crumple zones are designed into the frame so that in an accident, the frame will buckle in that area.

if you put a heavy load on the front tabs of a frame without reinforcing the crumple zones, there is a chance you can bend the frame

 

My trucks an 85.
I thought crumple zones didn't come around to the nineties ?

 

Is that based on your experience or just opinion? Not trying to sound like an azz here... just asking straight up honestly.

I really ain't worried about a straight-line pull doing any damage. Pulling from an angle might (probably WILL) bend the frame horns... but if that was the case I'd redirect the pull with a ****** block instead. Which I still need to buy... all the ones I've seen around here are weak. I need one that's rated to 24k lbs at a minimum, and I'd prefer more for safety.

 

I think tjc transport was talking to dixie460 there. If you look at the 2nd picture down in the thread dixie460 posted you can see the crumple zone on the right side of the picture, the accordian-fold section of the frame horn. from Dixie460's sig line he's got a '96 F-150. Your '85 may well not have crumple zones.

 

*205/55/16 Wintermaster
i dont anything about tires so, what about these ?
would these be legal ?
For a f250

Can get them cheap...

 

Legal? I don't know of any reason why not.

A good idea for an F-250? No. That tire is only 25" high, you'll be dragging constantly.

 

Ha ha
ok thank you !
Probably look funny too.

 

Before throwing a lot of money on off-road goodies I'd get these things:
Winch (Warn 8274 would be a good choice) with ancillary recovery gear
Decent tires (depending on type and depth of snow you may want wide or skinny)
Chains for all 4 wheels. Something like these REINFORCED-DIAMOND-CHAIN

Then drive it and see where it won't do what you want and then decide where to spend your money, assuming you even really need to spend more.
For your part of the country a winch will get you through more places than lockers, albeit more slowly.

My opinion is based on about 40 years off-roading, much of it from VA-VT in the winter.

 

Experience. Seen issues with them before on other peoples rigs. Ive built pull points to go back behind the crumple zone on one of my rigs. Give you a basic idea..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...mple-zone.html


Made the front a lot stiffer without worry of frame damage.

 

Chains are the best thing to have on a rig for snow wheeling. I like the big cross link mud snow chains.

I've got a pair for my Excursion(35s) and the Jeep(33s). They work wonders in the Mud too. A lot of people have no idea the potential of a set of chains.

 

Rovernut
thank you for the advice.
due too very low budget im looking at the badlands 12000 winch.
no luck in finding a front reciever mount.
i have regular chains.
but i dont know anything about recovery...

 

I'd buy a used quality winch before spending the money on a new Harbor Freight winch, especially if you off-road alone. If you always go with others (a good idea if you're a novice) then it would probably be ok.
I have 6 winches and I've never bought a new one since my first 8274 I bought in '75.
Good used winches are on craigslist quite often if you're patient. I've bought two 8274's for under $300 each (one came with a chrome Warn winch bumper). That + $50-$100 to rebuild them and you're golden.
My Ramsey RE10000 I bought for $200, another top notch winch.

It's a bit more money, unless you build it yourself, but I'd definitely go with a winch bumper. If your concern is winching backwards, it can be done with a front mount winch, or you can use a good come-a-long like a Wyeth-Scott.

There's a lot of good recovery information on the web, and a lot of real crap information. And tons of video on what not to do.
Bill Vista is a good place to start Pirate4x4.Com - Extreme Four Wheel Drive
Bill Burke is another good one, Bill Burke's 4-Wheeling America: Grand Junction, CO: 4x4 Training & Trail
Find a copy of the Army manual, FM 20-22. It's available online

Vehicle recovery can be extremely dangerous, but can be done safely.
The important thing is don't skimp on equipment and don't cut corners during recovery.
And don't ever be afraid to ask, if you're not sure.

 

I remember seeing that thread before. It's a good idea... either that, or plate over the crumple zones and bolt thru them and the plating.

I actually intend to build a new bumper with tow points anyway. Figured I'd tie in past the accordion section like you did, so when I do that then I'll remount the winch so the new bumper mounts take the full load.

Thanks for sharing that link again.

 

there is nothing wrong with the harbor freight badlands winches. they may not stand up to severe duty 5-6 times a day use, but for the occasional once a month type use they are a very good deal.

 

im on Craig's list all the time here never seen a winch...
ty for the links.
I used to drive a jeep when I was an MP in the army but never had a winch
tank trails are fun !