Stock bumper with hidden winch

[Rox Crusher]

In preparation for Super Celebration West I’m finally getting around to doing this project. Im thankful that others have done it and provided good insight while I procrastinated.

Here is what I’m working with;
- 1-3/8” body lift (minimum requirement for 351w with Ford OBDII EFI and stock hood)
- Explorer radiator which hangs slightly lower than Bronco radiator
- Warn M8 series winch with synthetic rope
- Badlands winch mounting plate

I will post progress pictures as soon as I renew my contributor status.

Hope to see many of you in Colorado soon !

 

[gnsteam]

Looking forward to seeing your winch build.

 

[Rox Crusher]

First step was to make and install 2”x6” rectangular tubes into frame horns.

These will be bolted vertically and horizontally to spread the load to the frame and hopefully keep it from distorting from winching or extraction.

 

[duffymahoney]

Pretty awesome. Subscribed.

 

[ared77]

Looking good!

 

[Rox Crusher]

Finally got some time to work on it again.

This is the best it’s gonna fit unless I want to move the radiator up and / or back.

Ended up with 3/8” flat bar as shim between bottom of frame and the winch mount.

So now I just need to figure out which way I want to mount the bumper.

Don’t worry that cheap ass grade 1.7 carriage bolt is just there for mocking it up.

 

[Teal68]

Looking good. You got yours mounted up much higher than I could manage. Makes me want to adjust mine since I have added a 1" BL. Keep us posted!

 

[unimogger]

I'd look at making a sheet metal guard for the spool. The way it sits is nice but all it takes is one birds nest of cable to wreck the radiator core. I haven't done it myself but I've seen it happen

 

[Rox Crusher]

I'd look at making a sheet metal guard for the spool. The way it sits is nice but all it takes is one birds nest of cable to wreck the radiator core. I haven't done it myself but I've seen it happen

You are a mind reader.

I had to bend the front flange on the bottom of the radiator back a bit to get it to fit where it is at. Planning to put some sort of sheet metal guard back there even though I am using synthetic rope.

 

[Madgyver]

where did you get that seat creeper thingy?

 

[Rox Crusher]

where did you get that seat creeper thingy?

Pretty sure amazon

Me and my bad knees love it

 

[Maddog B]

I’ll be following this closely. As cool as the fabricated bumpers look, there’s nothing like the classic look of the stock bumpers. Just got my Duff tire carrier for the stock bumper and this would be a great addition to the front.

 

[gnsteam]

Looking good Rox. Following along as well.

 

[Rox Crusher]

More progress today........

Lots of fitting and refitting. Bumper is mounted in stock location.

I removed the ends of the winch plate that were protruding outside of the frames rails.

Extra points for anyone that can point out the obvious problem.

 

[Teal68]

Not sure...Maybe direction of spooling or no hole/fair lead in bumper???
Still liking how much more tucked yours is compared to mine.

 

[bronkenn]

The rag is too far under the truck to reach?

 

[Rox Crusher]

Not sure...Maybe direction of spooling or no hole/fair lead in bumper???
Still liking how much more tucked yours is compared to mine.

Yea, kinda needs a hole in the bumper for the rope to go through.

I’m trying to figure if I want to go with the aluminum one that came with the winch or go another route.

Do you have a thread for yours ?

 

[Teal68]

Yea, kinda needs a hole in the bumper for the rope to go through.

I’m trying to figure if I want to go with the aluminum one that came with the winch or go another route.

Do you have a thread for yours ?

I don't have a thread, but posted pics here
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2912460&postcount=61
in this thread:
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263546


If you are using synthetic check the manufactures spec's....you may need to use the aluminum fairlead, as well as make sure it can't make contact with steel mount or bumper.

 

[Rox Crusher]

that tray you built is hell for stout, nice job !

I considered adding some vertical plates that would bolt through the inner wall of frame rail.......but opted for the horn inserts instead.

I'm planning to use the aluminum hawse style fairlead, just trying to find one that is kind of stealthy

 

[Slednut10]

Just curious, how's the access for the freespooling knob? I ended up angling my mounting plate so the knob would poke out in front of the grill. I know, not a stock bumper, but still a hidden winch