Fairlead Below Bumper ?

I'm considering re-working my mounts to have the fairlead just below the bumper. My thinking is to improve air flow to the radiator and appearance. I've also read that lower is better for pulling. I plan on keeping the Tux bumper and don't want to hack it up. The bottom of the fairlead would be a couple inches lower than the tow bar mount that is in place now, approximately the same height as the bottom of the spring shackles. I'm open to thoughts and opinions....



I don't have any straight on front pics.
Edit: I added to the description to clarify where the bottom of the fairlead would be. This was after ITLKSEZ's comment.

 

I think it's a good idea, but...
Any way you could re-work the tow bar mount to have the fairlead come through it? You'd be getting pretty low and susceptible to damage being below that mount. I'm not sure I'd go any lower than the bumper itself.

 

I would remove the tow bar mount. The fairlead would be tucked up right under the bumper. I may even "cheat" the bumper up an inch or so. If I decide to keep the tow bar, I would incorporate new mounts.

 

It will definitely look better.

 

I agree, I'm not real fond of it being plopped on top of the frame.

One concern may be clearance, but I don't plan on any hardcore playing in the rocks.

 

You might consider doing what I did when planning your task. Try to keep a portion of your existing mount that is under the winch to protect the bottom of the winch. Think skid plate.

 

That is what I had in mind; cut the ends off the existing mount and drop it between the frame rails.

Do you happen to have any pics, Ed?

 

Take it off, put under the front and jack it up until the mounting plate contacts the bottom frame rails?

 

I'm afraid that would be too easy. The base needs to be lower than the frame rails to come out below the bumper. Also need to have clearance from the springs and shackles. I think I have it built in my head, just need to make a bunch of sparks now.

 

Well, 170 views and nobody has told me I'm making a big mistake, I will proceed as time allows. Still open to feedback...

 

Ah there's an example. Looks like it connects to the bumper and maybe the frame too. I'm sure you'll figure something out.

 

and hydraulic too

 

Coil spring suspension what model is that Jeep ?

 

It's of the "not stock" variety.
Looks like Bronco radius arms.

 

That’s the short answer. I had a paragraph of guess work typed up.

 

Looks to be a somewhat clean execution of the conversion.

 

That looks like it might be a "stealth" flatfender; lots of custom stuff under that stock/ patina exterior.

My PADD (project attention deficit disorder) kicked in and I started building the mount for mine. If all goes well, I might get it together this weekend. Pics to come....

 

Stealth flattie with a lot of capability for not having rollover protection.

 

Maybe he's waiting for you to get yours done so he can copy it.

 

I almost just fell out of my chair....... Now I feel dumb.

For the last couple weeks I have been trying to come up with a clean way to coil spring the front of my jeep. These things are just so narrow that there isn't much room between the frame and tires unless wider axles are used. I could easily cut a section out of the frame and weld in a 6"-7" Id piece of DOM for a spring bucket. Spring would go up into the frame which would allow the jeep to be lower to the ground. Add a couple radius rods, a track bar and drive.... I guess if I'm not satisfied with my yj springs, I know what I'll do.