ARB Bumper, Smittybilt 12k, fairlead?

[GPNWCruiser]

I've installed an arb deluxe winch bumper with a Smittybilt 12k winch, synthetic rope. I see people use aluminum fairleads. The fairlead that Smittybilt included has bolts centered, but I think I would need an offset fairlead to use the bolt holes. What do I do with the tabs in the bumper that are supposed to support the roller fairlead? They look like they might contact the rope in an offset pull.

 

[4Beast]

maybe a pic?

 

[GPNWCruiser]

 

[GPNWCruiser]

I think I need to flip the winch, as the rope should come out of the middle of the bumper. And I know I shouldn't use the winch until I get the fairlead installed. I have a sheath now protecting the rope from the edge of the bumper.

But you can see the two problems I have here, the bolts are not centered on the opening, and those tabs are in the way.

 

[Living in the Past]

I do have a Warn but a cheap Harbor Freight winch. When I flip mine in the ARB on my FJ62 the cable came out the bottom. The writing/labels were up so I can read them. For fairhead had drill new holes so us was centered on the bottom opening. Replaced the side roller pins with grade eight bolts the went the flange sticking out the bumper. Pins would have worked just like including flange for a little extra strength. Kept the steel cable for a free reasons. Mine is hardly ever get used. If I would have had to pay a grand for a winch wouldn't have one. Found the used bumper local and is a winch bumper. Cruiser is kept in a insulated garage in Northern Arizona so rust isn't a issue. Worked in the trades and had many classes on OHSA rules. One thing they drove in was any safety harness hard hat had a five year life then needs to be replaced. Have steel cables on winches over forty years old. In Arizona twenty years and won't trust a synthetic rope.

 

[Willard]

I used a new roller fairlead on mine (with Synthetic) and bolted right up (Superwinch)
I know lots of people say not to use a roller fairlead and other say only aluminum.

Viking offload FAQ
3. Can I use a roller fairlead?

Yes you can, however, you do need to be careful to keep your synthetic winchline away from the steel roller housing/frame, if your vehicle is at extreme up or down angles while side winching it is possible to cut the winchline on the sharp steel housing. Whether you use a roller fairlead or a hawse fairlead you always need to careful that your line does not come in contact with sharp edges on your bumper.

4. I have heard that you can pinch a synthetic winchline between the rollers, is this true?

We have tried to do that without success . Provided you are using equipment in good working order and based on our extensive testing it is not possible to get the line pinched between the rollers or between the roller and the steel roller housing.

 

[kling-on]

Daystar KU70054BK Polyurethane Rope Rollers For Winch Roller Fairleads. Daystar Suspension Parts


Put these on your roller