Winch Install

**ozzy214** · 04-15-2015, 03:18 AM

Ok guys and gals. Finally squared up the funds and got a 12k HF winch on the front of the truck. I haven't really played with yet, but it is all set with dual batteries, etc.

Now here is the question. This was open box, supposedly never installed. Still had the foam and I thought all the pieces. Well after installing, Im looking at it, like something was missing. I started googling and figured out the failane roller was missing. I can get a universal 10 inch one on ebay for like 33 bucks shipped.

Now the question is, how do you mount it to winch? Unless I installed the winch backwards, there is no holes to bolt it to the front of the winch. I know I got the control box backwards. I had to do that for clearances issues with how close to grill. U plan on modding it and moving the control box indoors, so to speak, under the hood.

Only thing I can gather is maybe a universal winch install plate, but I dont want to go that route. No need. It is securely bolted to the bumper.

Ya thoughts? Pic is of bumper and winch install.

**KzScrapper** · 04-15-2015, 07:28 AM

I have my winch mounted to a piece of I-Beam with I-Beam bolted to trailer frame...Fairlead is mounted to the I-Beam and as far as I know would usually be installed to the mount or something solid in front of winch. Set up is now contained in a truck bed tool box mounted on the trailer. I would recommend the wireless remote from Harbor Freight...$30 bucks well spent and make picks so much easier when you have the freedom to roam or sit in vehicle.

**JohnC4X4** · 04-15-2015, 07:40 AM

Did you reinforce the mounting position on the bumper?
Otherwise if you go to yank something that is dug in and gives a lot of resistance >> I see that diamond plate peeling right off the step bumper frame.
Everyone of those I have seen the diamond plate is only tack welded to the bumper frame

I have done some heavy pulls where it has started to pull my truck and trailer backwards

Also >> no longer able to use Tailgate? With the winch sitting on top of the bumper

**ozzy214** · 04-15-2015, 11:54 AM

No bumper is secure, I had a 5k winch on there before. It will literally dip the front end and make the truck squat and even drag the truck unless the rear is anchored to a tree. I didn't build the bumper. I traded a set of $200 nissan heads for it, which promptly my buddy scrapped for a crack money. Idiot, but anyway. It is essentially emt tubing stacked 3 high with couplers welded together. Diamond plate is welded to top, think 1/4 to 1/2 inch diamond plate.. Then they got 1/2 inch plate notched to fit the tubes on the back side, welded, and then bolts perfectly to frame rails like stock f150 bumper.

Thanks John...I knew that was coming. I guess back to taking it apart....getting longer bolts, and reinstall. The bolts they provided were barely long enough to get through the 1/2 diamond plate. The difficulty is the tubes had to be notched to get the two front bolts in. I was just hoping I was right and it was supposed to bolt to winch like my old winch.

Maybe I will go over the fabricator and have him weld some angle channel in front, notch out the hole, and bolt the fairlane to that. There cant be that much stress on it right?

**ozzy214** · 04-15-2015, 11:55 AM

ALso this mainly for recovery. Im installing a third battery and secondary winch when I get my new flat bed in a 2 months. That way I can drag crap on the trailer or onto the flatbed.