Opinions and install info - Harbor Freight 12k Winch w/ 98-02 ARB Bumper 3413050

[ga12r1]

That old winch add is classic, thanks for sharing that....I miss old commercials and bad ass advertisements.

Good to know. I think I've made my peace with adding the weight after seeing some comments about just adjusting the bars to accommodate it.


So I don't think clearance will be an issue for the top half since the bumper opens up there...Sounds like an abrasion guard and a snatch block will be two other pieces of equipment that should be added to the kit as well.

Thanks for the tip on the wired option for the controller, I just noticed that in the specs of the HF product listing. Oopha they want another $180 for 2 year warranty.

I need to do some homework on how to adjust torsion bars. I wonder if it can be done with the wheels on the ground.... A little background , I have a uneven gravel driveway and I am scared of going under my vehicle if it's on jack stands so for jobs that require it, I just have a real mechanic do the repair lol...I've had them adjusted slightly in the past so I don't know if I am like, maxed out or anything like that.

Pro tip- floor mats work great as abrasion guards in a pinch
Also snatch block is a must.
At minimum a properly put together kit will include: snatch block, several steel shackles, several soft shavkles, line damper, winch extension, tree saver, tow strap, gloves, and a fid for line splicing(I recommend the fast fid from factor55)

 

[Mike NXP]

Does anyone know if spacers are needed for the HF 12k winch + ARB bumper? I'm starting to see some people reference this but it seems to be mostly in the 80s forums.

 

[Mike NXP]

Looks like this video has some good stuff, will need to watch when I'm not at work.

FYI for others considering the install:

 

[Exiled]

I think the extra weight off a sensibly-sized winch with rope instead of cable is well worth the peace of mind knowing that you have a self-recovery alternative. I've had winches on Land Cruisers for 30+ years and although I've probably only needed them a couple of dozen times, in most cases it meant the difference between being seriously stranded and getting back home. Just my $0.02.

 

[Trapper50cal]

I think the extra weight off a sensibly-sized winch with rope instead of cable is well worth the peace of mind knowing that you have a self-recovery alternative. I've had winches on Land Cruisers for 30+ years and although I've probably only needed them a couple of dozen times, in most cases it meant the difference between being seriously stranded and getting back home. Just my $0.02.

It can also save someone else's cookies that you may be wheeling with or come across...and helping someone else avoid catastrophe is good karma.

 

[Mike NXP]

I think the extra weight off a sensibly-sized winch with rope instead of cable is well worth the peace of mind knowing that you have a self-recovery alternative. I've had winches on Land Cruisers for 30+ years and although I've probably only needed them a couple of dozen times, in most cases it meant the difference between being seriously stranded and getting back home. Just my $0.02.

Yeah I'm trying to convince myself of that. Was chatting with cruiser outfitters and they scared me back into thinking its too much weight for stock torsion bars and shocks. On the flipside it sounds like a lot of people are doing just that without issues.

I've got to watch that video I posted earlier closer. He was sort of talking about some issues with fitment of the HF option. Whereas the ARB is desgined for a warn but it's heavier and more expensive. Ugh, maybe I'll just go back to trying to not get stuck and just dealing with it when I do because I can't commit to s*** at the moment.

 

[hoser]

That video is for an '03+ ARB Bull bar bumper and it wants a "feet forward" type winch. 98-02 is different and has a cradle. Feet-down winch compatible.

 

[Mike NXP]

That video is for an '03+ ARB Bull bar bumper and it wants a "feet forward" type winch. 98-02 is different and has a cradle. Feet-down winch compatible.

Good catch, thanks for that info.

 

[Mike NXP]

Forgot I have a local shop here who works on cruisers a bunch. I called him and he told me to quit bitching and install the winch, the truck won't even notice it lol. If it sags a bit he can adjust the bars for me.....Quite the different response compared to some but I like his attitude......

Does this Harbor Freight 12k winch ever go under $500 or is this current sale as good as it gets?

 

[GerLC100]

I think the price is where it is. Perhaps with another holiday sale or so it goes down another $50, but all in all… demand is high and their reputation increasing. So not a whole lot reason to further reduce
Once I order and get my front bumper, I’ll just go and buy it.

 

[Mike NXP]

I think the price is where it is. Perhaps with another holiday sale or so it goes down another $50, but all in all… demand is high and their reputation increasing. So not a whole lot reason to further reduce
Once I order and get my front bumper, I’ll just go and buy it.

Good to know. and I don't think their magic 20% off coupons work on the winches.

Current concerns
>> Most important is the install and if it will fit. Do I need spacers? I saw some other videos on the 80 series where the guy needed spacers.
> Will the control box fit with my ARB spotlights. I think yes
> Will the fairlead or whatever it's called fit or will I have to drill and screw stuff up.
> Where the heck would I move it otherwise, not much room under my hood
> Do I have to remove bumper or not. I don't think so
> Can my single battery handle it. According to most peoples responses I should be OK


Will have to stew on this a bit more but I'm leaning towards doing it. What's the worst case, it rides worse and I have to remove it, then I'm out a few hours labor and some money.

 

[Trapper50cal]

One battery can handle it if in good condition. It's a good idea to install a "kill switch" so it can't possibly cause a parasitic draw when not in use.

 

[Mike NXP]

Geez you snooze you loose, did the sale really just end and it's back up to $600 ?

12,000 lb. Winch with Synthetic Rope and Wireless Remote

Amazing deals on this 12000Lb Electric Off-Road Vehicle Winch at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

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[ga12r1]

Good to know. and I don't think their magic 20% off coupons work on the winches.

Current concerns
>> Most important is the install and if it will fit. Do I need spacers? I saw some other videos on the 80 series where the guy needed spacers.
> Will the control box fit with my ARB spotlights. I think yes
> Will the fairlead or whatever it's called fit or will I have to drill and screw stuff up.
> Where the heck would I move it otherwise, not much room under my hood
> Do I have to remove bumper or not. I don't think so
> Can my single battery handle it. According to most peoples responses I should be OK


Will have to stew on this a bit more but I'm leaning towards doing it. What's the worst case, it rides worse and I have to remove it, then I'm out a few hours labor and some money.

One battery will be fine as long as it’s not a bad battery and your charging system is healthy.
If your one battery can’t handle it then that means you’ve either got a bad battery or a problem with charging system

 

[ga12r1]

Geez you snooze you loose, did the sale really just end and it's back up to $600 ?

12,000 lb. Winch with Synthetic Rope and Wireless Remote

Amazing deals on this 12000Lb Electric Off-Road Vehicle Winch at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

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[MountaineerLC]

Good to know. and I don't think their magic 20% off coupons work on the winches.

Current concerns
>> Most important is the install and if it will fit. Do I need spacers? I saw some other videos on the 80 series where the guy needed spacers.
> Will the control box fit with my ARB spotlights. I think yes
> Will the fairlead or whatever it's called fit or will I have to drill and screw stuff up.
> Where the heck would I move it otherwise, not much room under my hood
> Do I have to remove bumper or not. I don't think so
> Can my single battery handle it. According to most peoples responses I should be OK


Will have to stew on this a bit more but I'm leaning towards doing it. What's the worst case, it rides worse and I have to remove it, then I'm out a few hours labor and some money.

Spacers are not needed to install the Apex in the 03+ style ARB.

Control box will need to be relocated. Thank e down side of the Apex is that the control box is very large and limits placement options. I re-wires mine into an old Ramsey control box and placed it behind the passenger side headlight.

The fairlead will fit, but I do believe you’ll need to source longer bolts due to the feet forward mounting. I stuck with a traditional roller fairlead.

Yes, you can install the Apex in the 03+ without removing the bumper.

Single battery will be fine.

 

[Mike NXP]

Spacers are not needed to install the Apex in the 03+ style ARB.

Control box will need to be relocated. Thank e down side of the Apex is that the control box is very large and limits placement options. I re-wires mine into an old Ramsey control box and placed it behind the passenger side headlight.

The fairlead will fit, but I do believe you’ll need to source longer bolts due to the feet forward mounting. I stuck with a traditional roller fairlead.

Yes, you can install the Apex in the 03+ without removing the bumper.

Single battery will be fine.

Cool thanks . Ive got the older style bumper with the feet down mounting. Hopefully I won't need spacers or any modification . Going to buy the HF winch now and see how it goes. Will write up and post pics once underway

Update -
Hmm I measured control box and itd be a tight fit . Slowing down my motivation even more is that in fairly certain I need to remove bumper to sneak the winch in place, for the older style feet down mount.


As usual , havent committed to buying this thing yet

 

[MountaineerLC]

Cool thanks . Ive got the older style bumper with the feet down mounting. Hopefully I won't need spacers or any modification . Going to buy the HF winch now and see how it goes. Will write up and post pics once underway

Update -
Hmm I measured control box and itd be a tight fit . Slowing down my motivation even more is that in fairly certain I need to remove bumper to sneak the winch in place, for the older style feet down mount.


As usual , havent committed to buying this thing yet

Yes, on the 98-02 style I’m sure you’ll have to remove the bumper to mount the winch. I’m not sure how else you’d be able to get the winch into the cradle. The good news is you might not have to relocate the control box, but I don’t know for sure. Never seen the 98-02 style in person.

 

[Mike NXP]

Yes, on the 98-02 style I’m sure you’ll have to remove the bumper to mount the winch. I’m not sure how else you’d be able to get the winch into the cradle. The good news is you might not have to relocate the control box, but I don’t know for sure. Never seen the 98-02 style in person.

Yeah after finally getting under the truck and remembering what I'm up against you're right it will definitely have to be removed for the install. Which isn't the end of the world but it's a pain to do solo .

I suspect we have the same size opening up top for control box fitment but who knows.

 

[Trapper50cal]

If you have access to an engine hoist, you can rig straps to hold it up while you manipulate it off and on...