TJM T13 parts question

[CharlieS]

I removed them too - like you said, the bumper didn't seem to want to fit with them installed. Not in the instructions though, so I questioned that move.

I got the sensors out with a L shaped pick - they have four small tabs that need to be pried back to remove the sensor, and then the grommet comes out by compressing four other "wings" on the backside perimeter.

The most time consuming stuff was small stuff like this that is glossed over in the instructions, and trimming/drilling things like the bumper support, air guide etc. I had a little extra drilling/grinding to accommodate the way I mount my winch control box too.

Note to self - reinstall the winch ground before putting the winch cradle in the frame - there is hardly any room to work. I had a hidden winch mount, so I had the winch already installed and was just moving it over to the TJM.

Although some details/things are not mentioned in the directions, these directions are about as good as they get, so no complaints. Glad I didn't need to figure it out myself.

Amazingly my Budbuilt skid plate fits between the lower mount like it was made for it with no room to spare.

I got as far as temporarily (not tightened) installing the main bar and called it a night. I spent a good 8 hours on it, going slow.

The Stedi lights are going to have to wait for the bumper to be tightened to be mounted and they will be a tight fit with the grille (and man are they heavy).

My 1.5" factor 55 fairlead didn't fit, so I threw the Warn one that came with the winch on there for now (glad I'm a packrat). I think the smaller (1") F55 would be necessary due to the design (metal above the fairlead opening).

 

[CharlieS]

 

[calixto]

Looks good, congrats! What winch? Already have my bumper on but gonna get a winch soonish. PITA to pull the bumper off to drop a winch in?

 

[CharlieS]

Yes, it would be a royal PITA. The bolts that hold the bumper to the winch cradle are *almost* impossible to get tightened, and you'd have to completely disassemble the whole thing, because the winch goes in the cradle before the cradle is installed. My advice would be to do it all at once.

I'm using the low end warn vr evo model, 1200 lb, synthetic.

 

[bronc076]

Looks good Charlie!

 

[calixto]

Thanks for the heads up! Did you have to relocate the control box? I asked TJM about that winch and they said it would fit but the control box would need to be moved.

 

[CharlieS]

@calixto I didn't try to fit the winch with the control box installed - I previously had the winch on a Trail Tailor hidden winch mount, and I had relocated the box to a spot behind the grille (simple L shaped aluminum bracket, reused the horn mount threaded hole and put a nutsert at the bottom). I just left it there when I installed the TJM. I don't think there's room for it to remain on top of the winch (but again, didn't try, so I can't say for sure).