Winches location

[LEB Ben]

Hey fellas...I think I'm finally gonna bite the bullet and get a winch for the Bronco. However, I don't want to cut up the front bumper, or have to get a new bumper. So my question is, has anyone out there mounted their winch behind the bumper and used the slot in the bumper kinda like your lead? I was also thinking about possibly mounting a hitch behind the bumper, and making minor cuts in/under the slot in the bumper to the receiver is exposed...that way I could mount the winch or throw a pintle hitch in there for extractions(I think Ed, 75F350, has a similar setup, but I can't get in contact with him). So does anyone have any pics, info or a place to look? Thanks.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Thats what I was gonna suggest is the reciever mount then get a reciever on back so ya can pull from both ends. Have ya found the reviever yet? if ya cant find one id suggest just gettin a come along thats heavy duty and can handle the wieght of a full size bronco. I carry one or if ya want real cheap get a high lift jack and use that as a come along it works pretty good ya just have to reset it after a little bit.

 

[blacksnapon]

Hey fellas...I think I'm finally gonna bite the bullet and get a winch for the Bronco. However, I don't want to cut up the front bumper, or have to get a new bumper. So my question is, has anyone out there mounted their winch behind the bumper and used the slot in the bumper kinda like your lead? I was also thinking about possibly mounting a hitch behind the bumper, and making minor cuts in/under the slot in the bumper to the receiver is exposed...that way I could mount the winch or throw a pintle hitch in there for extractions(I think Ed, 75F350, has a similar setup, but I can't get in contact with him). So does anyone have any pics, info or a place to look? Thanks.

Why dont you mount a receiver on both ends. Then you can move the winch to either end. You'll have to run wires to either end though.

 

[blacksnapon]

Thats what I was gonna suggest is the reciever mount then get a reciever on back so ya can pull from both ends. Have ya found the reviever yet? if ya cant find one id suggest just gettin a come along thats heavy duty and can handle the wieght of a full size bronco. I carry one or if ya want real cheap get a high lift jack and use that as a come along it works pretty good ya just have to reset it after a little bit.

Looks like you can type faster!

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Looks like just a hair.

 

[LEB Ben]

Thanks for the quick responses fellas...I already have a rear receiver, so there's half the battle...haha. I really like the idea of a front mounted receiver...just wanted to see some pics or info...because I'd like to conceal it as best I can. I haven't found a receiver for the front yet, and yes I do have a Hi-Lift, but damn it gets tiresome trying to get unstuck...and Lord knows I'm not going through that amount of workto get someone else unstuck...haha. So I am definitely getting a winch, just wanted to see a couple different setups to keep as stock of a look as I could.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Yeah I havent had to use the come along to get unstuck yet but I have used it alot to put trucks on car haulers and it works excellent and not to tiresome. I have a spare rear reciever out at moms I wonder if that would work?

 

[LEB Ben]

I have a spare rear reciever out at moms I wonder if that would work?

I dunno...I was kinda wondering the same thing. I would imagine it would work fine, and would just have to have it welded in place. If I did go that route...I have a spare receiver on one of my parts truck. Looks like another thing to add to the 'to do' list when I get home...or at least check and make sure it would work.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Ya dont need to weld it just put grade 8 or higher bolts on it and either double nut em or put nylon nuts on em. If its good enough for the rear it oughta be good enough for the front right?

 

[Fellro]

A rear mount receiver won't just bolt on to the front, the frame is a bit different, but you could figure out a way to modify it so you can bolt it on. The front receiver is also handy for backing trailers into a tighter place...

 

[Truckin4life]

would also be a good idea to box in the frame in the front.

 

[LEB Ben]

would also be a good idea to box in the frame in the front.

Great idea...not the best welder here...so I'd probably let a buddy do that part for a case of beer.

 

[bucks77ford]

With the front receiver mount option if you go that route, make sure you get a locking hitch pin so it doesn't get stolen.

 

[Skandocious]

A rear mount receiver won't just bolt on to the front, the frame is a bit different, but you could figure out a way to modify it so you can bolt it on. The front receiver is also handy for backing trailers into a tighter place...

At least on gen 8/9's you can't just bolt a rear receiver up to the front. Travis recently did a pretty custom job on his gen 8 to accomplish what you're trying to do:

http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7198

 

[LEB Ben]

With the front receiver mount option if you go that route, make sure you get a locking hitch pin so it doesn't get stolen.

Not to worry...I always locking hitch pins.

At least on gen 8/9's you can't just bolt a rear receiver up to the front. Travis recently did a pretty custom job on his gen 8 to accomplish what you're trying to do:

http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7198

Thanks Chris...almost exactly what I was looking for.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

I can back trailers in just fine with a rear reciever.

 

[Skandocious]

I can back trailers in just fine with a rear reciever.

Lol most people can-- what's your point? Ben wants the front mount mainly so he can put a hitch-mounted winch up there.

 

[Mil1ion]

i have a thingy like that i took off the 75/

i keep wondering what it was for

bicycle rack or winch

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

I know what he wants it for Chris I was commentin on what fellro said.

 

[UNRULEE]

If I may copy someone else......

This is what I want to do

He took a reciever hitch from a late 90's f150 flipped it upside down, cut it to width and welded plates on the end to bolt it to the inside of the frame. Cut out the area behind the lic plate to allow the reciever tube to be accessed.