Installing an OR-Fab Jeep XJ Cherokee Front Winch Bumper

Installing an OR-Fab Jeep XJ Cherokee Front Winch Bumper

Jeep XJ owners who want to upgrade their vehicle’s front end have to go for bumpers that will not block the flow of air into the engine. These bumpers should also be able to clear large tires and withstand abuse when off road. One such bumper is the OR-Fab front winch-mount bumper. This front winch mount bumper has a tapered “V” shaped design that helps to slide off rocks.
Green Jeep Wrangler


Installing this bumper is very easy and OR-Fab recommends the use of the Warn M8000S winch or any other winch that can be operated with a wired remote. Below are some of the steps to follow when installing the OR-Fab front winch bumper.

Remove the Factory Installed Bumper

Before you install your new bumper, you will first have to unbolt and remove the factory installed bumper, corner fender cross-braces and the bottom air dam. Unlike the corner fender cross-braces, the bottom air dam once removed will never be reused. The OR-Fab bumper has a full-width design and therefore some changes have to be made on the Jeep. One such change involves trimming of the front fenders to improve tire clearance and ensure perfect fitment of the bumper.

The instructions guide will give you the exact location to do the trimming and it will generally be below the XJ’s grille back as you move towards the wheel well. Once the trimming is done, mount the heavy-duty OR-Fab mounting brackets on the factory drilled holes.
Blue Jeep Wrangler

Mount the Supporting Winch

Before installing the bumper, you will need to install your preferred Winch and bolt it to the OR-Fab bumper. Keep in mind that OR-Fab recommends the use of the Warn M8000S winch and so you should get this if you do not have any other in mind. Follow the specific instruction to mount the winch on your Jeep. The Warn M8000S is an excellent winch as it has fast winding and is easier to use.

Green Jeep Wrangler front bumper
After mounting the winch into the OR-Fab bumper get a friend to help you lift the assembly and secure it on the Jeep’s frame using the bolts provided. Route the provided two-gauge battery wire leads from the bumper to the Jeep’s battery. After routing the wires, the installation process is complete.

Once the new bumper is installed, your Jeep XJ will not only look good but will also have clearance for up to 37-inch tires and recovery capabilities. The winch’s control box can be accessed easily and does not affect the flow of air to the engine.

By: James Langston
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