Great idea! I'm also a bit worried about the stock mounts not being strong enough for the added leverage of the tube.
This may be a route I go, building a winch bumper first then on to sliders and rear bumper.
its maddening, lol. I want to show up at the rail yard with my truck and trailer wearing a reflective vest, hard hat and carry a clip board and say "hi I am here to transport this vin..." could put a DOT number on the side of the truck for added fun.
something tells me that might not fly though.
my 6/28 blend date rig just hit Washington and is ~5miles from the dealer just waiting on transport from the rail yard to the dealership. SOOOOOOONNNN.
main plan is to fabricate mounts for maxtraxs, VHF antenna, strobe lights and chain saw. Easier to start with raw vs have to remove a coating to weld/bolt to the existing plate.
its a good tool, in my opinion and experience, if you ever think you might need it, get it from the factory. Locker (and gears for that matter) are very expensive to install after the fact.
if you plan to do much mountain snow driving (12" plus off snow) the locker is well worth it...
the larger rear axle in the bronco raptor also plays a role in the higher tow rating.
it would be great to see ford refresh and update the normal broncos with the same improvements for higher towing capacity.
I was holding out hope I would get mine for my birthday on 7/1 but I think that opportunity has sailed. we will see! just happy to at least have a date and not be completely in the dark.