Winch Behind Factory Front Bumper

[sleepycruiser]

@SeanLX Here you go.

@stevezero @ZachG

 

[SeanLX]

So now I'll actually have to find those pictures and figure out how to post them.

To get this started I put a 12k Smittybuilt behind my bumper. It's probably built in the same factory as the rest of the ones with the motor on the end but I got a deal while it was on sale at 4 Wheel Parts. It had synthetic rope so it came with the fairlead that was easier to mount behind the bumper.
I think it was the gen 1 of this one...
Smittybilt XRC 12K GEN2 Comp Series Winch - 98412

I got the Harbor Freight generic winch mount plate.
Universal Channel Winch Mount
I still don't like Harbor Freight stuff. It's rusting and I'll have to take the whole thing apart again someday to paint it but it is working so far.

I pulled the bumper off and trimmed the mounting plate to fit the frame and mount where the factory tow hook/loops mount. Just measure, trim, and trial and error.
The farilead mounts to the front of the mounting plate so the cut in the bumper is just clearance. I put the bumper back up to test, marked where I thought and just made the cut. I did open mine up after the first cut to allow more of an angled pull without hitting the bumper.

I used a jigsaw with a fine tooth metal blade and was really happy with the results. I was looking for an excuse to use the plasma cutter but with a little tape the jigsaw didn't even hurt the paint.

I'll try to get those pictures up soon and show my favorite little touch that I added to personalize mine.

 

[SeanLX]

So I found some. For some reason I could only find the thumbnails from the install. They're small but show how it went together.

One of the pictures reminded me to mention that you have to clock the engagement lever. No big deal, it explains how in the winch instructions.

bumpertestfit

• SeanLX
• Feb 22, 2017

platetestfit

• SeanLX
• Feb 22, 2017

winchplatemarked

• SeanLX
• Feb 22, 2017

wimchplatecut

• SeanLX
• Feb 22, 2017

wimchtestfit

• SeanLX
• Feb 22, 2017

lever

• SeanLX
• Feb 22, 2017

and the finished product...

frontplate

• SeanLX
• Feb 22, 2017

flipedup

• SeanLX
• Feb 22, 2017

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Super clean!

 

[sleepycruiser]

@SeanLX Thanks for posting up the pics. What did you cut the winch plate with? Bumper was cut with a jigsaw?

 

[SeanLX]

Winch plate was a little thicker than the bumper so I think I cheated and used the plasma cutter on that part.

A sawzall /jigsaw or a grinder would take care of it no problem.

 

[stevezero]

Clean install. How many bolts did you use to mount the plate to the frame? Some have used the two per side from the hooks, and some have drilled a 3rd hole to line up with the one further back on the frame

 

[NC LX]

Very Nice! seeing that has inspired me to do the same. I've now added it to the list with the other 278 items on the list.

 

[slceso]

Clean install. How many bolts did you use to mount the plate to the frame? Some have used the two per side from the hooks, and some have drilled a 3rd hole to line up with the one further back on the frame

Factory on mine uses two per side fwiw.

 

[SeanLX]

I used the 2 existing ones. The HF plate wasn't long enough to reach the 3rd hole.

Bolts

• SeanLX
• Feb 24, 2017

 

[izzyandsue]

How easy is to get to the winch clutch? I coudlnt tell from the pictures. Can you see how the drum winds up too so you dont end up with a bird's nest? Looks pretty neat, bring it to the Meat and Grits next month.

 

[SeanLX]

How easy is to get to the winch clutch? I coudlnt tell from the pictures. Can you see how the drum winds up too so you dont end up with a bird's nest? Looks pretty neat, bring it to the Meat and Grits next month.

Good question. I should have mentioned, you can't see the spool as clearly as I'd like but the vent in the front of the bumper beside the license plate allows enough access to move the lever. I leave my vent attached with the screw finger tight.

It will be at the Meet & Greet. Funny thing is, it's been to quite a few events so far but most people don't notice.

 

[sleepycruiser]

@stevezero @weejub

Either of you received the winch yet? Just wondering your thoughts and see if you had any pics. Thanks!

 

[weejub]

I haven't opened it yet, but the box is REALLY heavy. I am wondering if I should have got the 9.5K.

I will sneak out there in a bit and take pics.

Been kinda hiding it from my Wife. I sort of bought a full lift kit for my truck and didn't tell her about it until Saturday. Then Lincoln sold me his friends tires/wheels. Lets just say, I am in the dog house right now.

 

[sleepycruiser]

Ha. Just do what I do: 'This will make it safer'. My wife can't argue with safety.

 

[NCFJ]

You are both rookies. You marry a woman with horses. They wont dare say a thing about what you spend on the truck.

 

[weejub]

I just need to say - "Stan said we needed this if we wanted to do stuff with the club." That may work.

OK - it is 23" wide by 7" tall not counting the control box, which does have bolts holding it down.

Pics:

 

[NCFJ]

ARGHH ARGHHH ARGHHH!!!!

Think Tim Allen



Thanks for that Jamie. We'll have winching classes in the woods, yeah yeah that's it. Practicing for when the zombies come, yeah. If ya hook it to a lighter lead line you can surf fish and catch, ahhhhh, whales, uh huh, yeah, whales. you can keep the family lamps lit for over a year.

I have no control over stuff done with the club, I am but a paying member in a somewhat stooped standing.

 

[sleepycruiser]

I just need to say - "Stan said we needed this if we wanted to do stuff with the club." That may work.

OK - it is 23" wide by 7" tall not counting the control box, which does have bolts holding it down.

Pics:

View attachment 1411050
View attachment 1411052

Thanks. Looks pretty nice. Does it feel well built?

 

[weejub]

It does, but, my only comparison is with already mounted ones, so hard for me to say.