As we said in the intro, having D-Rings in addition to the factory hooks are definitely a big plus. Two additional closed loop attach points means that we have options. Whether we are pulling someone else, pulling ourselves or being pulled, we never know what the situation is going to be and multiple tow secure points have always come in handy in the past. Plus they just look great to boot!
Maximus-3 makes a couple of varieties of these D-Ring Loops. They have their standard D-Ring Loops and also a version designed to accept a HiLift Jack. The loops are made from ½” thick steel and mount directly to the underside of the winch mount plate. The D-Ring Loops are designed to work with center mounted winches and will require us to cut a slotted section out of the lower lip of the bumper.
In our case we opted for the standard D-Ring Loops and were also going to add on a pair of red powder coated D-rings. To go along with the D-Rings, we picked up a couple pair of D-Ring Spacer Isolator Bushings to center the D-rings on the Loops and to quiet down the D-rings over the bumps.
Maximus-3 D-Ring Loops Install
Our Warn HS9500i previously used 1 1/4″ long grade-8 fine thread bolts to retain it to the winch mount plates. With the addition of the Maximus-3 D-Ring Loops plus a washer and lock washer, we were going to need bolts 1/4″ longer, ensuring there would be enough thread entering the retaining bolt located in the winch bolt inserts. Then it was a matter of installing the bolts hand tightened at first. After that we made sure our winch was exactly where we wanted it to be and then tightened the four bolts to 35 Ft.Lbs on each bolt.
Following the instructions, we marked the center line of the bumper using the center skid plate mounting hole. Then we measured 175mm from the center line to the left hand side and 85mm up from the bottom rearward edge of the bumper. Before we drilled and cut anything, we double checked the measurements not just on the bumper but we also verified the specified location of the cutouts as best we could using the bumper flange as a reference point. The location looked dead on to us so we center-punched and drilled an 1/8th inch pilot hole at the 175mm, 85mm mark. Measure three times, Cut once! We then repeated for the right hand side.
Using a 1″ Hole Saw we then drilled out the 1/8″ pilot holes.
Using our favorite tool, the 4 1/2″ Angle Grinder, we cut slots from the edge of the 1″ hole through to the back edge of the bumper as shown. A thorough deburring and a quick spray of touchup paint finished off the job.
At this point we still have more work to do to the bumper before we mount it back up but here is a preview of the outcome. We love it!Next Up, Drilling out for the Center Fairlead.
For our installation we opted for a Red Maximus-3 Hook Anchor and Filler Plate to give us a good place to park our winch hook. Maximus-3 provides the Hook Anchor in both black and red powder coat. We chose the red to add more Red accent to our Anvil Rubicon X. Preparing the Mopar bumper for a center mounted Hook Anchor & Filler Plate is up next.
Go to the Hook Anchor Install
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
Are the D-rings far enough forward from the bumper that they can be used at a jack point for a Hi-Lift jack? Not a fan of the ones with the included Hi-Lift jack point.
While I never had the need to lift the front of the Jeep with a Hi-Lift, I think doing so may not be 100% safe. I’d recommend using an accessory like the Hi-Lift Lift-Mate, or the Hi-Lift Bumper-Lift to make sure the jack won’t slip off the shackle.
I loved your entire write up for the Maximus-3 kit, i followed it almost to the T with the exception that i one time i measured once and cut twice on the bumper slots for the d-ring mounts. Question for you, where did you find the rubber bushings for the D-Rings, i have tried home depot and searching amazon and can’t find them.
Thank you Sam. The bushings we used were purchased from Quadratec.
Crown Automotive RT33008 D-Ring Spacer Isolator Bushings
https://www.quadratec.com/products/92144_1900.htm