Rugged Ridge YJ-TJ Universal Winch Mounting Plate Owner’s Manual
- June 15, 2024
- RUGGED RIDGE
Table of Contents
YJ-TJ Universal Winch
Mounting Plate
(p/n: 11238.10) 1987-2006 Wrangler
YJ-TJ Universal Winch Mounting Plate
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 9500lbs 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:
- Universal Winch Plate
- Spacer Plates.
Installation Instructions (11238.10)
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 where as 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. 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 bumper may be required if fitment issues arise.
Step 2: (YJ-TJ) Remove the plastic frame cover from vehic le. For the YJ
this cover will be discarded. For TJ’s it is possible to reinstall cover after
the plate has been installed but a large amount of trimming to the plastic
cover will be needed to clear the rear of the winch.
Step 3: 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 manufactures 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 assemble onto
vehicle.
Step 4: (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 grater than
1/8” thic k. Install OE bolts and tighten.
(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) 
Step 5: If not done earlier install winch. Follow manufactures
instructions and follow all safety steps provided.
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