Winch Mount Without Bumper

[02gixxersix]

So one thing I have noticed about this forum is all of the awesome build threads. I have also noticed that it makes it very difficult to search effectively :hatsoff: Is anyone running a winch without a winch bumper? How did you mount it? I'm probably going to build a bumper, but I kind of want to explore the option to just mount a winch and call it a day for a little while. I have an idea of how I would do it, but figured I wouldn't re-invent the wheel if people have done it sucessfully.

 

[Atomic6]

I typically use google to search this forum:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/132544-winch-stock-bumper.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/212901-winches-under-factory-bumpers.html

Good luck with the project. I really like the idea of a hidden winch. If I didn't get a killer deal on my ARB, I probably would have gone this route since I really like the look of the 96-98 front ends.

 

[HiLife]

This

 

[02gixxersix]

I typically use google to search this forum:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/132544-winch-stock-bumper.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/212901-winches-under-factory-bumpers.html

Good luck with the project. I really like the idea of a hidden winch. If I didn't get a killer deal on my ARB, I probably would have gone this route since I really like the look of the 96-98 front ends.

That's funny, I have been doing the same thing. There should be a build thread sub-forum. I usually look through the Google Images, but I only saw one or two examples of what I was looking for in this particular instance. Thanks!

 

[BrandonF]

I wonder how much interest there would be in a product like this for 3rd gens. A fully bolt on winch plate with recovery points and LED mounts.

 

[octanejunkie]

I wonder how much interest there would be in a product like this for 3rd gens. A fully bolt on winch plate with recovery points and LED mounts.

I would be interested to see it, having just installed an ARB bumper on my 99 I can tell you there isn't THAT much room between the core support and the fat lip bumper and you would be sacrificing the crush bar to mount a hidden winch.

Even then, it would have to be a smallish winch, not a lot of room there, which also means the winch becomes a crush can that doesn't crush. In the event of a front end accident you'd probably sustain a lot of damage.

I've seen it done on here though. Keep searching

EDIT: Google AdChoice found it for you http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/132544-winch-stock-bumper.html and http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/212901-winches-under-factory-bumpers.html

 

[MN4runnerman]

[MENTION=59542]Singtoe[/MENTION] does and has it in his build thread. And I think [MENTION=74071]Brilliant[/MENTION] does too? Not sure on him can’t remember.

 

[MN4runnerman]

I wonder how much interest there would be in a product like this for 3rd gens. A fully bolt on winch plate with recovery points and LED mounts.

Supposedly the Hidden Winch Mounting Specialists guys made a prototype but never brought it to market, unless they have now( I haven’t checked for a year). I’d like to do this to my DD 01 sport eventually. I’m just focused on my other truck (99) for now though.

Just checked their website they don’t have it listed. I think it would be cool but you would have to spend some $$$ big bucks for a small winch to to fit in there. So it might not be for everyone. I’ll eventually do it like Singtoe does but I don’t think I’ll put spacers. Maybe I’ll cut through the plastic mesh just above it and clean it up then try to fit a fair lead in there.

 

[octanejunkie]

[MENTION=59542]Singtoe[/MENTION] does and has it in his build thread. And I think [MENTION=74071]Brilliant[/MENTION] does too? Not sure on him can’t remember.

Here is [MENTION=59542]Singtoe[/MENTION] thread post on it http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/94282-v8-conversion-39.html

You can buy a tray like that a harbor freight, not sure he got his there tho

FWIW [MENTION=106706]MN4runnerman[/MENTION] has been on this for a while - why haven't you done it? Lol

 

[geocook717]

I swear I see something daily that I didn't even know existed, or was possible, and now I want. A winch without getting an aftermarket bumper, hells yea.

Props to all the folks that got this started.

 

[MN4runnerman]

Here is [MENTION=59542]Singtoe[/MENTION] thread post on it http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/94282-v8-conversion-39.html

You can buy a tray like that a harbor freight, not sure he got his there tho

FWIW [MENTION=106706]MN4runnerman[/MENTION] has been on this for a while - why haven't you done it? Lol

Eh I’ve got so many projects and not enough time/money. I have an 87 Jeep Wrangler that occupies a lot of my time and money, then the 99 trail pig takes a portion, then my 01 that is really just maintenance stuff(although I’m pretty much done with it/caught up). Plus there’s my dads 83 cj 7 that I help him with. And I keep adding more projects.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

...I can tell you there isn't THAT much room between the core support and the fat lip bumper...
Even then, it would have to be a smallish winch, not a lot of room there, which also means the winch becomes a crush can that doesn't crush. In the event of a front end accident you'd probably sustain a lot of damage.

Man, I sure saw a different thing than you- I have TONS of room behind the fat lip. So much so, I am planning on shortening my fat lip 3", and still have plenty of winch space.
Been planning this for over a year now. I want to mimic for my fat lip what SSO makes for the 5th gens. I absolutely love the factory front end, and that center setup SSO builds is so sick to me.
Sure, the crumple zone minimizes damage in light front end collisions, but the sacrifice is 100% worth it to me. In 17yrs behind the wheel, the only accident I have been involved in is when a guy cut me off and slammed on his brakes. Leave an appropriate following distance, pay attention to the drivers around you, and stay off the phone. Shít happens, but it's normally avoidable. I only hit the guy that cut me off because I let my pride get the best of me.

 

[Gavinstuckey]

Winch

Very interesting in doing this

 

[Renegade_Medic]

I've done it. It filled a "need" I had. I wouldn't recommend it, though. It was hard, and in the end, made it much more difficult to make my front bumper work properly wit the frame. It's also hard to see the cable winding straight, as well as access the plug for the remote. That could be relocated, so not a deal killer in and of itself. You would likely be better served by making a receiver mount in the front and put the winch in a cradle and have the ability to move it front or rear, or not at all, when needed.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/231681-build-thread-mothra-budget-camping-rig-3.html#post2636811

 

[octanejunkie]

You would likely be better served by making a receiver mount in the front and put the winch in a cradle and have the ability to move it front or rear, or not at all, when needed. ]

This is what I had found/read other peeps to say too about a front hitch mount and temp winch mounting

It's all good tho