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Front bumper winch mod

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Old Dec 17, 2003 | 09:29 PM
  #1  
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Front bumper winch mod

I have a notion to maybe mounting an electric winch on my truck someday and am curious about bumper modifications and how that may efffect the air bag fuction. I believe the air bag triggers are imbeded in the bumpers on some vehicles (but I'm not sure of that) and you risk screwing up the safety if you mess with the front bumper. Anyone have info on that and some aftermarker ideas for mountng winches?
 
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Old Dec 17, 2003 | 10:21 PM
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Why not just install a front mounted hitch and buy a winch that mounts in the receiver hitch. Moble, won't get stolen.



Just a thought


Big Mick
 
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 05:13 AM
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that's a thought - I've never seen one set up like that though. Every winch I've ever seen or used was permenently mtd. My image of a winch rated high enough to pull that truck out would be pretty heavy. How/where would you carry it when not in use? I've never hears of a winch/front bumper being stolen off a truck. Has that become and issue in the last few years?

I always thought that guy's put front hitches on thier truck so they could drive thier trailer around better on boat ramps and parking lots.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 07:17 AM
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The H2 Hummer has a hitch mounted winch. It is locked into the receiver hitch just like a regular ball would be.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 07:19 AM
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ool - I'lll take a look at that
 
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 12:07 PM
  #6  
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Daryl,
here are a few old threads that might help
Manny


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...t=%25252Bwinch

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...t=%25252Bwinch

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...t=%25252Bwinch
 
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 01:02 PM
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I've seen a string or two about fabricating a front reciever. It's beginning to come together for me. Sounds do-able too. Any idea what the winch and cradle weigh that one uses in this config?
 
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Old Dec 19, 2003 | 06:45 AM
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renaissanceman,

Have you ruled out warn's semi-hidden winch. I like the fact the pulling force is right between the frame rails.
These trucks are heavy. I have pulled a few people out where the hitch mounters looked the other way. I haven't seen it but I would figure a few situations might turn that hitch mount into a pretzel.
Just a thought
 
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Old Dec 19, 2003 | 09:33 AM
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Originally posted by BlueOvalBoy
renaissanceman,

Have you ruled out warn's semi-hidden winch. I like the fact the pulling force is right between the frame rails.
These trucks are heavy. I have pulled a few people out where the hitch mounters looked the other way. I haven't seen it but I would figure a few situations might turn that hitch mount into a pretzel.
Just a thought
Yes, pulling at an angle (although not ideal) is sometimes the only way to get yourself unstuck. Many hitch mounts fail at the angles they're used at.

The hitch mount adapters for winches are generally limited to 9000 lbs. I have a 12000 lbs winch on my truck (it's a heavy truck afterall).

Also, the air bag sensors are NOT mounted in the bumper, but on the body.
The impact "pulse" may be a bit different with another 250 lbs of steel in the front end, and the semi-hidden winch mount also acts as a form of tie bar (cross member) at the front shackle hanger location.....which may affect the person you hit! (ouchie for them).

My truck has a pretty good lift and I always drive defensively, no matter how slow I have to go.

The only times I've been scared (for myself and other people) is on those rural road crossings where you're driving 55mph and you think "if this guy pulls out, he's dead"

I just don't want to get into an accident because if it's with a smaller car....I'll likely "win" (if there is such a thing as a winner)

-T
 
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Old Dec 19, 2003 | 02:49 PM
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Renaissanceman,

I have a 9,000 lb winch for my F-350 and I use a cradle mount and a front receiver. The receiver was a piece of cake to make with the stock crash bar the truck has. The cradle is more then stong enough for the winch too. I also store my winch in a tool box in the back of my truck. I first used an under the rail style and locked it all in. Now I have a cross over box that works well too. I can send you pics if your interested.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2003 | 06:04 PM
  #11  
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yeah - pictures are always good. Thanks
 
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Old Dec 19, 2003 | 06:43 PM
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I have a drawtite front hitch for my 9000 warn.
The hitch is pretty beefy and mounts behind the bumper. Bye bye plate And fog lights though. Sorry to hear about your truck, they havn't figured out the brakes yet huh? How long can it take to replace everything??
 
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Old Dec 19, 2003 | 08:25 PM
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hard to say about the truck. I'm in neutral right now. Truck has been in the shop since Nov 16. At the moment I'm fantasizing about the next one
 
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Old Dec 19, 2003 | 10:05 PM
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You know all things happen for a reason.....either it will kill you or make you stronger...I'm sure it will all work out..
 
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Old Dec 20, 2003 | 05:35 AM
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Originally posted by 99f350sd
You know all things happen for a reason.....either it will kill you or make you stronger...I'm sure it will all work out..
I'm sure Buddha would agree, but, we have had to completly trash a three month schedule of events around not having a vehicle to travel west in. Holiday plans in Arizona & Colorado and house hunting and overnight visits with grand children, etc. It's not life threatening but it has been a hell of an inconvience and a major disappointment.....none of which can be readly translated into economic compensation. Best I can hope for is my money back and walk away with that slightly screwed feeling.
 
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