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Winch install

SteelNinja

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Has anyone installed a winch in their vehicle while using the factory bumper ? Ive learned to ask yall questions before I just start doing something - Thanks
 

Recovry4x4

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This one is far and away, the cleanest install I've seen.
 

chevymike

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San Diego, CA
Covers too much of the grille. Mine is tucked behind the license plate which comes off. Plus it is less leverage on the frame.

Gonna have to zoom pretty hard to spot it...

Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk
Do you have a build thread or info about how you did this? Very sweet burb!
 

Recovry4x4

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Somewhere in my basement, I have a Hickey Sidewinder winch. They are antique but ideal for the hidden mount under the radiator.
 

SteelNinja

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I remember the old sidewinders They were tuff and cool . Im looking at Horrible freight 12k winch Tons of great reviews - But I hate Chinese crap. I see you're in GA, Im near Mt Eagle TN.
Does the sidewinder still work?
 

Ilikemtb999

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Denver, CO
Thanks

I dont have a build thread. Basically took a universal winch tray, flipped it upsode down, then welded it on top of the frame rails. It lines up perfect behind the license plate. You will have to mock it up left to right to get it right in the center of the plate.

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I did the same thing but bolted the plate in. These are the only pics I have
 

Attachments

Skinny

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Yup, literally the same thing. I think mine sits slightly further back but same exact concept.

Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk
 

Recovry4x4

LLM/Member 785
Super Moderator
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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Location
GA Mountains
I remember the old sidewinders They were tuff and cool . Im looking at Horrible freight 12k winch Tons of great reviews - But I hate Chinese crap. I see you're in GA, Im near Mt Eagle TN.
Does the sidewinder still work?
It does. It's in remarkable condition. Sidewinders are either feast or famine. Usually they sell for either pennies or big dollars. Mine was under $200. One day I'll go ahead and install it. Would like to see what it would cost me to switch it all over to 24V. It came without cable but I have a small stash of NOS HMMWV winch cables I've saved.
 

sneekyeye

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ALABAMA
I did the same deal with a harbor freight 12k winch mounted upside down to the winch plate bolted to the upper lips of the front frame. I cut out the area in front of it on the stock bumper, and trimmed the winch plate to fit. I had to weld up a couple of holes in the plate, but it turned out great. Mine is also hidden behind a fairlead license plate cover, and the hook sits inside a polyurethane hook holder. One of the hardest parts of it was making the really short drill bit to fit in the right angle air drill i had to buy to drill the top lip in the frame.
 

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Skinny

Well-known member
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Location
Portsmouth, NH
Welding it is certainly easier. I also did mine while the nose was off during the engine swap. Now that makes it easy!

Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk
 

Indyharleyguy

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Carmel IN
I did the same deal with a harbor freight 12k winch mounted upside down to the winch plate bolted to the upper lips of the front frame. I cut out the area in front of it on the stock bumper, and trimmed the winch plate to fit. I had to weld up a couple of holes in the plate, but it turned out great. Mine is also hidden behind a fairlead license plate cover, and the hook sits inside a polyurethane hook holder. One of the hardest parts of it was making the really short drill bit to fit in the right angle air drill i had to buy to drill the top lip in the frame.
I've been looking at the same Harbor Freight winch. How do you like it?
 
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