Winch behind front bumper
 

I liked the idea of mounting a winch inside the frame behind the front bumper as I have seen some other people do to their trucks. My truck is a '72 K10, and I bought a Smittybilt X20 10000lb winch.

My first couple cardboard prototypes were poor designs that mounted to the bottom of the frame rail. My third prototype (which I ended up building) was the simplest design and mounts to the top of the frame rail. This allowed the winch to hang upside down and be mounted as high up as possible. It also allows the fairlead to come out of the middle of the bumper instead of the bottom. I just had to clock the clutch housing so that the handle was pointing forward instead of down.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

Since I'm a graphic designer, I used Adobe Illustrator to design the pieces of the bracket. The bracket is made of two parts because it would be too long to install inside the frame otherwise. I was able to see on the computer that it was going to fit. A friend cut the parts out on a laser at his work, and the shop that did my front axle work welded the bracket for me.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

I had to move the radiator out of the way to drill two of the holes down through the core support and the top of the frame. I attached one bolt, then used a floor jack and c-clamp to hold the bracket in place to drill the other mounting holes through the frame and bracket.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

I sandblasted it and painted it with satin black paint + primer.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

This morning I installed and wired the winch. It was way too heavy for me to hold and put the bolts in so I got creative with a couple floor jacks. I mounted the control box where it is easy to get to on the grill center support. The controller is wired or wireless, which is a nice feature.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

The winch has a synthetic rope instead of a cable, so it doesn't need big roller fairleads. I plan to get some plate bumpers made with a fairlead hole instead of cutting the flimsy reproduction bumper that is on the truck now. Total cost for material, cutting, welding, bolts, and paint was about $175.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

That’s a nice setup! Looks really clean. Any plans to sell the winch mounts in the future? I bet there’s a few around who might be interested. You’d have to pony up on your paid membership but might be a good side hustle.

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Very nice!

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Looks very clean. Nice job!

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Thanks guys. I don't want to sell it. If anyone wants the part drawing just send me a PM.

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I found a $15 bumper in town, so why wouldn't I cut a hole in it and put it on this truck?

This also gave me a chance to get a good photo of the mounting bracket.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

Looks great.

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I used some junk sockets to space the license plate away from the fairlead. There are wing nuts on the back so it is easy to flip out of the way. The winch is really hidden now.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

Nice, I put a flip up on mine too. Perfectly legal to keep the law dogs away.

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I like that, a lot. Well done.

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I agree, nice job.

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I like it, can I buy some drawings form you? do you run tow hooks, just curious if they still mount up. great work and thanks for sharing

we dont use no stinking front plate in pa.

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No front plate in CA is asking to be harassed by the police......:lol:

Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

Fantastic! Strong work right there.....

Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

I added some shackle recovery points where the factory tow hooks bolt on. No interference with the winch bracket.

I'm still thinking about how to make a skid plate to protect the winch, but until then I slapped a cheap waterproof winch cover on it.

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Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

Shackle mounts look good. Great idea

Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

I really like the clean concept an simple approach.
My son an I have been looking at different Ideas as far as mounting a winch

He just bought an 86k20 as his first rig, and I am teaching him as we go.

He just turned 17 an really enjoys wrenching on his truck.

Memo

Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

Very Nice !

Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

Look into a Factor 55 Flatlink, pulls tight against the fairlead so none of your rope is exposed, and uses the shackles you have instead of a hook

https://factor55.com/product/flatlink/

Re: Winch behind front bumper
 

Impressive work on your setup. The winch looks really sturdy. I might consider installing the same winch soon. I've been using Smittybilt products, but mostly as an accessory like nerf bars and cargo rack.