These were taken during the installation. Here is the winch being installed on the bumper prior to installation in the 4R. The top of the spool is just slightly behind and below the flat part that makes the top of the bumper. This positions the winch within about 3" from the opening for the hawse in the lower plate on the bumper.

If you zoom into the red circle in the 2nd picture you can just make out the shiny T handle for the clutch. I can see the rear half of the spool and line by walking up to the truck and looking down and into the lower grill, or just opening the hood and looking straight down. There is enough visibility to see the line spooling onto the winch and have some control on how it lies on the spool. I have been minus the plastic upper cover for over a year now with no ill effects. I thought about cutting access holes in it but I have Popeye forearms and it was just easier to take it completely off. And I'm not sure why it wouldn't be just as accessible using the HWMS setup if the cover is removed or access holes cut. But I admit I haven't seen one of those up close either. And yes, that is Kevin of Southern Style Speed doing the installation for me.

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