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Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco

mvilla

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Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount

Wanted to share this since I haven’t heard it discussed on here. I will probably be replacing my RC hidden winch skid plate soon and this looks like a good option.

I spoke with them on the phone and they said it does not work with the modular bumper, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t.
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flashpunk

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Curious why you're wanting to replace your RC hidden winch
 

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I'm concerned they don't call out 2.3 vs 2.7 in the installation. Heck the install guide looks like some of the pics were stolen from the RC guide.
Doesn't it? Im pretty sure the install guide says "if you have a 2.7 go to this part".

I didn't install mine, 4wp did, they did tell me it was a difficult job, more than they were expecting. I'm not disagreeing with you at all, just wondering if there is something I should be concerned about 🙂
 

GI_Jo_Nathan

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Interesting. I feel like it looks like more lost approach angle and clearance then even the RC kit.
 

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dgorsett

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Interesting. They have you clock the gearbox so you can reach the clutch through that big hole I guess. Looks same as RC otherwise? 2x money?
 
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mvilla

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Curious why you're wanting to replace your RC hidden winch
I’ve banged it up pretty bad now and looking for something a little stronger. I know lobo off road has theirs, which I might go for, but then you need to install the high mount inter cooler as well.
 

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... but then you need to install the high mount inter cooler as well.
I don't recall intercooler relocation being necessary for the Lobo hnt hidden winch... pretty sure it's still there in their pictures.
 
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mvilla

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I don't recall intercooler relocation being necessary for the Lobo hnt hidden winch... pretty sure it's still there in their pictures.
I think it is for the 2.7. Should have specified.
 

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IC relocation is the best way to go if you want to tuck that winch in there and not hurt your approach angle.


Ford Bronco Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco IMG_3257.JPG


Ford Bronco Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco IMG_3296.JPG



Here is my take on the whole IC thing. OEM IC is ok on the 2.3. Same IC for the 2.7. I would think the 2.7s IC should be bigger. So, in my eyes the 2.7 benefits more from the upgraded IC. The 2.3 will still gain though just not as much. I did not compare (2.3 vs 2.7) dyno numbers from Mishimoto, just the way I see it. OEM setup is below cooling fans. If you are not moving, no air is going through the IC. This creates higher discharge temps. Slow trails would elevate the air temps going into the engine. With the high mount it is now, at least, in the cooling fan flow. Side note: I have not seen elevated coolant temps with the IC up there. Slow trails should now see cooler air charge temps. It is not much but I'm sure it helps. Putting the IC up there also helps to put the winch where it should be, between the frame rails. Not on top of the bumper. Not stuck 2 feet out in front of the bumper. Just my 2 cents.
 
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mvilla

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IC relocation is the best way to go if you want to tuck that winch in there and not hurt your approach angle.


IMG_3257.JPG


IMG_3296.JPG



Here is my take on the whole IC thing. OEM IC is ok on the 2.3. Same IC for the 2.7. I would think the 2.7s IC should be bigger. So, in my eyes the 2.7 benefits more from the upgraded IC. The 2.3 will still gain though just not as much. I did not compare (2.3 vs 2.7) dyno numbers from Mishimoto, just the way I see it. OEM setup is below cooling fans. If you are not moving, no air is going through the IC. This creates higher discharge temps. Slow trails would elevate the air temps going into the engine. With the high mount it is now, at least, in the cooling fan flow. Side note: I have not seen elevated coolant temps with the IC up there. Slow trails should now see cooler air charge temps. It is not much but I'm sure it helps. Putting the IC up there also helps to put the winch where it should be, between the frame rails. Not on top of the bumper. Not stuck 2 feet out in front of the bumper. Just my 2 cents.
I really like your setup. You make a great case for the high mount intercooler. I might have to bite the bullet and do it.

I’m curious where do the other sensors go on your bumper? I see two of them.

Also, did you have to weld or fab anything to get your winch there?
 

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I really like your setup. You make a great case for the high mount intercooler. I might have to bite the bullet and do it.

I’m curious where do the other sensors go on your bumper? I see two of them.

Also, did you have to weld or fab anything to get your winch there?

I have a Base model, no sensors needed. I like life on the edge. 😁

In all seriousness. The other two sensor holes were in the center part of the bumper I cut out to make room for the winch.

Interweb pic of the bumper before surgery.

Ford Bronco Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco 1724461664400-uj


https://www.trailfx.com/p-trailfx-bumper-br001t

Boy, they really shot up in price. :(


:unsure: I need to update my build thread. 😁 Basically I cut the center part of the bumper out and fabbed up two brackets to mount the winch plate to. Then mounted them to the bumper.


Ford Bronco Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco IMG_0610




Ford Bronco Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco IMG_2502



This pic is as if you are the winch. IC tube to the left.

Ford Bronco Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco IMG_3180




This can be done with the sensors as well. You just can't move them. My initial plan was to use this winch............


Ford Bronco Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco 1724462676362-io


...............it is only 17" end to end, and it would fit in between the IC tubes. My financial situation was about to change and had to get what I could get and deal with it. With this smaller winch style, you could get away with not cutting much of any of bumper out. Maybe just the lower tube and leave the flat plate, where the sensor holes are, there.
 
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GI_Jo_Nathan

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IC relocation is the best way to go if you want to tuck that winch in there and not hurt your approach angle.

Here is my take on the whole IC thing. OEM IC is ok on the 2.3. Same IC for the 2.7. I would think the 2.7s IC should be bigger. So, in my eyes the 2.7 benefits more from the upgraded IC. The 2.3 will still gain though just not as much. I did not compare (2.3 vs 2.7) dyno numbers from Mishimoto, just the way I see it. OEM setup is below cooling fans. If you are not moving, no air is going through the IC. This creates higher discharge temps. Slow trails would elevate the air temps going into the engine. With the high mount it is now, at least, in the cooling fan flow. Side note: I have not seen elevated coolant temps with the IC up there. Slow trails should now see cooler air charge temps. It is not much but I'm sure it helps. Putting the IC up there also helps to put the winch where it should be, between the frame rails. Not on top of the bumper. Not stuck 2 feet out in front of the bumper. Just my 2 cents.
I agree on all points. I was waiting to see if prices would drop a little on the Mishimoto High-Mount IC when I ran across this one from Wagner Tuning. I installed it this past weekend. I'll say up front that it didn't come with instructions, and I had to slightly modify both hoses because. But I'm super happy. Especially for $900.
Still working on the rest of the winch setup.

Ford Bronco Superwinch Hidden Winch Mount for Bronco 20240818_110354
 

BAUS67

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I agree on all points. I was waiting to see if prices would drop a little on the Mishimoto High-Mount IC when I ran across this one from Wagner Tuning. I installed it this past weekend. I'll say up front that it didn't come with instructions, and I had to slightly modify both hoses because. But I'm super happy. Especially for $900.
Still working on the rest of the winch setup.

20240818_110354.jpg

That looks like a sweet setup. And the price. 😲 I like it. It is a pretty straightforward install. Doable without instructions, just YT take my Bronco apart. :ROFLMAO: They are being "green" by not printing them. I see it happening more and more in today's world.
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