LC200 Factory Winch (1 Viewer)

[5ForFighting]

post #121 in this thread might be helpful:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/200-series-cruisers/752262-cruiser-bruiser-7.html

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Thanks guys, that is some fantastic info!

 

[fvunen]

There is no good reason to buy the original winch as an aftermarket add-on. Your local winch supplier will have the necessary parts to fit most other brands within the same space as Toyota is using. I have a 12000 LB Ironman behind the original bumper, the fairlead is cut through the bumper skin and completely hidden by the license plate when not in use. The winch is mounted in an L shape bracket that is bolted to the same points as the original. Total cost including mounting around $900 US including wired and wireless remote control.

 

[r3run33]

can you post pics of the set up? also pics of the bracket used? reason why most want toyota is because toyota usually does the research and development and the reliability of the toyota part will not be an issue

 

[fvunen]

I'll attempt to take some pics tomorrow during daylight but visibility will not be great without taking some bits and pieces of.

By the way, the online repair manual shows in great detail how the factory winch assembly is put together, check under "repair manual", "vehicle exterior" and scroll all the way to the bottom for the winch section.

 

[fvunen]

Ok, pictures as promised.
1. You can see the edge of the fairlead just visible behind the license plate. To the right you see the connector for the remote just behind the grille. It works OK but the Ironman has a wireless remote so normally no need to connect the wires You can also see the leading edge of the bracket standing up. It is a big U shaped bracket, laying with its back on top of the frame rails and bolted through with two bolts either side. The rear flange of the U is very short to clear the radiator and oil cooler immediately behind it

2. Control box of the winch visible through the grille. It sits in front of the radiator but I've never noticed any problems with heat, even in the Saudi summer. Toyota mounts the original under the dash but this works too.

3. Bracket and bolts on right hand side seen through lower grille

4. Fairlead without license plate

5. Control box in full view without grille

 

[fvunen]

6. Top view without grille and top cover.

Only disadvantage of this hidden mounting is that you can't get to the engage / disengage lever in an easy manner. If you're too impatient to wait for the electric unspooling (like me), pop the hood and lift the plastic cover in front of the radiator which gives you access like in this view. I've removed the plastic clips that retain the cover so its easy to lift it. Its kept in place by the bonnet once closed, never any problems with it.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...By the way, the online repair manual shows in great detail how the factory winch assembly is put together, check under "repair manual", "vehicle exterior" and scroll all the way to the bottom for the winch section.

Do you by chance have a link to the repair manual your referring to?

Is that oil leaking out of your winch?

 

[OGBeno]

http://www.moranbahweather.com/toyota/index2.html

 

[r3run33]

thanks for the link beno!

 

[r3run33]

thanks for all the pics!! wow that is tight in there.

 

[fvunen]

No, its not winch oil... the AC condensor sitting in front of the radiator cracked one day bouncing through a big hole. The crack was just behind the winch, spraying everything liberally with coolant and grease. never bothered to clean it, its a dusty mess there anyway.

 

[r3run33]

fvu if you have time can you take a pic from the underside of the front bumper?? not sure if you have any new skid plates etc. just wanted a view of the plate

 

[fvunen]

Sorry R3run33, didn't see your question.
But no point taking pics, skid plates and all mounting still as original minus dents, scratches and lack of paint