.
In our case we were going to need to use the vacuum pump relocation bracket and move the vacuum pump out of the way of the winch. This requires part of the old bracket to be cut off. Not all winches will require the need to relocated the vacuum pump so check with Maximus-3 to see if you need to do this or not.
We masked off the grill and threw a tarp over the hood to keep the metal grindings off the paint and protect the grill from flying sparks. Then we used our favorite tool, the 4 1/2″ angle grinder with a 1/16th inch metal cutting wheel, and cut the front half of the bracket off.
Unless you like the Ratrod Rusty look, spray some quality black paint over the freshly cut steel to prevent rust.
The next section will cover installing the Maximus-3 Winch Mount and our Warn 9500i Winch.
Go to the Winch Mount
In this Article Series
- Maximus-3 Upgrades to Project Rubicon X
- Rubicon Bumper Removal
- Maximus-3 Winch Mount Installation
- Winch Install onto Maximus-3 Winch Mount
- Maximus-3 D-Ring Loops Installation
- Maximus-3 Hook Anchor & Hauser Fairlead Install
- Reinstall Bumper & Maximus-3 Classic Hoop Bar Install
- Thoughts, Analysis & Review of the Maximus-3 Classic Hoop, Winch Mount, D-Ring Loops, Hook Anchor & Light Brackets
For more information on Maximus-3 Products:
Maximus-3, LLC
- sales@maximus-3.com
- https://Maximus-3.com
the max-3 also lets the winch sit slightly further forward compared to the Mopar which allows for more room for the electrical cables so they can be tucked away and not seen and not touch the painted part of the grill. I will never use the Mopar one again just for that reason
Hi, Where can I get the Rubicon insert you have? Or can you tell me what that piece is called? Many thanks!!
Awesome article, very helpful 🙂 what I don’t understand is that this bumper need a winch plate? is not already in? or need install a different plate winch.
Thank you Guys
Thank you Maurizio! Yes, that’s right. The Mopar “winch ready” bumper doesn’t come from factory with a winch plate, an essential part of the winch installation. I assume the reason behind this is two fold. One reason I think is most people buying any factory model Jeep equipped this bumper will probably not install a winch. So factory installing a winch plate is added cost that Jeep does not have to include to sell the Jeep. Another reason, which is the flip side of the same coin, is Jeep can later sell this item as a factory add-on (Mopar Winch Mounting Plate, Part no. 82214786AB, $336.00 MSRP). Personally I think Mopar (Jeep) would do much more business if they didn’t overcharge for their parts liek this winch plate which runs for about a $100 more than Maximus-3 Winch Mounting Plates. Same thing goes for their lift kits, but that’s a whole different topic.
Was very helpful, Guys you are awesome, I follow you guys I have so many change to make to my 2015 Rubicon 🙂
Great JOB
thank you Alan
Spot on with this write-up, I did the same install on my Hard Rock a few weeks ago. Pretty much the same steps I took. Nice step by step.
I needed to thank you for this great read!! After reading this writeup, I bought the Maximus3 winch mount and I’m definitely happy with every bit of it. The article definitely helped me make a decision and with the install. I have got you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Love how you’ve been updating the site to make it view better on mobile phones. I’ve been reading articles on my phone and it’s much better. Are you planning on moving the rest of the site over? Thanks.
Great article, was just getting read to do this project this weekend and this will greatly help!