Quote:
Originally Posted by 4RunAmok
For the hood release, I made it accessible by bending up the finger tab that used to hang below so that I could reach it through the grill. This has worked without issue since I got the bumper.
I don't run a winch, but I did have to finesse the AC line, Pelfrey used to supply a small bracket to relocate the mounting position of the line, which I used, and it doesn't interfere with the bumper.
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Awesome! Thanks for the tips.
More fab work to come for this. My PB project is on hold while I finish brainstorming additional features and finish my other project "Camping trailer" (stay tuned for that build thread). Both of these projects are 4Runner projects since the Runner is my tow rig and the trailer goes where the Runner goes.
As for the storm that consumes my brain, I'm heavily weighing the idea of adding a 2" receiver to the front of the PB bumper. I'm thinking I could weld a receiver tube directly under the winch mount plate. I could then either cover the square hole with the license plate (though I hate front plates) or shove some receiver plug in there. After checking the local fab shop, Harbor Freight, eTrailers site and of course The Amazon, I noticed a trend among receiver tubes and hitches. It seems that the 5/8" hole for the lock pin is within 2" of the reinforcing collar. With the angle of the lower plate (below the winch fairlead) I would either have to let the receiver stick out several inches to access the pin or recess it so far back that I'd have to open the hood to get to the pin.
So with that said, I think I've devised a plan (pics to follow soon). I'm going to fab up a hidden integrated lock pin (kind of like a dead bolt on a gate or a cane pole anchor). The pin will be a large "L" shape. With a couple of sleeves on the receiver tube welded to a gusset under the winch mount and then to the receiver tube on each side. The pin will be longer on one side so it can extend completely through and protrude through the opposing sleeve. From the top, I'll cut an elongated hole (just a bit longer than the length of the throw) for the "L" leg to extend up through the mounting plate. I can then either access the pin through the left side (existing) cutout in the front of the bumper or from the top with the hood open. I'll add some spring option (torsion, detent, leaf) to hold the pin in either position.
However, this mod will have to wait until the winch arrives so I don't create some interference with it. More fab work to come!
I'll add some pics later in the evening edition edit of this post, stay tuned.
Several evenings later...
The evening edition edit is here.
I had to first sketch this idea out to, a) get it out of my brain, and b) see it on paper so my minds eye wasn't the only one enjoying this idea. Now that I can see it with my eyes I can scale it and work on the little details. ALL FEEDBACK IS WELCOME! So please, guys and gals, throw me your thoughts here so I can make sure that I cover all angles. Maybe you don't have a hitch on your winch bumper but maybe you have a front hitch and have a point to make so please throw your $.02 in. It's worth the investment.
Front & back sketch
Close up of the hitch itself
Top view of how I think the lock pin could work. Three options for a spring included.