Winch Mount Thoughts - No Lockers

[indio22]

So, thinking that with a '25 Big Bend, no lockers, plastic bumper, plastic gravel shield, my best options for an inexpensive (to start at least) approach to increasing capabilities would be a RoughCountry hidden winch mount with a 12k, synthetic line winch. Would mount under the plastic bumper (no need to replace) and includes a steel engine skid plate. Would still need more armor underneath if I plan on doing anything really technical and likely a lift (2" enough? Don't want to change other suspension parts if I can avoid it). But for a start, the RC mount/winch and 285/70's when it gets to be that time.

Any thoughts on this approach? Should I focus on lockers instead of a winch setup? Just trying to prioritize my limited funds for the best bang for the buck.

Thanks!

I wouldn't get a winch or lockers until you've been off-roading for a while and found you can't get where you want to go without them.

I'd first consider some skid plates, in case you end up hitting or kicking something up. But I'm basing that on off-roading in the Rockies, maybe your area has less risk of impacts.

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[Booker’s Bronco]

I would do skid plates first to protect your investment. Just my opinion.

 

[Hummell]

Getting a winch in Louisiana isn't a bad idea - lots of mud, not too much in the way of rocks. Add a transmission skid though.

 

[Chrome_Pony]

Looked at another way: If you install the winch and lockers now, you will never know where your ability stops and the mechanical additions begin. Wheel your rig as is for a good while, like you're doing, with a club or a couple friends. Get a baseline on your ability vs the Bronco's mechanical ability.

To know where you need lockers, you first have to get stuck there. To know where and when to winch you have to learn the areas where it's possible and where it isn't.

 

[Bronco Naughty Pines]

I would say, its better to have one than not, you never know. I have the plastic bumper with the hide away 12k winch. I got high centered on a ice berm going in my driveway (too long of a walk at 11pm to carry stuff), and my lockers did nothing to help to get out of street (ice) and no one around BUT MY 12k WINCH worked like a champ. I've been wheeling for many year and went through Off Roadeo. You Never Know, it being, Mud, Ice, Snow, Sand and alone. Get a piece on mind!!

 

[dgorsett]

Looked at another way: If you install the winch and lockers now, you will never know where your ability stops and the mechanical additions begin. Wheel your rig as is for a good while, like you're doing, with a club or a couple friends. Get a baseline on your ability vs the Bronco's mechanical ability.

To know where you need lockers, you first have to get stuck there. To know where and when to winch you have to learn the areas where it's possible and where it isn't.

Good point. I never had lockers and got by fine until my Rubicon, then I got lazy and over confident and got stuck a bit, forgetting line and technique. Now I try finesse, but even with only one locker it still becomes the 'easy' button.

 

[CitrusBronco]

If you’re going to do a fair bit of off-roading and you are in LA, mud is in likely in your future and a winch will never be a bad purchase.
Hidden winch can kind of suck to deal with when your front end is under mud and water, because you can’t see it when you need to use it, I only bring this up since your in LA.
Lockers are great but remember most everyone was running open or limited slip diffs up to 15-20 years ago and we got along fine that way with the winch as backup.
I think a winch is a great option for a budget wheeler, a good winch can be had for a lot less $ than they used to be.
Grab some better tires as soon as you can, that will do the most good.

 

[Bronco Naughty Pines]

But a hidden winch, really how many times are you really going to need it, not seeing a this thing hanging out there on a bumper. Now you have stock bumper and and see nothing till you need it. Sorry I like the clean look better.

 

[Valhalla]

When I started wheeling I used sheer speed to blast past all kinds of things in a 2wd ranger LB. I later bought my '82 Bronco. I did my first real wheeling. I first learned I needed tries to keep up with the guys I was riding with. Later I found I needed bumpers. After that I lifted to have better approach departure angle AND fit bigger tires. Then I needed a winch. Then I needed a rear locker... I was tackling newer and bigger obstacles every mod.... getting better... I then bought a jeep cause the CJs just did better. I lifted locked and winched it. I built many more... I thought I would just lightly wheel this one... I am now planning for 40's on a 2 dr.

So OP, I tell you all of this to say as others suggest figure out where your skill level is and grow from there. Get a pull strap and a yank strap, become familiar with the proper attachment and use of each. Then go with friends being conscious of your ford depth. Then modify to what seems like you need next. Also be smart and wash all that mud out from under every time. When you do go to modify it is much easier with bolts and parts not caked with multiple adventures. Take the skids off and wash it good!!

Mostly enjoy and don't wander to far outside the comfort zone.

 

[archerscreek]

I have a BB (with rear locker). I added a RC Hidden winch mount and Rugged Ridge 9K winch which I feel is just right, does not come with engine skid but does have "steel bash plate". An engine skid is also a good addition. I have 1.5 to 1.7" of lift and think 1.5 to 2" is perfect, with or without (with is better) bigger tires. It gets sprung hardware up out of harms way without wacking out geometry, ride or handling.

As stated I have the RC and a locker. I have used the locker many times, never the winch (yet), and frankly in any case where I used the locker the winch would have been a PITA. So, if you can figure out a way to do it affordably, do the locker. I wheel mostly by myself, so there is seldom anyone around to yank me

This has been my experience in over 20 years of off roading with ATV/UTVs that have had winches and lockers. I use the lockers somewhat regularly to get back home so to speak. I’ve never yet had to use the winch, though there have been a few times where I was sweating bullets and was glad I had it just in case.

 

[Valhalla]

Lockers will push you past where you could go... winch can pull you back. I advocate both... in time...

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