Winch mounting opinion

[bronco_ed]

I was able to pick up a new OEM winch mount with all necessary brackets.(-winch)

I have an older 9000lb warn winch that is in good condition.(actually was outfitted with a 12,000 motor)

I suspect the winch maybe slightly larger in size than the OEM winch that is part of the kit) The winch will bolt up with existing holes and appears to be in center of fairlead opening and in center of Bronco grill. However from top down it appears to be more towards the passenger side on the winch plate itself. (Just fits without interference.)

See any issues? Thoughts?
For those with the supplied winch is it also slightly offset?
Currently just have a couple
Bolts ran up to dry fit.

Also matches the gray body nicely

Thanks,

Ed

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[bronco_ed]

For those that did install…Did you install a quick disconnect or battery shut off?

 

[Umichigan1]

IMHO, it doesn't look like a big deal to me. The cable and fairlead seem to line up ok and I think that's what is most important. If you think it looks funky you could buy a Zeon winch cover. With the cover on you'd never be able to tell it wasn't a Zeon winch and I'm almost certain the cover would fit just fine over your winch.

 

[MillerAndCheeto]

For those that did install…Did you install a quick disconnect or battery shut off?

I installed a 12,000 lb Warn EVO-S (it was on sale and cheaper than the 10 and negligible weight difference).

No disconnect or battery shut-off. It's been on for about 2 years now, braved multiple weeks at -30C, never had an issue. Still works just as good as the day I bought it and no issues with the battery draining, no issues with starting the truck, even at very cold temps.

 

[Tricky Mike]

Send it, it will be fine.

 

[wgw]

Just my opinion, but i have had a few winches, always included a power disconnect, as in last resort safety. Witnessed a gentleman got his glove stuck in cable (yes years back , not rope)… however it ate him badly because the operator inside wasnt aware. Also makes sense to me for short protection.. again just my opinion, look at ur draw in full load , couple 100Amps…,

 

[Tonka Bronka]

For those that did install…Did you install a quick disconnect or battery shut off?

The factory winch is centered.

 

[Fasteddy]

It's centered, but the factory winch is more symmetrical and seems bigger...
I ran to solenoid with custom bracket and a Jones plug for jumper cables etc.

 

[nolimits]

Different winch & mount solution but I also noticed the offset during install.

Of all the reason I noticed, it was because I had to install the winch to the bumper before installing both the bumper & winch as a unit to the Bronco. Once you do that you still have some cleanup work for parking sensors, wiring, etc and there are some plates in the front that allow hand access while you finalize that you screw in once done.

Anyhow I tried reusing my parking sensors and they only go in 1 way in the bumper. There is a different style sensor that is more flush but these extend out and then do a 90 degree turn towards the inside center of the bumper. Both sides do this.

The bumper and sensors are symmetrical and I noticed that one side was contacting slightly. I had to loosen the winch & use the mounting holes/slots to slightly adjust for this. As I got looking closer I realized both sides of the winch aren’t symmetrical.

When paying attention and looking at Warn’s dimensional data this is easily seen. See attached dimensions and also a photo during the install. The yellow circles are where the sensors are in the bumper. The chicken scratch at the bottom was me trying to show what the sensors and winch looked like from the top looking downward that shows a similar conflict like you had.

 

[nolimits]

For those that did install…Did you install a quick disconnect or battery shut off?

I used a 500a relay and used AUX3 as my trigger. Dead as a door nail until I flip on the aux switch. Not necessary but peace of mind.

in my case I also relocated the winch solenoid under the hood, but mainly to allow me to suck the bumper as tight as possible and increase air flow.

 

[bronco_ed]

Thanks all,

I am planning to run and locate an Anderson quick connect to plug the winch in. Also plan to carry a set of jumpers with the same type of connection. (Good for any 12 volt item with same connection)

Most likely I will also include some type of Cut off switch. I do like the idea to run to aux switch… easy access to turn on and off…

Thanks again

 

[Dover157]

Thanks all,

I am planning to run and locate an Anderson quick connect to plug the winch in. Also plan to carry a set of jumpers with the same type of connection. (Good for any 12 volt item with same connection)

Most likely I will also include some type of Cut off switch. I do like the idea to run to aux switch… easy access to turn on and off…

Thanks again

I recently install a solenoid wired to an aux switch to cut power to the winch. https://a.co/d/aFtsTZt
Had to modify its included mounting bracket a little bit was able to attach it to the front of the battery tray. Waiting on the silicone boots to get here to protect the wires. So far no issues with it.

 

[nolimits]

I recently install a solenoid wired to an aux switch to cut power to the winch. https://a.co/d/aFtsTZt
Had to modify its included mounting bracket a little bit was able to attach it to the front of the battery tray. Waiting on the silicone boots to get here to protect the wires. So far no issues with it.

Guessing you have the 2.3 engine? Didn’t realize the layout was so different.

What’s the scoop with the heat shrink tubes? Just take a pic before you heated them up?

I had a difficult time finding some boots that were the right size. I ended up using liquid electrical tape. Kind of messy and hard to control but a pretty good solution in that tight area. Locally available and multiple colors although I used red. I had to mount mine upside down to other fitment issues but you get the point.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Star-brite-Vinyl-Electrical-Liquid-Tape-Red/1001326662

Link to the relay I used:
https://a.co/d/dLehPku

 

[Umichigan1]

I don't think this is off-topic, but....
Why is everyone so worked up about adding a manual/external shut-off to the winch and/or a way to "unplug" it? What am I missing here?

 

[nolimits]

I don't think this is off-topic, but....
Why is everyone so worked up about adding a manual/external shut-off to the winch and/or a way to "unplug" it? What am I missing here?

Short answer….fire risk. Winch wires carry lots of amps, usually 400+ at max load. Having control is a good thing. Sleeving your wires is also smart. Upsizing wires appropriately are good too.

While we may think trail related instances, it could be from a wreck driving to work. Also potential vandalism if your winch is hot all the time.

if you haven’t seen this, it’s a good read. Inside that is the back story to the parts list and a much longer “why”.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...d-electrical-parts-compilation-thread.102132/

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