Hey Zuki-Nuts!

I am finally in a position where I can buy either a front bumper (thinking Trail Tough) and a winch (Mile Marker) or a roll cage.  I like the idea of saftey first but without the front bumper I'm a little illegal.  I thought of doing the bumper and the cage but the problem is the cost in welding it.  Being as I can't weld, well at least not good enough, I'm sure it is a couple hundred $$ to have it welded.  Now, I have always been amazed on how well my Tracker behaved when it rolled.  I've never broke anything major when it has rolled in the past (3 times)...I think the windsheild fell victum one time and a passenger mirror.  I know a lot of people wheel these without cages and they definately hold their own, but I have always dreaded the BIG roll that we hope we never do...I'm not sure if I want to see how the stock cross-bar holds up in that case.  Anyway, what do you all think?

Aaron

Unless you are planning on doing some heavy duty wheeling, I would go with the bumper and the winch.  A run to Moab is what made me put a Roll Cage in, before that it wasn't a priority.  A good winch will get you up and over just about anything, and a nice front bumper always looks good. 

As for the welding, you might see if someone on the board lives close to you and can help.

I think I might do that, thanks.

Yes I would go for the bumper and winch.  Like others said unless your planning on some hardcore wheeling you will be fine without cage.  heres another bumper site to check out, good stuff there http://ibuiltbumpers.com

I looked at the ibuilt site, does he make bumpers ready to bolt up to a Tracker?  I guess I can email him too.

Thanks

where are you located?

Santa Clarita, about 30 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles.

well, i built my cage first as i sometimes have my kids back there. i also added a old bumper and winch today. rear gets welded this weekend.
i have a warn but didn't have time to mess with it before a upcoming wheelin weekend for zukes only.
it's called Zukes on the rock.
i borrowed a buddies champion winch, bought the bumper for $30 from a nother local guy. as for my cage, i bent it and welded it myself, welded the bumper on. so i am into a cage and bumper for around $75
 
here's the bumper i mounted today


and my cage

I think I'm going with the bumper and winch.  I just have to figure out a good battary set-up for the system.  It doesn't look like there is much room under the hood for two battaries so I'll have to probably get a optima yellow top or something.  What battary combinations to you all run with your winches?

there are things oiyu can move around under the hood, maybe the windshield washer bottle, or the rad overflow bottle. i have a cold air intake so removingt he stock airbox free'd up some room. oyu can also get a battery box and put it in the back behind the seat or on the floor in the rear seat are. right now i am trying to find a good spot to put my on board air tanks to plumb them up.

Strangly enough, someone just asked the battery question over on the Mile Marker thread.