Why do some Deuces have the front bumper as an inverted "U" while others have an upwards "U" shape?

[Robbie_765]

Ive noticed the winch on both styles or I'd figure one was for the winch and one wasn't. I also thought maybe it was design evolution over time but as early as the 50s and as late as the 90s both types were produced. Its just always puzzled me and I do like both styles. Thanks for any insight!

 

[gringeltaube]

Long time ago.... some intelligent men already found out: In a winch truck, if you had the bumper installed with the "U" facing down, and say you wanted to pull out a stump, the wire rope would start cutting its way into your bumper!

 

[msgjd]

All 2-1/2T W/W i have owned or been around many years in the military had the upwards "U" , which better-facilitates the location of the cable during normal spooling... In same experience, all 2-1/2T WO/W have the "U" down.

Am not saying there weren't any exceptions, it's just that I had never seen any exceptions to it in the military.

This is not to be confused with the 5T 6x6's of which all had the "U" down due to the design of the winch and fairlead rollers, and regardless whether or not it was a winch truck