Winch install in stock 200 series bumper? (1 Viewer)

[largetalons]

Picking up a 2017 LC in near future, would like to keep it very stock looking but w larger tires, possibly small lift, probably lockers, and would like to install a winch in as hidden a manner as I can (ie behind/through stock bumper.

Has anyone seen or done this before? I feel like a little plastic cutting and a custom bracket attached to the frame should do the trick but without having a vehicle to examine I really don't know . . .

 

[Ali M]

Keep it "Stock"?

Between @kreiten and @Markuson you will be pointed in the right direction

That said, sometime in the near future I am also thinking about keeping my 2016 "stock" with elockers, 2.5" lift, tires and winch but on a TJM bumper or if time permits have it custom welded.

 

[Mogwai]

@RET2 might be going this direction, believe he ordered a hidden winch mount through Asfir but it has yet to arrive.

 

[TeCKis300]

I'm surprised this market hasn't been directly addressed by domestic suppliers. Just like fuel subtank products (though that may be related to tight emissions regulations).

It's definitely possible as evidenced by the existence of a stock winch in foreign markets.

Mounting for most winches in a certain weight class are relatively typical. Like you said, just need bracket, winch, and cutting template with some trim for the stock bumper. There's kits out there for the 4runner for example. Perhaps our market is just too small?

 

[TonyP]

The market probably hasn't addressed it because there's practically zero demand. Spending the R&D time for three sales isn't a viable business plan.

 

[Markuson]

I'm surprised this market hasn't been directly addressed by domestic suppliers. Just like fuel subtank products (though that may be related to tight emissions regulations).

It's definitely possible as evidenced by the existence of a stock winch in foreign markets.

Mounting for most winches in a certain weight class are relatively typical. Like you said, just need bracket, winch, and cutting template with some trim for the stock bumper. There's kits out there for the 4runner for example. Perhaps our market is just too small?

Out of the already tiny LC market...a tiny number actually wheel them where you might need a winch...and out of the tiny number of wheelers...a portion of that tiny number actually install winches...and out of the tiny number of winch buyers...a super tiny portion of that already tiny number want to attach a winch behind a plastic bumper.

So...That's a tiny portion of a tiny portion...of a tiny portion...of a tiny portion of a super tiny portion.

Try selling that to your marketing department head!

That aside...I think the most stock-looking bumper that's already designed for a winch...is the one Slee put on their LX--the Sahara Bar from ARB. If you color match it? Looks very nice on an otherwise stock LC. Just don't install the optional hoop.

 

[TexAZ]

May have to contact ASFIR directly to see if they will still make a bracket.
here is one installed:

Nitro Gear / Justdifferentials, Project 200 Series Land Cruiser

 

[TeCKis300]

This product does exist elsewhere in the world. AFN in the UK also makes one - AFN Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series (2013+) Hidden Winch Mount – West Coast Off Road Centre

Too subtle for chest pounding Americans that need beefy beef bumpers.

 

[Markuson]

This product does exist elsewhere in the world. AFN in the UK also makes one - AFN Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series (2013+) Hidden Winch Mount – West Coast Off Road Centre

Too subtle for chest pounding Americans that need beefy beef bumpers.

Chest pounding Americans?
My back stock bumper is bent and deep scrapes line the lower portion. Same on front. With steel bumpers, a bit of paint, and it's good to go. Also... very tough to mount fuel cans, jacks and tires on a stock bumper... No chest pounding required.

I do see that stock winch mounts are somewhat popular in the middle east.
But then sand dunes aren't aren't as tough on plastic bumpers as rocks are here...

 

[TonyP]

A stock/oem/factory winch is also available in other parts of the world.

I guess I'm a chest pounding American. Maybe more people should be.

 

[TeCKis300]

Chest pounding Americans?
My back stock bumper is bent and deep scrapes line the lower portion. Same on front. With steel bumpers, a bit of paint, and it's good to go. Also... very tough to mount fuel cans, jacks and tires on a stock bumper... No chest pounding required.

I do see that stock winch mounts are somewhat popular in the middle east.
But then sand dunes aren't aren't as tough on plastic bumpers as rocks are here...

It's not a knock so much as it's a reality of the domestic market. I'm with you on your assessment that a hidden winch is a niche of a niche market, even in my original post. The big stick domestic ideology vs. foreign wield big stick quietly is not news here.

I'm not dismissing your use of bumpers either as it clearly works better for you and your use cases. Just that it's not for everyone and certainly has drawbacks as well. Namely handling and potentially safety.

 

[indycole]

I've explored both the Asfir and custom-build options and ended up deciding on getting lockers and a quick access shovel mount (not to say that's equal to a winch at all). There were a few issues with the Asfir 1.) I exchanged messages with a forum member who tried to do the install on a 2014 and said that the mount did not match the frame (maybe the JD/Nitro guys had to modify theirs?), 2.) I'd have to remove the crash bar without having the added protection of a full bull bar (with ARB crumple zone or not), and 3.) I anticipated I'd be $700+ in on the mount alone after buying it, exchange rate, tax, shipping, and some reserve expense to modify it if needed. At that much I'd have to think hard about a partial custom steel bumper or something from TJM or the like.

I'm not a half bad fabricator and looked into doing it myself but simply decided it wasn't worth the time given my concerns listed in point 2 above. I went as far to spec one out, design it, and prototype it in ABS.

 

[TeCKis300]

Just searching around, a winch under the stock bumper sure looks good:

 

[TeCKis300]

Looks like a bracket can be sourced from aliexpress for $280 US + shipping which is quite pricey as I'm sure it's heavy.

Aliexpress.com : Buy Black Steel Rock Crawler Winch Plate for Factory Front Bumper Winch Mount for Toyota Landcruiser200 LC200 4WD Recovery Bumper from Reliable winch plate suppliers on Top-Star Offroad Vehicle Accessories

 

[Markuson]

It's not a knock so much as it's a reality of the domestic market. I'm with you on your assessment that a hidden winch is a niche of a niche market, even in my original post. The big stick domestic ideology vs. foreign wield big stick quietly is not news here.

I'm not dismissing your use of bumpers either as it clearly works better for you and your use cases. Just that it's not for everyone and certainly has drawbacks as well. Namely handling and potentially safety.

Nah, it's all good. I don't think there's any question about the legitimacy of serious wheeling with just stock bumpers. I've done plenty with it, and the main disadvantage is approach angle and the possibility of ripping it off. But I do see the attraction of a more subtle look. I only responded to the "'Merican" part because I frankly think guys who seek only to flex their badass muscles don't usually end up with an LC or LX. I saw a Jeep the other day that was truly a BEEF masterpiece. I mean everything you could possibly imagine. Must have been more in mods than the truck for sure... It was ready for WAR. But it was also clear it had never...maybe EVER...seen a dusty road, much less anything that could ever call for it's massive, burly mods. The shovel had clearly never touched a rock, as it was painted fire-truck red with nary a scratch. Had 4 jerry cans...and a pristine Hi-Lift--painted to match. Springs and shocks that were perfect...even though I saw the same Jeep two years ago with the same stuff on it. It was a 100% chest-pounding machine. That's OK I guess, but I'd be embarrassed to own it if it was never used.

On the other hand.
I have definitely enjoyed the stealthy (hidden) capability of a stock-ish LC, and that will most certainly be visually lost in a few weeks. But Above all, I want my truck to be ready to do what I ask of it in the way off boonies alone. For me, that means fuel, winch, clearance and the ability to take a beating if necessary.

As a group, we really do have all kinds here on mud. -From those who want the best handling on the freeway...to those who want the best capabilities in the boonies. Best of all, though, is I really think we have an unusually LOW percentage of bas-ass attitudes here that can be so off-putting.

 

[largetalons]

May have to contact ASFIR directly to see if they will still make a bracket.
here is one installed:

Nitro Gear / Justdifferentials, Project 200 Series Land Cruiser

Thanks, this is just what I was looking for

 

[TeCKis300]

Nah, it's all good. I don't think there's any question about the legitimacy of serious wheeling with just stock bumpers. I've done plenty with it, and the main disadvantage is approach angle and the possibility of ripping it off. But I do see the attraction of a more subtle look. I only responded to the "'Merican" part because I frankly think guys who seek only to flex their badass muscles don't usually end up with an LC or LX. I saw a Jeep the other day that was truly a BEEF masterpiece. I mean everything you could possibly imagine. Must have been more in mods than the truck for sure... It was ready for WAR. But it was also clear it had never...maybe EVER...seen a dusty road, much less anything that could ever call for it's massive, burly mods. The shovel had clearly never touched a rock, as it was painted fire-truck red with nary a scratch. Had 4 jerry cans...and a pristine Hi-Lift--painted to match. Springs and shocks that were perfect...even though I saw the same Jeep two years ago with the same stuff on it. It was a 100% chest-pounding machine. That's OK I guess, but I'd be embarrassed to own it if it was never used.

Style points do count for something and I'm eagerly watching your build. I'll be the first to admit that while on the road, I regularly break my neck checking out these beef masterpieces.

 

[largetalons]

Looks like a bracket can be sourced from aliexpress for $280 US + shipping which is quite pricey as I'm sure it's heavy.

View attachment 1461236

Aliexpress.com : Buy Black Steel Rock Crawler Winch Plate for Factory Front Bumper Winch Mount for Toyota Landcruiser200 LC200 4WD Recovery Bumper from Reliable winch plate suppliers on Top-Star Offroad Vehicle Accessories

Thanks very much. Less than $500 all in, might be worth a flier. It looks like it would at least be a jumping off point for a custom bracket.

On a related note, all of the responses here are a great example of why I love this forum . . .

 

[RET2]

Thanks, this is just what I was looking for

FYI I ordered one a couple of weeks ago was told 3 to 4 week wait. I'll post pics when it arrives. They responded quickly when asked questions re: fitment.

 

[TeCKis300]

^Very cool. Let us know how it goes!