Your right about probably not "breaking" the bar...but "bending" it, even 1/4" back, would change your "toe-in".
Nice bumper BTW, looks solid. You could cut a square hole, and weld in a 2" receiver, then only have your winch on when your "wheelin", and not need to worry about getting it stolen while it's parked at "Home Depot"

(heard that sad story more than once).
Regards,
Greg