RUGGED RIDGE 11238.12 YJ-TJ Raised Winch Mounting Plate Installation Guide
- June 13, 2024
- RUGGED RIDGE
Table of Contents
RUGGED RIDGE 11238.12 YJ-TJ Raised Winch Mounting Plate
Product Information
The YJ-TJ Raised Winch Mounting Plate (p/n: 11238.12) is designed and built to offer years of trouble-free operations. It comes with a parts list that includes one Raised Winch Plate and two Spacer Plates. This product is compatible with 1987-2006 Wrangler models.
Product Usage Instructions
Before proceeding with the installation, please note the following:
- Ensure the plastic frame cover is removed from the vehicle and discarded, as it will not be used after the winch plate installation.
- Inspect and clean the mounting holes to remove any dirt, rust, or debris that may prevent proper threading of the bolts.
To install the YJ-TJ Raised Winch Mounting Plate, follow these steps:
Step 1: If necessary, install the winch onto the winch plate following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and safety steps. If there is enough space to access the winch mounting holes after the plate is mounted, you can skip this step until the plate is mounted. It is recommended to have another person assist in lifting the winch and winch plate assembly onto the vehicle.
Step 2 (YJ’s 1987-1995): Place the winch plate over the bumper (OE or
Aftermarket) and align the mounting holes. For YJ’s, you will use the first
and third holes provided. If needed, a spacer is included for rear mounting
points. This spacer should be used with aftermarket bumpers that are thicker
than 1/8 inch. Install the OE bolts and tighten them. Note that if an
aftermarket bumper is being used, you may need to loosen the bottom bolts to
allow for more adjustment.
The same applies to the TJ model.
- Use spacer if needed (TJ shown)
- Reinstall rear bolt (TJ shown)
- Reinstall OE hardware (TJ shown)
Step 3:
If the winch was not installed earlier, proceed to install the winch following
the manufacturer’s instructions and safety steps.
For further assistance or inquiries, please contact:
460 HORIZON DR. SUITE 400 | SUWANEE, GA 30024
PHONE: 770-614-6101 | FAX:
770-614-6069
Email: [email protected]
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 10500lbs 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
- Raised Winch Plate
- Spacer Plates
Installation Instructions
-
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 whereas 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 it. 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 bumpers may be required if fitment issues arise. -
Step 2: (YJ-TJ) Remove the plastic frame cover from vehicle. Discard as they will not be used after the install of the winch plate. Of note, it might be necessary to remove any dirt/rust/debris from the mounting holes as it can accumulate and prevent the bolts from threading in properly.
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Step 3: Install roller fairlead or hawse to winch plate. In some cases the winch size may require that the bolts be inserted from the back side with the nuts threaded from the front.
This will keep the bolt from hitting the winch when installed. In some extreme cases the amount of room needed between the front of the winch and the fairlead mounting surface will be to narrow to allow for a standard bolt (Warn 9.5ti for example). The use of a carriage bolt may be needed. If this carriage bolt is not supplied with the winch or fairlead then it can be found at most home improvement stores. -
Step 4: 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 manufacturer 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 assembly onto vehicle.
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Step 5 : (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 greater than 1/8” thick. Install OE bolts and tighten. Of Note: If an aftermarket bumper is being used it might be necessary to loosen the bottom bolts in order to allow for more adjustment. The same will apply to the TJ
( 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)
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Step 6: If not done earlier install winch. Follow manufactures instructions and follow all safety steps provided.
460 HORIZON DR. SUITE 400
SUWANEE, GA 30024
PHONE : 770-614-6101
FAX : 770-614-6069
[email protected]
YJ-TJ Raised Winch Mounting Plate (p/n: 11238.12) 1987-2006 Wrangler