Maximus-3 Winch Mount Installation – Bumper Removal

Maximus-3 Winch Mount Installation
Maximus-3 Winch Mount Installation

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.

The next section will cover installing the Maximus-3 Winch Mount and our Warn 9500i Winch.

Go to the Winch Mount

Maximus-3

8 Comments

  1. 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

  2. Hi, Where can I get the Rubicon insert you have? Or can you tell me what that piece is called? Many thanks!!

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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