Winch behind stock bumper: how many bananas?

[Beej]

Hey folks,

I'm going to put a winch behind the stock bumper. I really want the 4x4 labs bumper but I don't have the dough.

For those who has done this, and I've read some really great threads, how many does it take to get this job done?

I have access to a fabricator who can do it up very nicely im sure for a couple hundred bucks. Wondering whether thats really necessary. I'm going to have to do the winch plumbing (its hydraulic) any way.

Is there any other reason to use a professional? Also, does $250-350 sound right for that job?

-- Beej

 

[JaketheSSnake]

It's pretty easy, imo. Just get the winch plate bolted to the frame, you may need to cut it to fit or re-drill some holes. Then you just trim the bumper to fit. If I remember correctly, I put the fairlead on the winch and marked the height and width on the winch plate. Then, I removed the fairlead and bolted the bumper back on to see where it needed to be cut. Measure twice, cut once as always! Lots of pulling the bumper and re-installing it to check things was the only hassle, luckily it's pretty light.

 

[Gabriel 71]

Do like Jakethesnake it's saying. When I needed to mark the holes in my harbor freight winch plate 2 lined up use the threaded holes on top and screw in the bolt until it makes a mark on the winch plate bam there is where next set of holes goes. Then just measure and cut measure and cut

 

[2fpower]

x2 on the harbor freight winchplate, cut to width, cut holes in, bolt and wire.

I welded shut all the non-needed holes in the plate last time, since it is powdercoated, I had blasted it clean.

 

[Rifleman]

I just did this project a few weeks back, having access to a shop with a welder, and drill press is helpful, but the one tool i couldn't of done without, was a floor jack. Your winch and mounting plate will weigh in around 80 pounds, so having a way to hold it in place while your doing measurements is a BIG help. As other members have said, and i agree, take your time and measure twice BEFORE you start cutting. One other item I'd suggest you upgrade when you do your install. Most winch's come with #4 or #2 cable, I'd change that to a minimum of 1/0 cable. It'll cost you maybe a 100 bucks more to install some larger cables, but your winch, and charging system will thank you if you do. Last item, don't rely on your trucks battery, to frame ground for running your winch, install a separate ground cable going to your winch's motor too. All in all, if your good with turning wrench's you'll be able to do this project.

 

[sleepycruiser]

Winch Behind Factory Front Bumper