Hidden winch mount
Rock Crawling
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 1
From:
I installed one. I didn't particularly care for the "ram plate of death look" that you get with most brush guards.
It looked nice and got a few compliments. Very sophisticated look, IMO.
Although it's going to require some modification and cutting of your bumper, it's nothing that you can't do with a Dremmel tool.
I had a run in with a horse sized dog that destroyed my bumper. Ironically, I went with the aforementioned "ram plate of death" because it was cheaper than a factory bumper. I also now don't have to worry about oversized dogs, birds, or the odd moose should they happen to wander into my path.
Can't comment on the lower ground clearance. I did mild offroading and never bottomed out the front, but your mileage might vary.
I still have the winch tray and hardware if you're interested.
It looked nice and got a few compliments. Very sophisticated look, IMO.
Although it's going to require some modification and cutting of your bumper, it's nothing that you can't do with a Dremmel tool.
I had a run in with a horse sized dog that destroyed my bumper. Ironically, I went with the aforementioned "ram plate of death" because it was cheaper than a factory bumper. I also now don't have to worry about oversized dogs, birds, or the odd moose should they happen to wander into my path.
Can't comment on the lower ground clearance. I did mild offroading and never bottomed out the front, but your mileage might vary.
I still have the winch tray and hardware if you're interested.
Thread Starter
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Rock Crawling
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 309
Likes: 2
I have the Hidden Winch mount that I bought from Meltdowndave installed now. I put a Warn M8000 on it I had laying around. The control box is mounted in the old jack location. I also hooked up a in cab control switch with a safety switch and LED.
The front only sags a 1/4 more now with the winch. I will probably get some 2" heavy duty lift springs soon. I already have OME shocks installed.
Has anyone had any problems with the mount moving while under high loads? I have not used it yet under any load. Just wondering. I have the bolts very tight. I was considering adding some brackets or turn buckles from the winch base then up to the frame.
Willie
The front only sags a 1/4 more now with the winch. I will probably get some 2" heavy duty lift springs soon. I already have OME shocks installed.
Has anyone had any problems with the mount moving while under high loads? I have not used it yet under any load. Just wondering. I have the bolts very tight. I was considering adding some brackets or turn buckles from the winch base then up to the frame.
Willie
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 8
From: UK
Don't see why you say that mike, all winch mounts will "twist" under an angled pull simply because of the loads put on it.
This is the way I see it, the hidden mount is made from far thicker material than a winch bumper and the winch is set back further between the chassis rails which is a far stronger location than one hanging out in a winch bumper on the "end" of the chassis rails.
This is the way I see it, the hidden mount is made from far thicker material than a winch bumper and the winch is set back further between the chassis rails which is a far stronger location than one hanging out in a winch bumper on the "end" of the chassis rails.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 106
From: Middle of Caribbean
Don't see why you say that mike, all winch mounts will "twist" under an angled pull simply because of the loads put on it.
This is the way I see it, the hidden mount is made from far thicker material than a winch bumper and the winch is set back further between the chassis rails which is a far stronger location than one hanging out in a winch bumper on the "end" of the chassis rails.
This is the way I see it, the hidden mount is made from far thicker material than a winch bumper and the winch is set back further between the chassis rails which is a far stronger location than one hanging out in a winch bumper on the "end" of the chassis rails.
Interesting point...
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 25,707
Likes: 107
From: Denver, Colorado
The one and only mount I saw was like a 4 or 6 bolt crush can mounted set up which was not strong enough to hold the winch while bouncing around on a rough dirt road. If there are new models that are designed to be mounted directly to the frame after removing the crush cans, then I could see where these would be stronger.