Winch install Qs about relocating ATF line

[2000Sport]

Getting ready to install a hidden winch mount by Bud Built on my 2013 Trail. Crossing the front of the radiator there is a hard line ( for ATF cooling?) I need to move it upward a coupla inches to clear the winch. If it possible to bend, nudge the line up? does it need to be disconnected? and relocated? Will the ATF fluid drain out? If so, is the replacement process a pain in the butt, or worth bringing to my mechanic? Any insights are appreciated.

 

[MtnRover]

Getting ready to install a hidden winch mount by Bud Built on my 2013 Trail. Crossing the front of the radiator there is a hard line ( for ATF cooling?) I need to move it upward a coupla inches to clear the winch. If it possible to bend, nudge the line up? does it need to be disconnected? and relocated? Will the ATF fluid drain out? If so, is the replacement process a pain in the butt, or worth bringing to my mechanic? Any insights are appreciated.

The line you see is in front of the AC condenser is the power steering fluid line. It's solid but has hoses on each side for flex. It too was in the way of my winch control box so I put a slight backward bend in the two mounting brackets located at the base of the condenser. It moved the line back enough to clear the control box. It sounds like you might need a little more than that though. I did consider replacing the existing hoses on each side with longer ones to allow more movement but didn't have to go that far.

 

[phillyd2]

Check out my build thread for pictures but yeah, a slight bend is all that's needed.

 

[nglayton]

4x4labs sells a power steering cooling kit that would allow you to move it pretty much anyplace you want to run a hose to.

 

[phillyd2]

No need to buy, disconnect, relocate or even worry about anything.

 

[Seattle206]

If its the AC condenser line that runs vertical (silver colored hard line) you can carefully bend it out of the way. Just do not kink the bends.

If it the P/S cooler line that runs horizontal (dark grey-black hard line with the "U" overhangs on the right and left side) you can unbolt the clips which will give it extra wiggle room. Or you can do it right and get a complete replacement that offers improved fluid cooling and tucks away the exposed "U" hard lines (if running a high clearance bumper). Get the the 4x4 Labs P/S Cooler kit. Low profile and frees up so much real estate in that cramped area.