Tackling this next weekend - Wondering if its typically a pretty smooth install? At first glance appears there might be some alignment issues - Thanks in advance!!!
Tips for installing Smittybilt 12K in my 80's ARB Deluxe Bull Bar (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Madsbell
- Start date
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RFB
97 FZJ80 LIFTED SC DUAL BATTERIES,37s
I helped a fella install his it dropped right in easy should be no prob. I sqoze a 12k into my 4x4labs ad you should have more room.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks brother - I also emailed SLEE (got the bumper from them) and they responded with the below so I guess we'll order up a spacer kit to eliminated 26 trips to the hardware store...
SLEE Response: Spacer Kit - In stock part# SOK028 - $55
SLEE Response: Spacer Kit - In stock part# SOK028 - $55
Dirty Koala
SILVER Star
For most winches other than a full bodies warn M12000 you will need to make (or buy) to very basic 1/2" thick spacers so that hte motor can clear the inside of the tapered ARB wings. I made spacers by getting a piece or 1" x .5" flat bar stock and cutting to 6" (thereabouts) lengths and drilling two holes in each piece for the winch mounting bolts to pass through. These spacers go between the winch mounting feet and ARB winch mount, pushing the winch back towards the radaitor .5".
- Thread starter
- #5
Appreciate the info - Very helpful!!! Any chance you could snap a pix? I’m very visual and a picture goes a long way for my simply brain - also would be helpful to see where you mounted the fair lead - thx so much!!!!
Dirty Koala
SILVER Star
My truck is about 2400 miles away from me right now, but I am sure I documented it somewhere in my Dirty Koala build thread (link in signature)
I installed mine with the bumper in place. You will need a spacer kit from ARB and a few longer stainless bolts from the local hardware store.
I used 2 ratchet straps to help joist the winch in place in mid air for alignment so you can get started on the bolts. good luck, took me about a few hours and a 6 pack.
I used 2 ratchet straps to help joist the winch in place in mid air for alignment so you can get started on the bolts. good luck, took me about a few hours and a 6 pack.
@Madsbell this is what you need and only $28 https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge...8&qid=1536618772&sr=8-1&keywords=winch+spacer It's what I used on my Badlands 12k back when I had it. It should be nearly identical to your smittybilt since they come from the same factory and have the same rating.
Unless it comes clocked for a forward mount (it shouldn't) you will have to re-clock the winch so the feet will face forward with the control lever on top. Then its simply a matter of putting in the spacers with the bolts in far enough to hold them up. With the winch cable off the spool a reasonably strong person can hold the drum with one hand and use their free hand to run the bolts in enough to catch. After that snug it up and spool your line.
Unless it comes clocked for a forward mount (it shouldn't) you will have to re-clock the winch so the feet will face forward with the control lever on top. Then its simply a matter of putting in the spacers with the bolts in far enough to hold them up. With the winch cable off the spool a reasonably strong person can hold the drum with one hand and use their free hand to run the bolts in enough to catch. After that snug it up and spool your line.
I recently posted pics of my smity 10k mount in an arb. Think they are the same. Had to make some spacers to move it back some. I started out with 3/8" but it wasn't enough so I made another set and stacked them. 1/2" might do but I can't confirm.
Here's the link to my illustrated install: Smittybilt XRC12 in 80 Series ARB
Besides the spacers, you are well-advised to get a Warn fairlead, because it's what fits the ARB. Read through the thread for my learning experience as it will save you a lot of hassle and make it right, not simply bolted together.
More food for thought here, plus more pics (although some are dups of the thread mentioned above: Waterproofing a Winch
Besides the spacers, you are well-advised to get a Warn fairlead, because it's what fits the ARB. Read through the thread for my learning experience as it will save you a lot of hassle and make it right, not simply bolted together.
More food for thought here, plus more pics (although some are dups of the thread mentioned above: Waterproofing a Winch
Here's the thread I created on my install:
Smittybilt 10K X20 Winch in ARB Bumper
Also, I used the included Smittybilt roller fairlead. Just needed to replace the two vertical "pins" with longer bolts and drill a new hole in the fairlead for the lower bolt. I actually was going to use an old Warn roller lead I had and it didn't fit.
I also would not space it out with washers and creating the bar spacer is way easy. No need to purchase a kit from Warn.
Good luck.
Smittybilt 10K X20 Winch in ARB Bumper
Also, I used the included Smittybilt roller fairlead. Just needed to replace the two vertical "pins" with longer bolts and drill a new hole in the fairlead for the lower bolt. I actually was going to use an old Warn roller lead I had and it didn't fit.
I also would not space it out with washers and creating the bar spacer is way easy. No need to purchase a kit from Warn.
Good luck.
