In need of a winch mount

[Panzer07]

The Winch inside the ARB is hidden, but it has a good amount of room around it. I don't winch every 5 seconds, but I have used it out on the trail with zero issues.

Would a 12k warn winch fit in the arb bumper. Or is it too big


Torres

 

[Best4x4]

It should take a 12k winch just fine with a remote solenoid pack.

 

[4speedfunk]

ARB and Defelice make good stuff. Hidden winches work fine for occasional use. The problem occurs when you get stuck in goo that is above the fairlead. Another thing to consider (especially with the ARB and he BA) is the weight & shipping cost. Defelice, THORparts, CB, and Schwartzy are all UPS-able. ARB & BA will most likely require truck freight (several hundred dollars).

 

[4speedfunk]

And yes those pics are THORparts front bumpers. Check the website or this forum for more install pics.

 

[Robbie_]

http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.co...uxe-Bull-Bar&gclid=CJWWl_ad6MACFVQV7AodsiUAog this site has ARB bumpers with free shipping. Looks like a pretty good deal to me

 

[Panzer07]

http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.co...uxe-Bull-Bar&gclid=CJWWl_ad6MACFVQV7AodsiUAog this site has ARB bumpers with free shipping. Looks like a pretty good deal to me

That's a sweet deal...add a coupon or some match/beat code and you got yourself some sweet deal...that's how I got my rancho lift kit I could of saved some more money if I were waited for the rebate to come up again but Oh well...anyways this same way am planning on getting my ARB bumper unless I can find a good used one nearby...it is all about waiting and doing your homework online


"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man."
-Mark Twain-

 

[amrg]

IMO the THOR parts front bumper is a really nice bumper! Probably where i would get one once I decide its time to get a winch!
How much does the bumper weigh though? International shipping is abit expensive...

 

[Best4x4]

I'm running a THOR rear bumper and it's awesome. However since I live in TX I needed the extra protection the ARB gives over the THOR front bumper. We have deer out in the hill country, and I've totaled two 4x4's because of them. If I wanted a bumper for more clearance the THOR would be my #1 choice especially after seeing the quality on the rear bumper!

 

[Robbie_]

Does anybody know if this brush guard affects your approach angle at all?

 

[cgalpha08]

My guess would be very little. Your approach angle is the line from your tire to your front bumper so if the winch plate on this brush guard crosses that plane then maybe

 

[4speedfunk]

Brushguards have no effect on approach but, that winch mount sure does. At the bottom of steep downhills, that winch becomes a mud-shovel. (they also like to snag your garage door!)

This "shelf" type of winch mount can bend the frame rails if you are pulling at extreme downward or upward angles. Some guys weld thicker plates to the ends of the frame rails to try to combat this problem. IMO...that's sort of a band-aid. The real reason the frame bends is because it only uses the (4) mounting bolts at the front of the bumper. These four bolts are located in the same horizontal plane and because of this, they don't add any triangulation to the mounting stresses. Also because it sticks way out front...the shelf itself creates a cantilever situation. It acts like a giant breaker-bar on the front frame rails. Even though I'm not a big fan of these mounts...they certainly have their place. They are cheap...easy to install...and it beats calling a tow truck! If you are on a tight budget, and you need a winch...they're a great alternative. Another nice thing is: the winch is up high, and fully exposed so you can use and maintain it.

Most other winch mounts (actual replacement bumpers) utilize all (8) mounting bolts, (four more located further back on the frame). This triangulates the mounting and makes for a much stiffer winch mount. Also mounting the winch further rearward past the ends of the frame rails will greatly reduce the cantilever forces. They are more money but, I have zero issues hanging an H3 completely off the ground by the winch...if a THORparts, DOI, or ARB bumper is used. But I would never try that with a shelf-type mount, and I would be very hesitant to try it with the BA. While its true, the BA uses all (8) mounting points...but its built from very thin metal with questionable Chinese welds. There are choices out there...for every budget and every need.

Amrg... I have THORparts in Guam, Australia, Canada, Puerto Rico, United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Borneo. I'm sure I can get you one via UPS or Fed-Ex. The complete front bumper (with pods & grille) weighs only 110lbs. and ships in a 48"X12"X24" box.

 

[4speedfunk]

Taa-Daa! Took all of ten minutes. Totally do-able. If it were my truck I would probably get rid of the lower part of the fascia entirely. Basically cut straight across the blue tape.

Once you get the fascia sitting where you want it...simply drill some holes in the bumper and bolt it down (like the factory bumper). Then cut the lower grille to clear your winch. Cake.

I have powder-coated ones too.

 

[Robbie_]

Taa-Daa! Took all of ten minutes. Totally do-able. If it were my truck I would probably get rid of the lower part of the fascia entirely. Basically cut straight across the blue tape.

Once you get the fascia sitting where you want it...simply drill some holes in the bumper and bolt it down (like the factory bumper). Then cut the lower grille to clear your winch. Cake.

I have powder-coated ones too.

So you don't have to completely remove the lower front bumper to use that Thor winch mount that you posted? I have only ever seen pictures of Thor bumpers with the light pods and all of the extras on it. I would be very interested in one if I am able to keep the lower plastic bumper on while still running a winch.

 

[Panzer07]

That looks good


Torres

 

[4speedfunk]

So you don't have to completely remove the lower front bumper to use that Thor winch mount that you posted?

Yes. Take off the stock bumper and throw it away. The THORparts is not an add-on winch-mount...its a true "bumper" that replaces the stock one entirely.

I have only ever seen pictures of Thor bumpers with the light pods and all of the extras on it.

Yeah...I've sold a bunch of them. One of my main gripes was always the stock plastic fascia. The THORparts grille & light pods are separate pieces and they bolt to the body...while the bumper bolts to the frame. This makes it very friendly for body lifts, and you can hide the un-sightly gap and mis-alignment that occurs between the bumper and the body. Since its made from several smaller pieces, the THORparts knocks down to a very compact size for shipping. No expensive crate or truck-freight needed. I have always offered the bumper separately from the grille & pods but, quite honestly...nobody has ever bought just the bumper!

I would be very interested in one if I am able to keep the lower plastic bumper on while still running a winch.

Lower plastic bumper? I assume you meant the fascia panel...its simply a piece of molded plastic that fills in the space between the bumper and the chrome grille. Its main job is to hold the driving lights. Its not really a bumper at all. Its a separate filler piece and you can easily trim it with a cut-off wheel. Several forum members have cut the "wings" off them for their own custom look. The idea of running the stock plastic fascia instead of the steel THORparts grille & pods has been around for a long time. But, this is the first time I've actually cut one up to see how it would look. Surprisingly better than what I thought. Of course the winch is not installed and that would require some additional trimming....at least another two or three minutes worth!

P.S. I've lost track of how man plastic fascia panels I've tossed in the trash. At least a dozen.

 

[derian06]

Yes. Take off the stock bumper and throw it away. The THORparts is not an add-on winch-mount...its a true "bumper" that replaces the stock one entirely.


Yeah...I've sold a bunch of them. One of my main gripes was always the stock plastic fascia. The THORparts grille & light pods are separate pieces and they bolt to the body...while the bumper bolts to the frame. This makes it very friendly for body lifts, and you can hide the un-sightly gap and mis-alignment that occurs between the bumper and the body. Since its made from several smaller pieces, the THORparts knocks down to a very compact size for shipping. No expensive crate or truck-freight needed. I have always offered the bumper separately from the grille & pods but, quite honestly...nobody has ever bought just the bumper!


Lower plastic bumper? I assume you meant the fascia panel...its simply a piece of molded plastic that fills in the space between the bumper and the chrome grille. Its main job is to hold the driving lights. Its not really a bumper at all. Its a separate filler piece and you can easily trim it with a cut-off wheel. Several forum members have cut the "wings" off them for their own custom look. The idea of running the stock plastic fascia instead of the steel THORparts grille & pods has been around for a long time. But, this is the first time I've actually cut one up to see how it would look. Surprisingly better than what I thought. Of course the winch is not installed and that would require some additional trimming....at least another two or three minutes worth!

P.S. I've lost track of how man plastic fascia panels I've tossed in the trash. At least a dozen.

Do thorparts rear bumpers allow a 37" spare? And how would I keep the factory reverse camera? Just make a custom mount?

 

[4speedfunk]

Do thorparts rear bumpers allow a 37" spare?

No...35" max. You must modify the spare tire bracket, or flip it upside down on the hatch door. I cut and re-welded mine because not only did I want it higher on the door....I also wanted it closer to the door due to the offset on my aftermarket wheels. Here's a vid showing the mod...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TeH7UX0Gek

And how would I keep the factory reverse camera? Just make a custom mount?

Yes. Many customers have added factory and aftermarket cameras. I have not personally done this but, I assume its a simple project.

 

[Robbie_]

What is the price of just the bumper?

 

[amrg]

Do thorparts rear bumpers allow a 37" spare? And how would I keep the factory reverse camera? Just make a custom mount?

If you do a body lift I guess you will get that clearance for a 37"

 

[4speedfunk]

THORparts front bumper with grille & light pods...$799.
THORparts front bumper by itself (cut & modify your plastic front end)...$425 powder-coated...$399 raw steel.
Send me a PM with your ZIP and I can get you a shipping quote.

 

[RamRod]

Taa-Daa! Took all of ten minutes. Totally do-able. If it were my truck I would probably get rid of the lower part of the fascia entirely. Basically cut straight across the blue tape.

Once you get the fascia sitting where you want it...simply drill some holes in the bumper and bolt it down (like the factory bumper). Then cut the lower grille to clear your winch. Cake.

I have powder-coated ones too.

When I was looking for a winch mount last November I remember you telling me of this option, and I never thought much of it... Now that I see it, I sure wish I went this route!! Dang!
Live and learn!

Now someone do what 4speedfunk posted so I can see on a rig how much I really dropped the ball!

 

[Robbie_]

I'm hoping that I will be able to go this route. These pictures really showed me what I've been searching for.

 

[Robbie_]

And you aren't able to run a brush guard if you keep the fascia with the Thor bumper, right?

 

[4speedfunk]

You should be able to run any brush guard you like.

 

[Robbie_]

Just a couple questions for 4speedfunk, what did you use to cut the fascia? Do I need to drill holes to mount the winch or are holes pre-drilled?