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Advice on compensating for new bumper & winch

10K views 25 replies 13 participants last post by  Godholio 
#1 ·
I have been shopping for a new after market bumper and winch for my 2015 Willys JKU and I am concerned about the added weight to my stock suspension. I would like to add a lift some day, but it will have to be down the road when funds allow, perhaps when it's time to replace my stock tires. So, for now I'm wondering if a leveling kit will get me by?

I've been looking at the Barricade Trail Force HD bumper and a yet to be determined winch with a synthetic rope. From what I can gather the Barricade bumper will add about 40 lbs and most 9,000 -10,000 lb winches will add around 70-80 lbs, for a total of 110-120 lbs. over stock for the new bumper and winch combined. I did a test in my garage by adding 120 lbs. to my stock bumper and my front end sagged about a 1/2 inch.

My question is, would a simple leveling kit like the Quadratec 1.75" be what I need to compensate for the additional weight of a new bumper and winch? If so, is the Quadratec leveling kit be the way to go or is there a better option out there to work with my stock set up on my Willys?

I've been a Jeep owner for a whole two months, so any guidance will be appreciated!
 
#3 ·
Yes but your not helping the extra weight on the spring.

I am in the same dilemma and am looking into heavier duty front springs to bring it back up and to help support the weight as it did effect ride and handling and spacers aren't going to fix that.
 
#6 ·
I am in the same dilemma as the OP. Considering a winch and bumper and the sag. Some might say it is the same as having an extra person riding around with you all of the time but that isn't the case. It would be like if you put a friend on the front bumper.

I have a '14 JKUWW and I don't remember what springs I have in the front from the factory but I think there is one higher number available. That may be an option if you are concerned about spring rate and don't want to change height. Another option could be to use lift springs with a higher spring rate. And if you are going to get lift springs, you might as well consider tires and wheels.
 
#7 · (Edited)
It is not as bad as many think. I carried a full-width Mopar bumper and a Warn 9.5ti winch on the front of my otherwise totally stock 2009 Rubicon: there was hardly evidence of the weight from the driving seat.

The Mopar bumper and Warn 9.5ti-s (synthetic rope) on my 2013 Rubicon weigh a combined 180 lbs; but the factory 45 lb bumper and the underlying steel structure is not there anymore, so the net increment is more like 135 lbs.

Aldo
 
#8 ·
It is not as bad as many think. I carried a full-width Mopar bumper and a Warn 9.5ti winch on the front of my otherwise totally stock 2009 Rubicon: there was hardly evidence of the weight from the driving seat. The Mopar bumper and Warn 9.5ti-s (synthetic rope) on my 2013 Rubicon weigh a combined 180 lbs; but the factory 45 lb bumper and the underlying steel structure is not there anymore, so the net increment is more like 135 lbs. Aldo
I have the Rampage recovery bumper which was 13# something I believe and I noticed the difference immediately, feels front heavy a bit and bumpier then before.
 
#9 ·
I agree w Aldo, it won't make that much difference. I added a bumper and winch not much difference, imo certainly not enough to warrant a level lift. I did that. Now it feels and drives different.

A level lift is a lift. Don't waste ur time and money on a little level lift for a bumper and winch when you plan on doing a higher lift down the road.
 
#11 ·
I have actually been in this exact situation. I have a JKUR. I replaced the front and rear bumpers and the fenders. As well as the rock rails. All steel from crawler concept. Once I put the Zeon 10 winch on the front, the bumps stops were almost contacting the frame. The lift was mandatory. I went with the OLD MAN EMU HD coils up front and the med in back. All is good now. Next mod is tires and wheels.
 
#22 ·
I also have added full length front bumper and cable winch, around 200lbs.
I am leaning on trying to replace front springs only, from Teraflex or Rock Krawler with there 1 1/2" spring. Anybody think this will help level out jeep? I think spring better option than just coil spacer.
 
#25 ·
You're on the right track! Measuring with weight on the bumper is a great way to see how the weight will effect your stance. If you only dropped 1/2" then Coil Spring Spacers will help get you level again. You wouldn't necessarily need a full leveling kit.

Stiffer springs will handle the weight better but it can be more challenging to get level with springs alone. They'll offer different amounts of lift depending on the Jeep's weight and there is no formula for what you need to get level.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

-Ryan
 
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