Well, that was a hell of a lot easier than I expected.
Bumper shell is off and lying in the backyard and old winch is out.
I was hoping against hope the winch plate was properly mounted by the shop that did the original install years ago, but no such luck. unfortunately, I didn't have a place to do my own work back then and I wasn't smart enough to insist that they do it the right way. So figuring that out ,s and the re running and neatening up some wiring the shop left is the next challenge.
I know nothing about the other bumpers mentioned in this thread, but having taken it off myself now the Tactical Rovers design is fantastic for maintenance. Literally 4 bolts, unclip your fog lights, unclip your front valve block and remove it. It was light enough that I didn't even need a helper.
ETA:. Other thoughts for weld nut removal as I'm getting tuned up for the Super Bowl.
Socket and long-assed breaker bar? Air hammer and break them off?
Put a torch on them to soften them up before attacking them?
Any thoughts?