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Jeep Wrangler 4th gen

What did you pay for a winch and install on your JL steel bumper? Think my dealer is screwing me!

What did you pay for a winch and install on your JL steel bumper? Think my dealer is screwing me!

Troy

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113 Answers

Troy

Nothing did it myself

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TroyQuestion author

They want almost $2000 installed for a “made for mopar” Warn “rubicon” winch and mounting plate ?. I see the best Warns with plates for around $1200 and I can’t imagine it’s more than a couple hours to install.

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TroyQuestion author

Steve Rogers the salesman didn’t know when I asked he said it says warn rubicon on it lol.

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Dustin

@Troy bring it to me in Minnesota I’ll save you a ton on both

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Ben

2-3 hours of labor. $2-300 with wiring, mounting, looming and making everything clean.

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Tony

Most Dealers will always chager high. You can get lucky but thats rare.

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TroyQuestion author

Going to call around tomorrow to truck accessory stores and see if there are better options. It’s something I hope to never use so I don’t need the best one.

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Walter

Yes I paid under $500 and installed myself

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TroyQuestion author

I don’t know if any old winch will work with the mopar steel bumper though?

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Troy

Smittybilt x2o will fit, I used a Rusty’s mount plate. Did it in my driveway in a snowstorm in 3- 4 hours by myself basic tools and no idea what I was doing, including swapping bumpers

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Dan

@Troy warn VR 10-S fits. JKS winch plate.

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John

The dealer bend over price .

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TroyQuestion author

Oh ya they are selling to to me for 10% over cost and also reducing labor rate from $120 to $80/hr if I buy it thru them lol

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John

@Troy if there lips are moving they lie lol

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TroyQuestion author

@John I do service work with my business to and would never charge someone 4 hrs labor of it took me 1 hr to do it. What a rip off.

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John

Corporate greed is everywhere.

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Taylor

Took me 20 min to install and wire it. Super easy.

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TroyQuestion author

Which winch did you use? You have the OEM steel bumper?

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Taylor

No I have aftermarket. I used smittybilt x2o comp winch.

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Jay

…dealer? It’s 8 bolts total

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Matt

That’s probably about right for a dealership. It’s kind of like saying “ we really don’t want to do it”
And they will have a tech that doesn’t know the first thing about winches install it and just allow you to deal with the aftermath through warranty claims. Never have a dealership do this stuff. At least find a 4wd shop

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Randon

Me and my 6 year old put mine on just be patient pick a free day and knock it out make sure you have the winch plate and the best part is you havw all of us for help

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Johnpaul

I think I know a lot of people fear screwing up the wiring. Bad wiring is probably the number one cause of fires in jeeps.
I think the JL with the tow package and with the accessory buttons are super easy.

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TroyQuestion author

I don’t have the tow button and acc switches.

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Chris

What model warn? They can get pretty pricey. Really isn’t a hard install.

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Ruben

Winch install is probably the easiest install ever. It’s literally 2 wires that plug to the battery and about 8 bolts.

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Scott

Well let’s see a warn zeon 8s is $1250. The Mopar one is a tad more because it is made special for MOPAR. The winch plate is $250. Then have to remove the bumper to install inside it, run wires, make it look good, spool the line @$100/hr. You could save a couple hundred tops.

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Patrick

@Scott right on!

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Kevin

@Scott just found out that the Mopar mounting plate has been discontinued. I bought the Mopar Warn version but had to go back to Warn for the mount since orders for the Mopar ones were all cancelled.

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Scott

@Kevin warn made it for Mopar anyway. They probably just decided to let them do it as they undercut them in price.

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Kevin

@Scott Warn told me Mopar made their own bracket. They are different. The Winch is the same though.

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Mike

@Kevin Warn is trying to protect a private label which I respect. If MOPAR discontinued their plate it’s because just like @Scott said, they cant compete at the price.

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Kevin

@Mike nobody knows for sure what happened but someone I respect at a dealership told me there was a production problem and the things were not fitting the steel Rubicon bumpers without cutting them.

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Dustin

@Kevin I’ve installed 6 of them with zero issues including my own

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Joe

Super easy do it yourself project. Did it with my boy, took twice as long but will last forever in my heart. Got the Warn S-10 and Warn winch plate. I needed longer fairlead screws but fit perfectly on oem steel bumper.

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Kyle

$264.99 for Smittybilt winch and installed myself.

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Kevin

$1150 for Warn Zeon 8S + $268 for the install.

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Bryan

How hard is the wiring

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Bob

First, don’t waste money on a Warn. Used to buy Warns for my Jeep’s but after three different Warns failed on me and my friends cheap winches did not…I learned my lesson. Most winches are the same depending on feature set. My next winches was a smittybilt and I used it harder than my barely used failed Warn winches. It never failed. My current winches is a quadratec competition winch and it’s been great too. When my Warn failed, they wanted me to pay shipping to send it back. No thanks. Also, seriously a winch is about the easiest thing you can install yourself. There are only two wires…

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Chris

@Bob your an idiot

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Andrew

*you’re

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Nick

Is there a local jeep club in your area? Get in with them and ask who their go to 4×4 shop is. Or better yet find out when their next wrenching party is and go.

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Chris

Stick with a Warn winch. These people shelling out 50 grand for a JL Rubi and putting on a crap winch make me cringe. It’s a mixed signal. Are you a baller or not?

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Kevin

@Chris I approve that message…

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Kevin

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Chris

@Kevin why does your winch have Mickey Mouse ears?

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Kevin

@Chris haha, I see what you did there… they are the new Mopar off road lights… 8000 lumens to burn a hole through the night!

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Emrol

@Kevin are those 4.5 inch fogs? Is that ca hard cover on them? Looks great!

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Kevin

@Emrol I have 5” Mopar lights on the cowl and the 7” set on the bumper.

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John

$1250 for a Warn Zeon 10s, $265 for the Warn mounting plate… So after tax and 3 hours labor.. That’s not a crazy price… Do it yourself and save $450.. It’s easy

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Jim

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Brandon

There is a video on YouTube on how to do it, it’s not hard to do by yourself might need a second set of hands at some points but only took me about an hour and a half to install

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Derek

I did a Warn VR 10s with the Warn mounting plate. It took me about 2 hours as I took my time. There are plenty of YouTube videos that walk through step by step. I did get a Factor 55 fairlead, as I didn’t care for the extra weight of the one that came with the winch.

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Lee

I’m tempted to say that if you can’t install your own bumper and winch, I’d seriously doubt your ability to use a winch. Ok, I said it. You may turn in your man card at the front desk.

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John

@Lee hey ? some people ain’t got time for that and just want it ✅ off the list of to do’s lol I know this first hand. It’s more about premium time for me! I’ll be at Jeep Beach all week lol

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Lee

You can install it faster than it would take to get a quote and sit around while they do the install. I know what you’re saying, as my time is also a premium.

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TroyQuestion author

I have the ability and tools but time is a premium and it’s so convenient to just pick it up all done and have it all in the financing. I just can’t see paying a extra $800 for that and being forced to buy the best one I don’t think I really need? I have a warn on my JK and it’s less than 5 years old and the finish is all falling off it and looks like crap, I’d guess a cheaper one wouldn’t look any different.

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Lee

The time being too much of a premium is the same excuse those who are incapable say. I hear it all the time. Buck up and pay, the dealer a huge amount for that premium time of yours and quit complaining. Sorry that the finish on the one on your JK didn’t last 5 years. That does suck.

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Jeff

I don’t have this problem but some people might live in an apartment where they don’t have the room to do it but I rather pay somebody and help keep them self employed. . Time is money like you said I can easily work a couple hours overtime at work to cover them putting it on.I know lots of people they don’t have time or know how to put one on but can work a winch with no problem. I hear what you’re saying and it’s funny statement but not completely true. You also got some that don’t want to do it and don’t have to

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Gregory

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Jeff

Andrews Gregory looks like you have the same setup I got. Where did you put your license plate? We bent and curved ours and then bolted it underneath. That way it’s out of the way from car washes or anything hitting it. You can still see it but it’s out of the way I bought that bracket that company sells but it stuck out where was too easy to get hit. I live in Texas we have to have for a front license plate by law. Some don’t but I do. I not going to get a ticket again. I got a ticket about 8 years ago not taking the chance to give them reason to pull me over if they want to

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Donnie

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John

Took me about a six pack and 2 hours

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Elijah

I did it myself. I wish I ditched the factory and did a different bumper. Getting the winch in was a bear.

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TroyQuestion author

I’ve heard that it isn’t easy to get it in the stock steel bumper!

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Scott

@Troy the 4 inside bolts are a bitch to get on. I think I ended up using a flexible socket adaptor to squeeze in there. I don’t look forward to taking my bumper off now!

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Elijah

The day I have to swap the synthetic line, I’ll be buying a new bumper.

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Mike

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Bob

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Jeff

If you have to put the winch plate on also that’s a lot of extra work and it’s very heavy

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TroyQuestion author

I believe you have to use a plate on the OEM steel bumper yes, it’s like $250 or more.

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Jeff

@Troy you have to buy the winch plate I went ahead and bought the Warn plate over the Mopar. Even the friend of mine that runs the aftermarket department at the dealership said he liked the warm plate a lot better than the Mopar winch plate. it came with that extra piece that you don’t have to buy for like 80 bucks that fills in the holes the fairing. If you don’t buy that piece there’s like a hole around it

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TroyQuestion author

@Jeff I looked up the mopar rubicon winch. It’s a 8 series basically with a steel cable for over $1300! I can buy a “non mopar” warn Zeon 10-S for less! I’m going to take it off my build list with them and once I sell my takeoff wheels, I’m going to go to a truck place like Toys 4 Trucks and get what I want installed on it down the road.

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Jeff

@Troy I know it’s hard to believe but they proven with test that the synthetic rope is stronger than cable so I went ahead and got the rope this time. you just have to be careful with the sun and leaving it wet or something they say. But with it hid down in that front factory bumper it kind of keeps it dry pretty good so I’m not worried about a cover most people don’t with it hid down like that. I got mine off Quadratec on sale I cant remember what I paid for it but it was under $1,000 . I think it was $8,500 9000 but that’s all I needed I don’t need a 13 or 12,000 pound winch

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TroyQuestion author

@Jeff I May never use it and most likely if I do it’s to pull someone else out of a snowy ditch lol. Reason why $2000 seems like a waste. I’m sure a Smittybilt package for $700 off amazon would be just fine ??‍♂️

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Jeff

I agree with you I had mine on my JK almost five years and never used it once. Went to Bridgeport a lot but never used it. Most of the times I wad around someone else that always volunteered before I could. I mean it’s kind of like car insurance but less chance you’ll use it. I think I spent maybe 900 for the winch plate and the winch I’ll have to look and see what my is. I know it’s a VR model I can’t remember which number though. I think it was 8500 or $9,000 pound. http://quadratec.com/ has some pretty good sales. Their catalog is big. Its hard to believe as big as they are they sell nothing but Jeep parts and accessories

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Eric

Some good info here. I would add… Use a plate made from 1/4″ steel. Many less expensive options (JCR is one) are 3/16″ and have been known to bend a bit when being used. If you are going to add a winch hook anchor, the Maximus-3 is $207. Use code MAX5 for an additional 5% off. If you want to buy a winch at the same time, let me know and I can possibly cut a bit more off the plate. https://www.rubitrux.com/maximus-3-wrangler-jl-steel-bumper-group-winch-mount-jl1012wo.html

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Brian

$1500 winch and Mount plate. 3 hours install at $100, wire and supplies. Sounds about right

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Damon

@Brian how much beer can you drink in that 3 hours us the question

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Brian

@Damon I do everything except trans and motor on my Jeep

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Damon

I had no doubt that you do… but I assume you take beer breaks too? I ?

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Eric

Here are some reviews of a 3/16″ plate. https://www.quadratec.com/node/998899/reviews

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Franklin

Just buy the winch and install it yourself ?? you can do it!

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Eric

I give another vote for DIY, if you have the tools.

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Dustin

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Brian

Really half of the fun is doing it yourself not only do you save on the expense you get to know your vehicle little better. I do most of the modifications to my Jeep myself and nobody puts a wrench on my motorcycle but me!

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TroyQuestion author

I agree I own a archery shop and I’m always wrenching on people’s bows but also work another full time swing shift job. So I get two Sunday’s a month off and one occasional day per week. I don’t have time to do my own things and barely get time to have any fun so I usually have to pay to get things done for me while I’m at work. I’d love to be part of a club or something but I can’t ever make meetings or meets having only every other Sunday only off. I never get a Saturday off.

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Kane

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Jojo

Winch $1200 and plate 200 installed myself in about an hour

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Phil

@Troy dude….buy your jeep as is Brand new off the lot. Drive it home….break it in a little.
Then maybe do some of this stuff yourself or negotiate with service later. Dont do it while your trying to buy the jeep. That’s how the sales dept gets ya

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Skinny

Be happy to help you on a winch

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TroyQuestion author

It might be a few weeks before I’m ready to buy as I’ll have to sell some takeoff parts first but I’d like your info for when I’m ready to order!

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Mike

Warn VR10S Winch Installation on the Jeep Wrangler JL https://youtu.be/6RyYqAQgIrY

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Mike

Installed it myself

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Jonathan

$428 (no tax) for a Smittybilt Gen2 X2O 10k synthetic from 4wheelparts, and $265 for a Warn winch plate. Fit great with the factory steel bumper. Did not pay for the install. They wanted like $400. I took my time and did it myself an afternoon.

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TroyQuestion author

Thanks, so the smittybilt works on the warn plate, good to know! I think that’s the way I’m going to end up going.

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Jonathan

@Troy Sure thing. If you do, and go DIY on the install feel free to hit me up for a few “pro” tips (aka lessons learned).

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TroyQuestion author

@Jonathan that will depend on how much a mom and pop shop would charge me. I think it’s safe to say someone who done this before can do this in 2hrs or less so I will do it myself if it’s going to be more than $120

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Dale

My Barricade was 449

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Dale

Wife’s was 399

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Luis

@Dale $339 for just the winch. How much for the bumper ?

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Dale

@Luis 249 I think

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Tim

Smittybilt x20 12k with warn winch plate. Just make sure the control box can be center mounted. Othereise it wont fit without drilling new holes in the winch plate.

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Brian

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Clayton

Do it yourself

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TroyQuestion author

I should have reworded this as my dealer isn’t technically the one that’s screwing anyone, my dealer has been nothing but great to work with and has given generous discounts on parts, it’s the mopar brand winch itself. It’s not the top of the line Warn but cost more than the rest of them to put the mopar name on it. Even at my dealers cost, it’s still more than a zeon! I know what it’s like to have your hands tied by a manufactures product and unfortunately they can’t offer me another brand ?

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Kevin

@Troy the advantage of the Mopar/Warn Winch is that it becomes a warranty covered item if installed by a dealer… something to consider for those purchasing extenders warranties.

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TroyQuestion author

@Kevin yes I do consider that as they said if there are any electrical issues with the vehicle any aftermarket parts spliced or wired in will be to blame.

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Scott

If you can’t install a winch not sure you should be operating one. Sorry for being blunt .

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Kevin

@Scott well, two herniated disks, two back surgeries, a heart attack and two ribs that never healed from having my rib cage sawed open in emergency heart surgery to literally save my life due to a heart attack several years ago… I’m sure I could do it but chose to be safe instead of risking any health issues. Even after the surgery I am dealing with the rib problem and an unrelated heart issue. So, I wouldn’t jump to judge people publicly because it makes you look like an ass.

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Scott

@Kevin my statement still stands . With all that being said maybe operating a winch isn’t the best idea. It takes a lot of work to properly and safely setup and work a winch. That was my point.

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Kevin

@Scott that’s cool Scott, you totally missed the point. Enjoy your Jeep!

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Jordan

If you get any aftermarket mods installed by a dealer, you will get screwed everytime. Go to a aftermarket, non-corporate owned shop. You’ll likely find better prices and more quality work.. in most cases anyway.

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