Total Noob - Winch Install

[xxNomad74]

I bought my first Bronco in July (Heritage Edition): and I’ve made a few insignificant changes - grab bars, thumb screws for topper, floor mats - but I purchased the Ford Performance Warn winch kit and installed it today. I have the capable bumper and had to make some cuts to fit the brackets, but all things considered, it turned out fairly well. Took about 5 hours, and I’m pleased with the result. I don’t consider myself a mechanical person, so if I can do it, anybody could do it.

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[Deadpool392]

Looks good, congrats!

 

[Caldoh]

Nice job. Congrats on the install.

 

[swamp2]

I don’t consider myself a mechanical person, so if I can do it, anybody could do it.

Great job. Also nice of you to share the experience to help get others who may be concerned about this job, getting it over the line, as a DIYer.

 

[OCNORB1974]

Same.

 

[CDub from the OC]

Looks perfect, bravo!

 

[NC_Oak]

I notice the wire loom on those eliminated the white tape / banding that mine came with. I painted it as it was annoying to see the white band on the loom.

Nice job on install. If you're a noob to winch use, I highly recommend playing with it in a controlled environment. hook it up to a tree and pull the bronco. get used to how it works. pulleys, shackles, all the things.

 

[Bschurr]

I notice the wire loom on those eliminated the white tape / banding that mine came with. I painted it as it was annoying to see the white band on the loom.

Nice job on install. If you're a noob to winch use, I highly recommend playing with it in a controlled environment. hook it up to a tree and pull the bronco. get used to how it works. pulleys, shackles, all the things.

Good advice there along with some recovery training. Additionally, @xxNomad74 you need to tension the synthetic line

 

[xxNomad74]

Thanks for all the feedback. When i did the Off-Roadeo in Maryville, TN, they had a quick lesson on recovery techniques. I have a tree saver strap, some D-Ring/pulley combos, and soft shackles. I definitely need to try it out just to get the experience. Glad to have a group of folks that can share their knowledge. Thanks again.

 

[Douglasjwood]

Look very nice!

 

[Felix808]

Nice job. Congrats on the install.

I agree

 

[BigFootie]

Looks great on the Heritage. I like this implementation better than the hidden winch version. Did you do the FDRS modifications to the RCM module as recommended by the instructions?

 

[xxNomad74]

Looks great on the Heritage. I like this implementation better than the hidden winch version. Did you do the FDRS modifications to the RCM module as recommended by the instructions?

I did not. Being new to all of this, what are the possible ramifications of not doing it?

 

[BigFootie]

I did not. Being new to all of this, what are the possible ramifications of not doing it?

I’m not sure which was why I was asking. It’s the restraint control module and affects crash detection and seat belt stuff.

 

[Brian_B]

I did not. Being new to all of this, what are the possible ramifications of not doing it?

I have heard it modifies the airbag deployment parameters - but I think it’s not critical. I suspect it’s just one of those CYA things Ford does since it’s an official Ford item and they have to prove to NHTSA on crash stuff - none of the aftermarket guys do the same or even recommend it. And there is no apparent difference with or without the FDRS update

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