Anybody install the front Hidden Winch assembly available through James Duff?

[JeepGuy]

Like the title says, looking for real world feed back on this front bumper hidden winch set up from James Duff. They have a pretty cool video, but it doesn't really show much regarding actual install, use, etc. Looking to match the rear bumper set up I just purchased, checked Youtube etc.. nothing out there.

Has anyone other than them actually installed and used this set up yet?

https://dufftuff.com/product/lcr-hidden-winch/#winch-plate

 

[fordguy]

Own it, but not installed. So I will be watching this thread.

 

[gnsteam]

I installed one. Not quite finished, but you can see what I posted on my build thread. Starting at post # 467, page 24.
Build thread listed below.

 

[JeepGuy]

I installed one. Not quite finished, but you can see what I posted on my build thread. Starting at post # 467, page 24.
Build thread listed below.

Those pictures answered a ton of questions. For one, because of it coming gloss black, I couldn't tell what was up or down from their pictures. Now it makes sense that the winch is actually mounted upside down, so their mount actually goes up in between the frame rails instead of down, which helps explain the need for the skid plate Maybe I'm just blind, but none of that was obvious to me from their website add.

If you still have it installed, can you shoot a picture from front, straight down the drivers side frame rail towards the back. I'm trying to figure out how it interacts with my 4x4x2 Steering box and mounting plate. From what you've provided it doesn't appear to interfere, but they do make a point of saying you need a "Stock Style" steering box.

Also, if possible, can you take one from drivers side, rear of mounting and skid plate across to passenger side. Trying to figure out why they make a big point about having no larger than a 2" steering stabilizer. I am currently not running a steering stabilizer at all, but I have changed the geometry of my steering drag link and pan hard bar. I don't think either of those would interfere, but who knows.

Your build is over the top awesome. Good work Sir!

 

[Shimmy]

install instructions here

https://dufftuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/4960.pdf

 

[gnsteam]

Those pictures answered a ton of questions. For one, because of it coming gloss black, I couldn't tell what was up or down from their pictures. Now it makes sense that the winch is actually mounted upside down, so their mount actually goes up in between the frame rails instead of down, which helps explain the need for the skid plate Maybe I'm just blind, but none of that was obvious to me from their website add.

If you still have it installed, can you shoot a picture from front, straight down the drivers side frame rail towards the back. I'm trying to figure out how it interacts with my 4x4x2 Steering box and mounting plate. From what you've provided it doesn't appear to interfere, but they do make a point of saying you need a "Stock Style" steering box.

Also, if possible, can you take one from drivers side, rear of mounting and skid plate across to passenger side. Trying to figure out why they make a big point about having no larger than a 2" steering stabilizer. I am currently not running a steering stabilizer at all, but I have changed the geometry of my steering drag link and pan hard bar. I don't think either of those would interfere, but who knows.

Your build is over the top awesome. Good work Sir!

Hi Jeepguy, I do not have the winch plates mounted at this time. But I do have a bunch more pictures. Other than the ones already posted. I will look through them and post them here tomorrow. And thanks for the kind words.

 

[Shimmy]

maybe this helps a little ?

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=430944228533655

 

[JeepGuy]

@Shimmy Good video, but I am the guy that has the luck of things not really going together right for whatever reason. Hence the request for pictures to study up a bit. I don't mind grinding, cutting or welding to make a product work, but I do want to know what I'm getting into first.

 

[ared77]

xcntrk that used to be on here custom built the stealth winch in the '66 I had. Here is a link to his build in case you want to read about how he did it. Unfortunately read is all you will be able to do because the pictures don't show up anymore due to Photobucket. Tony was an amazing fabricator and some of his thoughts may be of help to you. Here is the link -
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/stock-bumper-with-hidden-winch-details-pics.263546/

 

[bigmuddy]

From what I have read, if you have a body lift you will see the winch below the body as the winch is stationary and cannot be moved upwards?

 

[JeepGuy]

From what I have read, if you have a body lift you will see the winch below the body as the winch is stationary and cannot be moved upwards?

I'm not sure about that. The Top (actually bottom) of the winch is mounted to the plate which appears to sit just below the lower radiator mounts. I'm guessing from the way it's laid out under there you might be able to see the top of the mounting surface but the actual winch itself is behind the bumper and skid plate.

 

[bigmuddy]

I should have explained it this way, that if you're running a body lift you cannot move the bumper up to cover the gap, as the winch is kept in the same position and they will not work together.

I can't find the thread but I saw a post from Duffs that explained it that way. You will need use a cover to coverup the gap left by the body lift.

 

[fordguy]

I used Duff’s gap filler for front and back. Hoping to get my winch bought and installed with this kit soon. 1 inch body lift.

 

[bigmuddy]

I used Duff’s gap filler for front and back. Hoping to get my winch bought and installed with this kit soon. 1 inch body lift.

I think the filler piece looks good with a 1" body lift, I don't think I would care for it with a 2" like I have though.

 

[gnsteam]

Jeepguy,

Here are some additional pictures around the steering gearbox. I only have one picture around the drag link area. Hope this helps. Also to note. I added 1/4" plate on each side of the frame at the gearbox mount. The winch plate still cleared the inside of frame plate.

 

[JeepGuy]

Great pics, and they seem to answer my questions. The only plate I have around the Steering gear box is on the outside and the bolts are in the stock location through the frame so that appears to me as it would clear. I'm using a stock steering arm off the box so that should clear the back as well. Thank you for posting those.

 

[steelworker77]

I installed mine a few months back. I had to cut and modify mine a good bit only because I have a TDK frame and wasnt using the winch that they recommended. Overall I really like it and use there flip up front number plate to hide the winch cable. I did have to make my own mount to continue using a steering stabilizer. I will try and get some pics up later today when I get home.