Originally Posted by generald

Whew, it took a village but we now have a reasonable option for 2014+ Limited's wanting a front winch!

Bad news first, I didn't take install pictures but will post some finished pictures soon. Let me know if you have any questions, I can answer off memory (for now).

My Setup

• Mount: BudBuilt Hidden Winch Mount*
• Winch: Smittybilt Gen2 X2O COMP 10000 Waterproof Winch 98510 (wireless!)
• Fairlead: Factor55 Hawse 1.0 (should have gone 1.5 due to size*)
• Winch Hook: Factor55 FlatLink E (should have gone other due to size*)

Mount...while someone on T4R did use the 2010-2013 version, BudBuild is releasing a 2014+ Limited version 'soon'. You can call to order one until the website it updated. The new version comes with two recovery points (not light brackets) which is a huge plus for Limiteds.

Winch...picked up a used Smittybilt. With a little cleanup and a 180* rotation of the control box, the winch connector faces the clutch and drivers side of the car for easy access under the hood.

Fairlead...you want the deepest possible option. I saved a few bucks on the 1.0 online but the 1.5 version would be better. As I have ZERO interest in taking off my bumper again, it stays for now.

Winch Hook...while Factor55 makes bomb-proof gear...their links measure 4.25" and we need something a bit less unless you want to cut even more plastic. Their Flatilink-Expert does fit, but it is tight. Given how great the link it, I will deal with the tight fit for now.

(Front) Winch Line & Recovery Tabs...New recovery points are great and likely don't require the cuts I had to make. Test fit this better than I did! The fairlead, hook, and winch line will require cuts.The third grate from the top of the bumper is pretty easy to cut from there.

Top Winch Controls Access...for ease for clutch control or backup wired remote control, you can easily cut a hole in the plastic top radiator cover. I saw a video of someone who added a piano hinge and a magnet as a nice finishing touch...this is on my list!

Electrical...I upgraded to an AGM group 27 from Batteries+ during one of their seasonal sales and added a Blue Sea HD Battery Selector switch as a hard off. You will need some heavy gauge cabling to do this safely but you can buy pre-crimped options or DIY via an online kit for a few bucks. You don't need to do either, but I for safety and build-sake, I did.

Install guide coming soon

Pictures





Final thoughts...

• Winches are heavy. You are adding 30lbs for the mount and 70lbs for the winch. Ensure you have the right suspension setup to make this work.
• The install took 12 hours of work. With these instructions and pictures, and higher competency, I bet you could do it in less.
• Go easy on all the hardware...I learned not all grade 8 are made the same and most bolts are unforgiving. Go easy and don't tighten down everything until after you have all bolts started for each section of the install.
• To gain further front clearance around the winch...cut more. To gain more vehicle clearance, cut the bottom of the bumper too.
• With all the plastic to cut, I suggest a paint marker, painter's tape, and a reciprocating air saw. Spend the $100 to make your life easier and then use it for your slider's install with stock limited rocker panels!
• This is the 'hard way' to add a winch to yoru Limited. I spent around $1200 for the entire setup but at nearly 2.5x the cost, an aluminum bumper would be the 'right' way to do it. For my use case, this works, but learn from me and weight the decision here -- you get an easier, cleaner, stronger install with a full bumper IMHO.