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

[Mike NXP]

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

I've got limited access to anything helpful lol. Including extra set of hands , good work space , etc. I did manage to install it on my own but recall it being a miserable experience. I suppose I could handle it again but it sure does push me back towards not wanting to move forward with this anymore =[ ...will wait til tomorrow when I change my mind again

 

[2000UZJ]

I would not call the Apex a ghetto option. I've been rigging those for years and they are solid. I would call it a smart option.

I ran the OG HarborFreight 12K with a steel line in my ARB back in the day (2011-ish) with stock torsion bars. Great winch, took a beating for the money...

 

[Wilsil]

Not sure if you guys have them in the US, but I am running a Runva 11XP with synthetic cable.

 

[Bisho]

I think you likely could support your bumper with jacks/jackstands, unbolt it, then back the truck away. Reverse for mounting it.

 

[Rhetoric]

I've got limited access to anything helpful lol. Including extra set of hands , good work space , etc. I did manage to install it on my own but recall it being a miserable experience. I suppose I could handle it again but it sure does push me back towards not wanting to move forward with this anymore =[ ...will wait til tomorrow when I change my mind again

I think your Toyota dealer would be more than happy to help you!

(troll)

 

[87warrior]

I am rocking the ARB deluxe bar on my '99 with a Warn VR winch (I've had since the line was introduced in 2011) on stock indexed t-bars. The bumper and winch didn't seem to drop the ride much, maybe 1/2" which was easy to overcome by cranking on the t-bar bolts.

I've used the winch hook as a hammock anchor point far more than I have used the winch for recovery.

 

[Mike NXP]

I think you likely could support your bumper with jacks/jackstands, unbolt it, then back the truck away. Reverse for mounting it.

True, I think a modified version of this is how I got it installed...but it definitely slows down my motivation for wanting to add the winch

I am rocking the ARB deluxe bar on my '99 with a Warn VR winch

lol brutally honest...OK good to know. I think I've made my peace with the added weight. Based on everyones comments it seems OK and if it sags a bit of a torsion bar adjustment will make up for it.


The removal of the front bumper to get it done has got me a bit less motivated thats for sure.



PS - Anyone out there ever run High Rock Canyon early season. NW corner of Nevada....message me if so.

 

[Wilsil]

The removal of the front bumper to get it done has got me a bit less motivated thats for sure.

Why? It's only 6 bolts.

 

[Mike NXP]

Why? It's only 6 bolts.

Because I'm a sissy ...idk man its just one more step to make me less motivated to install the winch at the moment.

Maybe once it warms up my tune will change but currently my driveway is a thick sheet of slick ice on top of gravel and it's still freezing out ....no garage, no help, really doesn't seem worth it for now.........getting stuck out in the woods without a winch is better than making it back in time for work.

 

[Mike NXP]

It's just six bolts they say....well 6 rust free bolts are way different than corroded nasty metal.. I should have known better and just left it alone but I'm committed now to pulling it off and cleaning up all this rusty and chipped paint .

98-02 ARB Bumper

- I start by destroying both of the rubber bumpers, which I sort of liked the look of, but they appear to just hold mud. The studs rot away so when you go to take the nut off, the stud just spins and spins. The 4 10mm nuts that hold it in place is a pain to reach. I had to rip it off and leave the rusty nubs behind. The lower 18mm bolt is accessed through this stupid little slot and I already rounded it out because I thought it was a 19mm.

- The spacing on this style bumper from the winch platform to the lip of the bumper is a few hairs under 10". Harbor freight 12k w/ apex is 9.9"

- There are now 6, 18mm rusty bolts remaining.. Luckily you can soak them w/ PB from both sides and the top 4 can be got at with an 18mm 1/2" breaker..... I back them out a little bit, they start to get tight, then I tighten them up a little bit. Repeat over and over until they are almost out.

- I don't have an 18mm open end wrench so I can't get the stupid bottom bolt... To be continued


- Apex 12k Harbor Freight dimension for reference . I don't think I can fit this with the control box as is. Even if I could, it would be so damn tight it may not be a good idea.
>>>I wonder if the winch mount plate flexes at all and how much space I may need between it, and the bumper.

I'm going to research some other winch option. Or maybe consider where I can relocate the control box.

 

[Mike NXP]

** Deleted previous comment, was trying to figure out how control box works on this winch but found it pictured in install manual. Sounds like I need to just figure out how to relocate the control box no matter what brand I go with, unless I can find something under 9"
>>Ironman website 12500k winch

 

[hoser]

It looks like it'll fit. Just have to remove the control box and either mount on top of the bumper or get a relocation box and mount elsewhere. Make sure you have access to the clutch lever. The Ironman winch does not show the control box but there has to be one.

 

[Mike NXP]

It looks like it'll fit. Just have to remove the control box and either mount on top of the bumper or get a relocation box and mount elsewhere. Make sure you have access to the clutch lever. The Ironman winch does not show the control box but there has to be one.

I found it pictured in the install manual and edited my post. So it sounds like moving it elsewhere is the normal thing to do . Alright I've got to work on getting the bumper off this weekend and maybe I'll just wing it with the HF option and see how it goes. I'm worried it's too big for the space on the bumper in front of the grille .

 

[Mike NXP]

Well shoot, pretty close but not quite close enough.

Here is the control box mounting bracket for the 12k apex, it's very big...... I think if I open up the top holes a little bit I can push it further back and clear the grille to make it work. I don't even have a drill and was hoping to avoid just about all of the issues I've face so far lol but we're in too far now......
>> Any other ideas? There is no space under the hood to fit this bad boy
>> I was thinking about mounting the control box directly to the bumper but if you look at that mounting pattern, the inner holes on the bracket, it won't work either if centered

 

[cbbr]

Look at the last post in this thread where its mounted one behind the grill. I am looking at this issue too.

 

[MountaineerLC]

My ARB came with a relocation bracket. I was able to use it to mount the control box on top the bumper. I ended up not caring for the look and rewired the Apex electronics into an old Ramsey box and mounted it behind the passenger side headlight.

 

[Mike NXP]

My ARB came with a relocation bracket. I was able to use it to mount the control box on top the bumper. I ended up not caring for the look and rewired the Apex electronics into an old Ramsey box and mounted it behind the passenger side headlight.

Not currently an option for me unless I go buy another control box and cables. Ill have to look into the relocation bracket , I thought that was only compatible with Warn systems

Look at the last post in this thread where its mounted one behind the grill. I am looking at this issue too.

Thanks ill check out that thread soon . I think there's an option that will work but ive got to trim the grille a little bit . The box is now less of an issue but rather the big wire loom sticking out the back. Ughhhh shoulda just got another shovel for the next time I get stuck lol what a pain in my ass

 

[Mike NXP]

Look at the last post in this thread where its mounted one behind the grill. I am looking at this issue too.

Damn that looks good but this new Apex style box is huge. It wouldn't fit between the grille and radiator . Also I don't wanna block even more air flow than I already do. I was thinking it might fit on the side wing but then in blocks the headlight .

Also the power shut off switch doesn't really have a good place to mount near the battery.

Got some thinking to do before I start drilling but I think front and center is the only option for then box. Will need to modify grille for hardware and wiring loom

Power shut off , idk any other solution rather than zip tie it in place but that seems ghetto

 

[Mike NXP]

*** Should lock washers be used when securing a power cable to a terminal? For example where the power cables lead from the winch to the control box . Just secure with nut , or add lock washer ?

 

[MountaineerLC]

Damn that looks good but this new Apex style box is huge. It wouldn't fit between the grille and radiator . Also I don't wanna block even more air flow than I already do. I was thinking it might fit on the side wing but then in blocks the headlight .

Also the power shut off switch doesn't really have a good place to mount near the battery.

Got some thinking to do before I start drilling but I think front and center is the only option for then box. Will need to modify grille for hardware and wiring loom

Power shut off , idk any other solution rather than zip tie it in place but that seems ghetto

I had to drill a couple of holes in the bottom of the Apex control box to attached the ARB bracket if you decide to go that route.

My power cut off is currently just hanging by cable tension behind my battery. I’m eventually going to fab a bracket to hold it. Maybe bolt it to the battery tie down.

And yeah, might as well use the lock washers if there is room.

My battery cut off placement: