Winch install - long bolts necessary?

[Smokinyoda]

Finally getting around to installing my winch and have a question. Are the long bolts that go through the bumper really necessary or could I just use short ones top and bottom? I'm sure there was a reason for them but was it just over-engineering since the weak link appears to be the stamped "upper mounts" that the winch bolts to?

I am not trying to be unsafe, nor do I want to damage anything. Just curious as to why they were used in the first place. If they are necessary I will order them, as the originals are to damaged to re-use.

 

[DUG]

Some engineer thought they were good for clamping the frame extentions together.

 

[emmado22]

With all the parts trucks out there, someone has to have what you need cheap.

 

[gringeltaube]

............................. Are the long bolts that go through the bumper really necessary or could I just use short ones top and bottom? I'm sure there was a reason for them ............................

Don't forget these are not for the winch itself, but for the vehicle towing AND lifting brackets! Also you will find out that for the bracket's rearmost holes you need the long bolts (5/8"diam.) anyways since the spacers on the frame extensions are welded in! With the bolts going all the way through and clamping all parts together it sure enhances rigidity of the whole frame extension/bumper assembly.

G.

 

[wsucougarx]

I wouldn't take any short cuts on this one. Definately try and secure the long bolts.

 

[DUG]

Bolts are easy to get - measure and go to a good hardware store.

 

[Smokinyoda]

OK thanks, will purchase the long bolts. So far looks like its gonna be about $20 for each 12" bolt.

Will keep looking for a better source.

 

[123mack]

Here you go, $8.58ea. McMaster-Carr
Fine threaded ones are a little more.

 

[LanceRobson]

The only challenge you may run into is that "civilian" bolts tend to have a shorter threaded shank than the original GI bolts. You may find that 12" bolts don't have enough thread to tighten the nuts without a high stack of washers. If you check the length carefully you may want to order 11" instead of 12" for the long ones.

Maybe if you call someone can measure the threaded portion.

Lance

 

[gringeltaube]

The only challenge you may run into is that "civilian" bolts tend to have a shorter threaded shank than the original GI bolts. You may find that 12" bolts don't have enough thread to tighten the nuts without a high stack of washers. If you check the length carefully you may want to order 11" instead of 12" for the long ones.

Maybe if you call someone can measure the threaded portion.

Lance

Good observation, 12" bolts are to long!
Stock lenght for both size long bolts actually is 10-1/2", threaded portion is 1.5-2 inches.
11" long bolts are commonly available and eventually they can be shortened if it HAS to look right...

G.

 

[deathrowdave]

I had the same problem with bolts from Fastnal 12" not enough threads !!! Need to order 11" . Fastnal will ship to your door.

 

[gringeltaube]

From their catalog:

• 1/2"-20, 10.5" L: 1/2"-20 x 10-1/2" Plain Finish SAE J429 Grade 8 Hex Cap Screw | Fastenal
• 5/8"-18, 11" L:5/8"-18 x 11" Plain Finish SAE J429 Grade 8 Hex Cap Screw - TAA Certified | Fastenal

They even have the 5/8"s in 10.5"L but for some reason want to sell you 5 of them....: 5/8"-18 x 10-1/2" Plain Finish SAE J429 Grade 8 Hex Cap Screw | Fastenal

G.

 

[Smokinyoda]

Thanks for all the info everyone!
So the 1/2" bolts are 10.25" long, and the 5/8" bolts are 10.5" long.

Can anyone with a winch truck tell me if 10" bolts will work for both, or would they be to short?

 

[FormerNewMVGuy]

10 inch are to short.. ask me how i know, 11 inch are perfect.

 

[treeguy]

I just did this same install last month and used 11" bolts for the 5/8" and 1/2". I get all my nuts and bolts from MSC (blue book). This is an industrial cataloge that WILL HAVE ANYTHING you will need to bolt stuff up. I don't mess around when it comes to bolts but the T9 bolts were going to be too expensive for the winch mount so I used the grade 8's and to do the whole frame extention and bumper all the bolts ran me $200. The reason I used 11" bolts is because I mounted a set of front shackle mounts on the bottom of the bumper. The 1/2" bolts needed to be trimmed to fit the shackle but this works great. The second set of mounts is for a removable front reciever I built to jocky around trailers in my yard.