DIY HiddenFront Winch install, no welding req. with pics

[Kjunky5]

the new pic whore..

I'll play devil's advocate and newbie basher..... center punch crimping?

Thats what I thought. Next time put the connectors in a vise, heat it up, and let some solder pool up in it. Then stick the exposed strands into the molten solder. Crimp before it cools and heatshrink. I do like the center punch idea. Way cheaper than the $40 tool made just for that.

 

[blazin' j]

not sure...i think they (10,000lb & up) need to be mounted for forward...but I'm sure it could be designed to fit anyone's needs

 

[jonrpick]

Dontoe did a hidden winch too...

I don't feel like searching for it. If it's not here, it's on CarolinaK5.com.

Good job though...

 

[454k30]

The space between the frame rails is big but I'm not sure its 12k winch big. I dig the upside down mounting, thats really thinking outside the box. Harbor freight lists that mount plate as being for a 9k winch. Would someone have to upsize to 3/8 steel to make one safe for a 12k if it does fit?

 

[BKinzey]

Seriously, you need to re-do that "crimp."

Use solder or a proper crimping tool

 

[GNERGY]

The plate could be raised up to the top of the frame, would gain about an inch.
It is a Smittybuilt XRC8 8000 lb.
Could be mounted right side up to the bottom of the frame but you would need at least a 2 inch bodylift.
I crimped the ring connectors with the center punch and then I soldered them, then heat shrink tubing. I also soldered all the factory connectors TOO.
That C channel is a 1/4 inch thick and it is a universal mount, not just for jeeps.
If it was a 12000 lb winch I would go with a 3/8in plate.
Thanks for all the nice comments and compliments, I've worked my but off on my Burb. I've been laid off for a couple of month's and have been out there every day workin on it.

Tarey

 

[throttleissues]

Nice job, and thanks for posting up such a good how-to. Too bad SOME people didn't read the whole thing to realize that you soldered the terminals.

 

[RockinChevy]

I have Jason4x4's hidden winch stock bumper, he built it the same way you did. All I need is the universal mount and winch.

 

[Jason4x4]

I have Jason4x4's hidden winch stock bumper, he built it the same way you did. All I need is the universal mount and winch.

where do you think he got the idea...

I was just too lazy to ever go out and take some pics of mine, so he came and looked. Mine is just mounted right side up to the bottom frame rail.


BTW, NICE JOB.

 

[GNERGY]

Jason how did you reinforce the front bumper?
Tarey

 

[justwhatido]

Nice work, nice thread.

 

[Slapperbar]

Jason how did you reinforce the front bumper?
Tarey

Looks like the winch plate is butted up against the bumper.

 

[ryoken]

Nice job, and thanks for posting up such a good how-to. Too bad SOME people didn't read the whole thing to realize that you soldered the terminals.

lazy + drunk + Ryoken = not good....

I get spoiled with good tools sometimes and forget not everyone has compound crimpers...

GNERGY, got a link to that winch? looks like it tucked up there good for ya... thanks for documenting it!

 

[lectric80]

I so need to do this to mine. I wonder if a 12K will fit.

For those of you considering this with a 12k winch, just remember, heavy winches like those require the feet to be mounted forward. 12k lbs. is too much for the bolts to be in shear. Warn, Ramsey, and nearly any manufacturer out there will tell you to always mount the feet forward on 10k and higher winches. This is a safety thing, not a looks factor.

 

[GNERGY]

4 wheel parts has the winch for 20% off Smittybuilt XRC8
Tarey

 

[NV_K5]

Thank You! Yesterday I found this thread, and after many months of having a winch and doing little other than moving it from corner to corner of my garage, I took the bumper off my truck and measured and cut my universal mounting plate to fit between the frame rails on the bottom of the "c", took the winch solenoid apart to mount it remotely and this weekend I should finally have my winch mounted. I've only had the winch for about 10 months.

I was hoping to hit the lottery so I could get Blazin' offroad to build me a Gen I tube bumper, but after living here my whole life I just realized Nevada doesn't have a lottery system. Now who has my money?

 

[Jason4x4]

Jason how did you reinforce the front bumper?
Tarey

The piece on the plate that mounts the fairlead, I cut it off, and put it on the back side of the bumper.

 

[Big Blzn]

I was hoping to hit the lottery so I could get Blazin' offroad to build me a Gen I tube bumper, but after living here my whole life I just realized Nevada doesn't have a lottery system. Now who has my money?

What better place to win a bunch of money than living in Nevada? Just throw a fist full of money on Black. Or my personal fav........... the Craps table. What? About a 47% chance with Black at the roullett (sp) tables.

 

[obijuan]

ka-save!! very cool my freind. i have a warn xd9000, do yall experts figger i would be OK doing something exaclty like he did?

 

[h0wl0ngcanitbe]

Awesome thread man your rig looks super clean! Id love to see more pics of it!