Installing RC Hidden Winch Mount for 2.7

[ChrisInSC]

My ACC is not blocked. But I do need to do camera relocation.

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[vzqhsg]

Working on getting my hidden winch mount installed for the Bronco. Did the majority of the hard work over the weekend. Got the heat exchanger moved out of the way and the winch mounted.

Since then I've been working on my control box solution. I separated the controls from the solenoid pack and am mounting in different locations. I think the controls and disconnect mount looks super clean and is easily accessible. I just need mount the solenoid pack and finish running the wires to the winch.

After that I need to come up with a solution to move the engagement lever. I'm thinking a couple of swivel joints, some square shaft, and a bracket up by the radiator.

Installing with a HF Apex Badland 12000LB winch. Took the motor side cover off the winch because more space around that motor = less heat.

Also forgive me for my dirty engine bay, didn't realize it was getting that bad until o saw the pics. One more thing to have to clean after wheeling....

I like the looks of this mount, but ever time you get into water or even road grime won't the winch get full of dirt, etc. In MI winters we get a lot of salt spray from roads, concerned this will destroy the winch? Any real life feedback?

 

[Jdyount]

I like the looks of this mount, but ever time you get into water or even road grime won't the winch get full of dirt, etc. In MI winters we get a lot of salt spray from roads, concerned this will destroy the winch? Any real life feedback?

So the motor and planetary on a winch are sealed and I mounted the controls high up by my battery. There really isn't anything down low that will have a huge problem getting wet. If you do have to run through a big mud hole, you can always run the line out and clean it after.

Running into a mud hole or 2 per year isn't really going to be an issue. UV damage from sunlight takes out synthetic winch ropes much more often... Plus a good replacement line isn't any more than $100 so not the end of the world to put a new one on every few years.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

I want to mount the heat exchanger up into the engine compartment. And also relocate ( and upgrade) the intercooler. Then there is plenty of room available for a big winch to be totally recessed and not loose any approach angle or sensors/camera. Anyone else thinking along these lines?

 

[BRBlue]

Hands down the best looking solution. Glad to see it works with the Badland winch. Dont know if I have it in me right now to take on the trans cooler relocation. Watched the install video and it looks pretty painful.

 

[dgorsett]

So the motor and planetary on a winch are sealed and I mounted the controls high up by my battery. There really isn't anything down low that will have a huge problem getting wet. If you do have to run through a big mud hole, you can always run the line out and clean it after.

Running into a mud hole or 2 per year isn't really going to be an issue. UV damage from sunlight takes out synthetic winch ropes much more often... Plus a good replacement line isn't any more than $100 so not the end of the world to put a new one on every few years.

Did you have to move the control box to make it fit or did you move it to keep it out of the muck?

 

[dgorsett]

My ACC is not blocked. But I do need to do camera relocation.

Looks nice. I'm debating between this and the hidden like @Jdyount. I have the plastic bumper and a 2.3 so the hidden may be the better choice.

 

[ChrisInSC]

Looks nice. I'm debating between this and the hidden like @Jdyount. I have the plastic bumper and a 2.3 so the hidden may be the better choice.

Yeah if I had a plastic bumper I’d do the same. I’m not sure you can mount this one on a plastic bumper honestly.

 

[dgorsett]

Yeah if I had a plastic bumper I’d do the same. I’m not sure you can mount this one on a plastic bumper honestly.

Well it is listed for the mod, but from my research I'd say it will fit.

 

[Jdyount]

Did you have to move the control box to make it fit or did you move it to keep it out of the muck?

Both. If you buy the RC winch it all fits down low. It doesn't with the HF Badland winch. I could have come up with a custom solution to put it low but I think high was a much better choice.

 

[dgorsett]

Both. If you buy the RC winch it all fits down low. It doesn't with the HF Badland winch. I could have come up with a custom solution to put it low but I think high was a much better choice.

Well, I just ordered the hidden mount and a Rugged Ridge winch, so we'll see how that goes.

 

[ChossCrimper]

Working on getting my hidden winch mount installed for the Bronco. Did the majority of the hard work over the weekend. Got the heat exchanger moved out of the way and the winch mounted.

Since then I've been working on my control box solution. I separated the controls from the solenoid pack and am mounting in different locations. I think the controls and disconnect mount looks super clean and is easily accessible. I just need mount the solenoid pack and finish running the wires to the winch.

After that I need to come up with a solution to move the engagement lever. I'm thinking a couple of swivel joints, some square shaft, and a bracket up by the radiator.

Installing with a HF Apex Badland 12000LB winch. Took the motor side cover off the winch because more space around that motor = less heat.

Also forgive me for my dirty engine bay, didn't realize it was getting that bad until o saw the pics. One more thing to have to clean after wheeling....

Did you have to remove the shutters behind the grill?

 

[swooshdave]

Working on getting my hidden winch mount installed for the Bronco. Did the majority of the hard work over the weekend. Got the heat exchanger moved out of the way and the winch mounted.

Since then I've been working on my control box solution. I separated the controls from the solenoid pack and am mounting in different locations. I think the controls and disconnect mount looks super clean and is easily accessible. I just need mount the solenoid pack and finish running the wires to the winch.

After that I need to come up with a solution to move the engagement lever. I'm thinking a couple of swivel joints, some square shaft, and a bracket up by the radiator.

Installing with a HF Apex Badland 12000LB winch. Took the motor side cover off the winch because more space around that motor = less heat.

Also forgive me for my dirty engine bay, didn't realize it was getting that bad until o saw the pics. One more thing to have to clean after wheeling....

Where did you put the control box for the winch?

 

[Jdyount]

Where did you put the control box for the winch?

I broke it up. The wireless receiver is in the small electrical box I installed by the battery. The solenoid pack is mounted under the air filter box on the core support frame. I don't think I can get a pic without taking the air box out.

 

[swooshdave]

I broke it up. The wireless receiver is in the small electrical box I installed by the battery. The solenoid pack is mounted under the air filter box on the core support frame. I don't think could get a pic without taking the air box out.

Interesting!

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