Hey all. I just bought a 95 F-150 4.6IL6 M5OD standard cab long box 4x4 for a Minnesota work truck. Set up as a "heavy half-ton". Would like to add a steel ladder rack and front winch bumper to pull docks out of the water, have confidence if I need help on the low maintained forest/logging roads, help ditched folks, etc. Should I be worried about a heavy steel plate winch bumper (do not need super duty bumper like Ranch Hand) on this truck with regards to brake wear, front end parts, handling? Aluminum is available but so much more expensive. What do you think? Thanks.

 

I wouldn't worry bout it beyond getting the front end alignment checked if it's a real heavy bumper because the way the TTB front end is set up, adding or removing weight changes the camber of the front wheels.

 

Dixie you should post up the way you mounted your winch (or link to the thread). Doesn't sound like the OP cares about the bumper so much? Just a way to mount a winch?

 

How about a Warn hidden winch mount or a front reciever to slide a winch into ?

 

I thought about the receiver type but I want it with me the whole time and I do not want a tool box so I can have full use of the box. THe hidden is how I want to go but wonder if the material (steel/aluminum) makes a difference on the performance and longterm wear on the front end parts/brakes. I got some good info so far from you all, thanks. I didn't think about the camber being changed with extra weight...makes sense. So, whatever I do, I need to realign after I put it on, right?

 

I bet some 1 or 2" coil spacers combined with the weight of winch + steel bumper would remedy ride heighg/ alignment issues.

 

Not my thread but there's a few pics there. The winch weighs maybe 80 lbs or so, the steel channel is another 25ish so I'm just over 100 lbs of additional weight on the front end.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14264383

 

1995 F-150XL 4.6IL6EFI M5OD 4x4 130K Recently Idaho truck now in Minnesota.

Here is what I'm working with. I was also wondering, since I will go with a steel front winch bumper/lights set up, should I counter the front weight with a heavier duty rear bumper too for winter and freeway speed driving balance? I'm thinking steel ladder rack so my work/play truck will be complete. I haul lumber, tools, woodchips, dirt etc. for my various home and small real estate business projects and want to play a little in the forest roads in northern Minnesota where the cabin is. Thanks for all the great tips here fellas!