Installing a Winch Mounting Kit when it comes to the Frame Flanges, strength wise.

[GoHack]

Just how strong are the Frame End Flanges on the Bronco when it comes to hanging a winch kit on them?

Can the Flanges handle the loads put upon them when a winch is used and a load is put upon them in the use of the winch w/o bending or damaging the Flanges, including quit possible ripping them off the frame?

The Ford Performance Winch Kit incorporates them.
A company by the name of Lodo Offroad use to have a flange reinforcement kit but they appear to not offer it anymore.
BFT2100 Bronco 2021 Front Bumper Frame Tie Brackets.pdf

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[BattBronco35]

I've read multiple threads/comments from people messing up their frame horns by putting on a winch mount w/ winch without reinforcing the frame horns. I don't have one yet but when my dad was going to buy a winch mount and winch, I convinced him to buy the frame horn reinforcements. ADD's is extremely popular (one my dad got) and that's $150 and is bolt on.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...termarket-options-–-master-list-guide.116609/

Found the thread with recommendations, sounds like Metal Tech is very popular and seems to possibly be stronger. More expensive but again seems worth every penny if you ask me.

Sorry for not having direct experience but did a lot of research on it before and seems like an absolute no brainer

 

[Felix808]

A lot is going to depend on how the winch / bumper system is mounted. For example a high mounted winch without some kind of tie in is going to have a lot of leverage.
For a winch bumper that solely mounts to the stock bumper mounts, it will leave a lot to be desired in terms of strength & I would recommend the frame horn enforcement.

I am really happy with ICON's system that ties together & triangulates forces when paired with both of their skid plates (engine & front diff).

 

[Oldhippie]

I have the TD reinforcement kit but he no longer sells it…good idea to get something to reinforce those ”crumple mounts”…

 

[GoHack]

Thank you everyone.
I'm definitely going to get something.

The next issue is what winch mount to get.

I have the Steel Capable Bumper on my Badlands.

 

[Fmuguira]

The capable bumper has a lot less choices I believe ….

 

[Smocaine]

It's a shame they finally discontinued the Ford Performance winch kit because I really think it was one of the nicest ways to carry a winch on the Bronco.
If you can still find one somehow, they can be made to work with the Capable bumper with moderate effort. I know it at least includes notching the bumper slightly.

 

[GoHack]

The capable bumper has a lot less choices I believe ….

Unfortunately, that's what it came with.

From what I read, the Ford Performance fits w/some minor grinding.

There are a couple of others which are said to fit as well.

 

[mjp2]

The Lobo Offroad kit is the one you want. I installed it last year and it's solid. It ties into the frame farther back that just the ends, and the clearance it gives by replacing the factory body mount brackets is just a plus.

As far as I can tell it's still available: https://lobooffroad.com/product/crash-bar-erase-brace-kit-bronco/

Link to my install below. The damage to the factory bumper mount plates was amazing considering my truck never had a mounted winch.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...tions-–-master-list-guide.116609/post-2643874

 

[GoHack]

Is there a way to remove those front bumper sensors?
Would I have to go to a Ford Service in order to have them shut off?

My '23 Bronco Black Diamond didn't have them while my new '25 Badlands do.
I'd like to get the Ford Performance Winch Kit, but it has no provisions for the Sensors.


.

 

[Bronc6g22]

Plenty of options for relocating camera and sensors. It's very DIY if you are at all inclined. I used Mountains2Metal camera bracket and MetalCloak sensor bezels.

 

[Dr Dan]

I have the Maximus 3 reinforcements. They didn't interfere with anything and other than taking the bumper off, nothing else was in the way. Ford did change the diameter of the whole in the frame. At one point it was 3/8" but the bolt is 1/2" which fit on previous years or something like that. A few seconds with a drill and I fixed that issue. It's my understanding (and I claim no expertise) that this reinforcement is mostly for any angled pulls, but a straight pull wouldn't make a difference with or without it.

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