Ok, so I waited patiently for my Defiant bar to sell - brand new $200.00! Never sold...Well, I was forced to do it and I did.
I "modded" the Defiant light bar to fit with my Budbuilt winch plate. The process took much longer than I thought it would, but, everything turned out right after hours in the garage and two trips to the hardware store.
The Defiant bar comes with two heavy duty brackets that bolt on to preexisting bumper bolts. The brackets are a little overkill (IMHO) but better to have more than less - I commend Defiant for putting in the extra effort - worth the money.
Anyhow, once I removed bumper cover I worked a way to get brackets to work. The winch plate covers half of where the Defiant bracket would have to sit. So, I had two options - cut winch plate or bracket. Bracket - easy choice.
I cut brackets as seen in picture.
I measured distance from where bracket would have been positioned in origninal mounting spot and I marked the area for new brackets to match. I did not want to make the mistake of mounting only to have replaced bumper to find light bar not aligning properly.
Once the area was marked and measured (more than a couple times) I test fit brackets to bar and positioned assembled bar on bumper - fitting, measuring (a couple more times), until I was satisified all would match and bolt properly.
I drilled mouting holes for modded brackets into the aluminum bumper. The brackets aligned so that they mounted to bumper with back half of bracket sitting on winch plate (I had to shim up the from of modded bracket a little bit for level).
The only issue I ran into with was where the brackets back mount hole was located (in bumper) came out right over one of the bumper mounting bolts. All I did was to test fit 3/8 bolts sizes until I found best fit (2"). The bolt is just long enough for nut and washer, but, just short of making contact with bumper bolt.
With the brackets bolted down (w/ help from Mr Loctite) I gave them a liberal coat of Plastidip. Why? I dont know, just because I had some and figured it couldnt hurt.
Once satisifed everything was where it needed to be and well coated, I coated again (just because) and then I reattached bumper cover.
I added light bar to brackets and bolted them down. The hardest part was bolting left side of bar - Bracket in close proximity to winch so, patience and perservance was the name of the day - I did get all four bolts in and tightened down. The right side (pictured) was much easier.
After all eight bolts were tight I tugged and pulled on Defiant light bar - solid, no movement. Very impressed - no regrets on the purchase.
Just a few more things to do -
1. I still have to winch in rope under weight before first use (I figure someone will point out the "rat nest" on drum).
2. I have a syn roper roller fairlead coming in the mail to replace Hawse.
3. PIAA 520's coming in the mail. Install and run wire as needed
4. Get switches on order for lights and winch.
Thats it...well, in regards to light bar and winch...:drummer: