How to Install Rugged Ridge Universal Winch Mounting Plate on your 1987-2006 Wrangler

Warning: This plate has been designed and built to offer years of trouble free operations but is only as safe as the individual that uses it. Please read all safety information and installation instructions pertaining to the winch that is to be installed prior to any operation. This plate has been designed to be used with most standard winch applications and is rated for use with standard bottom mount winches (foot prints 10” x 4.5”) up to 9500lbs pull rate. This plate can not be used with the Warn® M8274 series winches. This plate has been designed to reuse OE bumper attachment bolts that are at least grade 5 or better. It is recommended that if you are unsure of the grade of your bolts to please replace with new approved hardware. (Note: some Jeep® mounting bolts could be metric. In this case the bolts must be an 8.8 or numerically large in grade. 8.8 = grade 5, and 10.9 = grade 8

Please follow all safety procedures during any winching operation and never exceed the load rating of the winch. Never use the universal plate or winch in an unsafe manner and always keep individuals clear of winch cables when in use. The doubling and or tripling of the winch cable by use of snatch blocks can easily produce a load rating that is greater than both the winch and or the winch plate designed limits. Always use common sense when using your winch.

Parts List:
(1) Universal Winch Plate
(2) Spacer Plates.

Step 1: (YJ and TJ) Remove front bumper OE top mounting hardware (retain – Do Not Discard). If hardware has a rating of grade 5 (8.8metric) or higher retain. If you are unsure please replace with hardware of correct rating.

The grade rating of the bolt can be found on the bolt head. A grade 5 bolt will have three bars stamped or molded into the head where as a grade 8 bolts will have 6 bars. Metric bolts will have a numeric number embossed on the head.

This winch plate has been designed to be used with OE front bumpers. If this bumper is to be reused do not remove. If another aftermarket bumper is to be used remove the lower mounting bolts and retain for use later. Follow aftermarket bumper installation instructions. This plate has been designed to work with most aftermarket bumper designs but modifications to some bumper may be required if fitment issues arise.

Step 2: (YJ-TJ) Remove the plastic frame cover from vehic le. For the YJ this cover will be discarded. For TJ’s it is possible to reinstall cover after the plate has been installed but a large amount of trimming to the plastic cover will be needed to clear the rear of the winch.

Step 3: In some applications it may be necessary to install the winch to the winch plate prior to placement onto the front frame. If this is necessary follow manufactures installation instructions and follow all safety steps provided. If enough space is available to reach the winch mounting holes located on winch plate after plate is mounted than skip this step until plate is mounted. The assistance of another person is recommended when lifting winch and winch plate assemble onto vehicle.

Step 4: (YJ’s 1987-1995) Place winch plate over bumper (OE or Aftermarket) and align mounting holes. For YJ’s you will use the first and third holes provided. If needed a spacer has been supplied for rear mounting points. It is to be used with aftermarket bumpers with a thickness grater than 1/8” thic k. Install OE bolts and tighten.

(TJ’s 1997 – 2006) will use the first, second and fourth holes. For the TJ the front retaining bolt for the front sway bar will also need to be removed (hole 4). This bolt should be a grade 8 or 10.9 and will be reused. Place winch plate over frame and reinstall OE bolts and tighten. If needed a spacer has been supplied to be used with aftermarket bumpers with a thickness grater than 1/8” thick. (See images below for reference)

Step 5: If not done earlier install winch. Follow manufactures instructions and follow all safety steps provided.