Warn VR EVO Winch Install Issue

[Cruiserlab]

Hey guys, has anyone installed a Warn VR EVO 12 into their 08-15 ARB Deluxe bumper??

I'm in the middle of install and I can't get the winch to butt against the mounting holes on the bumper. I know ARB sells a spacer kit for 80 applications, but I haven't seen anything about that for the 200. I'm already slightly touching a little bracket thingy next to the radiator, so I can't move it very far back.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Cruiserlab]

@cruiseroutfit Just scrolled through your build thread for your 200 and didn't see any mention. I know y'all have extensive experience with ARB bumpers. Have you had any issue like this?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

@cruiseroutfit Just scrolled through your build thread for your 200 and didn't see any mention. I know y'all have extensive experience with ARB bumpers. Have you had any issue like this?

Unfortunately I don't recall personally. The team at the shop installed a variety of Warn and ComeUp winches on ARB (and other) bumpers pretty regularly so I suspect our techs would know. That said we keep a drawer with difg3t3jt spacers or build them as needed for winches, lights, fairleads and other bumper mounting needs.

 

[Cruiserlab]

Alright, got it all figured out.

First, thank you Kurt for chiming in.

Now, this install presented some challenges I didn't expect. The biggest issue is that the winch wouldn't sit up against its mount. ARB doesn't mention this as a potential issue, and I think I know why. In 2008 or whenever they developed this bumper the ZEON/VR EVO style winches with the fancy-smanshy housings weren't really a thing. (at least I don't think they were, but how would I know, I was barely alive, lol) Older style winches (M12, 9.5XP) have the mounting feet lower than the motor/clutch. Here are some photos illustrating:

Note the gap between the two blue lines on the 9.5XP and the lack of any gap on the VR EVO.

On the ARB bumper here is the issue:

The blue circle shows the rib that is in the way, specifically above the green line, as that is where the winch (motor and clutch) will interfere.

The next problem was the little bracket that supports the bottom of the grille.

(center of image)

And after I trimmed it:

 

[Cruiserlab]

Now I could set the winch in properly and measure how thick of a spacer was required. 3/8 was perfect, about as thin as possible.

Don't mind the crooked slots and the bad paint job I was ready to get this thing installed.

Overall, pretty easy, though a few hiccups I didn't expect.

A few thoughts:

1. The bumper was already installed and I did this by myself. The winch fit through the bottom easily, once the skid plate and brace were removed. Get a good ratchet strap if doing this unassisted. I like the endless-loop style, as is prevents the winch from falling out on top of me. This is manageable as a one person job, but having two people would be nice.

2. You WILL need a control pack relocation. I really thought I could make it work without, but the wires are about 2 inches too short and probably 6 inches to short to mount the control pact in the middle of the bumper.

3. You will need longer hardware. Warn sends 4 M10x35, 2 M10x40, and 2 M10x45. I used the two 45s and needed two 55s for the the bottom holes, as they go through the fairlead too. This issue was because Warn doesn't count on using a spacer.

4. For those with Zeon or VR EVOs or comparable winches, How did you deal with the clutch? I clocked it 90 degrees, and its gonna be a bear to operate, but I don't think it can clock another 90. And the housing makes it where is needs to be clocked in 90 degree increments (aesthetically, at least.)