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Hey all I've been wanting to add a winch to my truck but was not a fan of the hitch mount visual. So I did some looking and reading and found an idea. This guy has a 78 bronco he did this on but it's the same face as my 78 f-150. So basically take the bumper down get a universal 36" winch mount plate from harbor freight and cut it down to size ~34". Then you notch in the bottom of the bumper mount out to receive the plate ~1/4". Once the plate slides in an out easily, mock up your winch and measure how wide it is centered in the plate. That is what you will have to cut out of the radiator support. Depending on if you can clock yours or not you will have to cut out the very top portion of the grill space filler to allow clearance of the clutch brake. Once that's done take the winch off the plate and drill in some holes for the plate to make to the frame. The two front holes for the bumper and at the back of the plate two holes pre drilled line up nicely. Also you have to cut the front hole larger for the guide. Original idea credit
You will have to get longer bolts for the bottom bumper slots bc of the plate.
measure twice cut once!! X-bull 10k lb winch Pre winch Finished product
Looks great. That's the only kind of winch I would get, one that is out of site.
The old rule of thumb was twice the weight of the vehicle.
Here in Utah we would get ticketed for no front license plate.
Rubiranch thanks!! The bottom two square are still there and you should be able to put license plate retainers in and have a front plate. Louisiana doesn't require two plates but I'll probably put a cool nameplate up there eventually!!
79 250, thank you for your opinion. As I stated in my original post, I DONT LIKE THE LOOK OF OTHER MOUTING OPTIONS. As such I didn't do them on My truck, your are more than welcome to keep your criticisms to yourself since you already have several versatile and functional set ups. I dont see where there was a need for you to be overtly negative as a moderator. This post was simply a visual for and alternate set up.If you would actually like to know o already have a 140 amp alternator, and I've done the headlight relay upgrade as well. This is my build and contrary to it's look I will not be using it for very much besides my own happiness. I got that big of a winch bc it was on sale. This truck is for putt-putting not off roading I don't plan to be anywhere I get stuck and have to pull anything backwards.
As far as my gumption is concerned my truck will stay the way it is and if another person decides to do a similar build they may go back with supplemental support if they are going to use their winch more than 5xs. Have the day you deserve.
I guess if you need a permanent winch. I get it that you wanted something different, or special, etc.
I'd much rather have a smaller, lighter, winch on a plate on a 2x2 thick wall tube that fit any receiver at either end of my truck, maybe either truck, or even my trailer ... I think. That way, If not in use, it's not seen. I would not have cut the radiator's core support, It is mounted to the two frame rails with rubber bushings because these long ladder type frames flex in use, and the core support is intended to securely mount a radiator (and AC condenser if used) ... into a non flexing but supporting home. Both mount solidly to the core support. The lower cross portion was formed in a "box" section to stiffen it and it was intended to isolate the radiator from frame flex issues. Cutting it out transfers the job to the solidly mounted radiator that is not intended to resist the new stress of no support. Just driving the truck into a gas station is going to be felt by the radiator and condenser now. I'd carry extra coolant ... and when the radiator lets go, be ready with a good core support for the new radiator.
Thanks for the input tbear753, I may go back and add something eventually. I do have the aftermarket steel radiator with built in dual electric fans, I was hoping that be enough. This truck has been sitting in the shop the last 2 yrs who knows when it'll make it back to the road lol.
So I ok got, I was a little too honest with my choice of words and harsh with my opinion. And the words Aggressive Gumption and hacking probably should not of been used. As far as overtly negative or trying to criticize, wow did not mean too, I was just being honest as I seen it. Sorry.
I mean you did just cut the core support, I do not see any attempt to reinforce it. Which I thought that should of happened. You did just cut the grill shell, I would of at least tried to cut it the same amount on both sides and made it even.
I understand your dislike of winches being exposed. And the way you made it work on your truck suits you, then life is good. But in my off roading opinion adaptability and function, versus looks is the king.
Here I will fix my previous thread and life will go on.
Thank you 79, I appreciate it. I don't have a problem with critics as long as they are made in the spirit of helping. As I mentioned to tbear I will probably go back and figure out a way to reinforce the radiator. And in all honesty I got ahead of myself in my zeal to make it work I didn't measure near as much as I needed to lol. I'll find something or some way to "pretty up" the grill shell and the gap there now. It's not 100% complete I just wanted to show there was a potentially feasible alternative to the front hitch everyone else has been doing. More modifications required to fit your application should be a tag worning.
Take the piece you cut out of the core support and using some spare short smaller diameter square tubing pieces, that fit inside the core support itself. And see if you can get the cross piece, stepped back a bit to clear the winch body. Then weld it back in place. That core support along with carrying the radiator also does handle a lot of the front end (front clip) body weight.
I measure X4, eye ball it X3, think about it X2 then fire up the cutter. I have been known to miss the mark more than once. Just cut it straight down to even them up. How much of the bumper did you have to cut to clear the fairlead window?
The next blue moon I get I'll give that a go!! I'm not a pretty welder but it'll hold I think it ended up being ~3.5" or so. There is still about and inch about the squares for license plate bolts.
JMO but the frame horns forward of the crossmember are not that strong except the leaf sprung models. Straight pulling probably ok but side loads would be something else.
Hey Leroy Brown,
I for one like the REAL winches like the old school Warn 8274, It is an exposed winch connected to the FRAME HORNS as all winches should be for stress reasons, both forward and on an angle to the sides if needed. This expierence comes from many years of winching these rigs in the mud and swamps in Florida.
I would much rather have a great functioning winch than a pretty one. (My opinion)..
As for you jumping all over 77&79 F250, in my opinion, he has many years working on these trucks and ONLY tries to help others on this forum.
He brings up excellent points that others may read and use in their installs.
Many read these forums like this to obtain procedures, ideas, opitons and such as they plan their projects.
Bottom line, I feel he was only trying to help.
Thank you
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but I'll probably put a cool nameplate up there eventually!!
I think it ended up being ~3.5" or so. There is still about and inch about the squares for license plate bolts.
