Bent frame from winching?

[SteveO]

Has anyone bent the front portion of the frame from winching? It doesn't seem very sturdy and with the extra leverage from a bumper I figure it may bend pretty easy. Thanks. ...Steve

[faithoffroad]

I've always wondered that myself

[platform389]

Has anyone bent the front portion of the frame from winching? It doesn't seem very sturdy and with the extra leverage from a bumper I figure it may bend pretty easy. Thanks. ...Steve

It certainly will bend! An ARB mounts thru the frame ends and you are correct about the flimsy nature of that. Mine cracked and would have caused severe damage if I hadn't caught it.

Cut out the ends and had new heavier plate welded in as a replacement. Very strong now. There are a couple of members here that had posted photos and instructions that I used for the process.

If you plan on serious winching, this is something that has to be done.

[tacoma0309]

What about pulling another truck out of a mud hole using your front tow hook? Would that do any damage to the frame??

[Justox]

It can. I was pulling an F250 out of a snow bank once and my frame bent under the tow hook. I never was able to get the tow hook out of there after that. I had the frame straightened however.

[WATRD]

Cut out the ends and had new heavier plate welded in as a replacement. Very strong now. There are a couple of members here that had posted photos and instructions that I used for the process.

If you plan on serious winching, this is something that has to be done.
Take a look in the "Cheap Tricks" folder for a link to the write up I believe you are talking about.

I tore the endcaps off, but I haven't bent the actual frame... yet.

[mr.trd]

What about pulling another truck out of a mud hole using your front tow hook? Would that do any damage to the frame??

Been there, done that. I just got lucky that it didn't bend the whole section, just the spot of the frame where it was attached. then I slid off of a large rock in Moab and landed on the tow hook and really bent the frame...

[SteveO]

I know about the end caps but was wondering about the frame itself from the lateral stresses. I guess if the guys with bumpers aren't bending the frame then mine won't with the custom winch mount. Thanks.

[WATRD]

I haven't seen anyone do it yet, but that doesn't mean it can't happen :( Since you are doing custom work up there, you will have the chance to make it never happen to you as well :)

On mine, I figure the new crossmember/spring hanger probably goes a long way toward beefing things up now :)

[mudferret]

I know about the end caps but was wondering about the frame itself from the lateral stresses. I guess if the guys with bumpers aren't bending the frame then mine won't with the custom winch mount. Thanks.

Steve,
Another way to look at it is that with the set up you're going to you'll be increasing the strength of the front section of your frame.

[hytenor]

What about pulling another truck out of a mud hole using your front tow hook? Would that do any damage to the frame??

yes. several have ripped them right off doing just that. If you are trying to yank something that is much heavier than your Taco the hook can pull right off the frame. Use of a 'yank' strap or other elastic pulling gear is essential.

[SilverTaco]

Got any pics on the mount your making for the winch? You are making a hidden type mount right? I was curious because i have had the same idea.

[SteveO]

Got any pics on the mount your making for the winch? You are making a hidden type mount right? I was curious because i have had the same idea.

I'll post some tomorrow, for some reason I can't make it small enough to post at home. I just finished it though and it turned out awesome, I just need my winch line to show up and I'll be able to test it out Saturday. ...Steve

[SilverTaco]

Thanks. I have been very interested in mounting one behind the bumper. What do you do as far as the switch that allows freespool and winching that you have to switch? How do you get to it if it is under the bumper?

[Zzyzx]

Has anyone bent the front portion of the frame from winching? It doesn't seem very sturdy and with the extra leverage from a bumper I figure it may bend pretty easy. Thanks. ...Steve


There is a work around for the weak frame. But I won't tell you what it is because you don't like the new board. :p

[SteveO]

Thanks. I have been very interested in mounting one behind the bumper. What do you do as far as the switch that allows freespool and winching that you have to switch? How do you get to it if it is under the bumper?

If I could post a pic I'd show you but I can't so..... I took the handle off the winch, cut it, turned it 90 degrees and then TIG welded it back together so that it never has to turn towards the back of the truck. Then I cut out one of the sections in the tupperware air intake so I can easily get my hand in there to engage/disengage the winch. It worked out perfectly and if I could post pics I would. Maybe later. ....Steve

[SteveO]

There is a work around for the weak frame. But I won't tell you what it is because you don't like the new board. :p

I got it covered, thanks anyways. :xmoon:

[SteveO]

Here's a picture of the winch mount before the bumper went on, not a great picture but it was -24 so I didn't pull it outside.

http://www.4wheeler.ca/uploads//1100586669/gallery_575_8_1102532923.jpg

[SteveO]

Here it is basically finished but without cable. Not sure if I'll trim the tupperware or just let it sit the way it is on the fairlead.

http://www.4wheeler.ca/uploads//1100586669/gallery_575_8_1102532952.jpg

[obscurotron]

Not me. But I use a WARN Trans4mer mount. The uprights bolt into the tow hook spots, and they extend back along the frame a few more inches, where you drill out the frame and flasten with a 3/4" bolt.

[SilverTaco]

So the winch fits behind the bumper good? How hard was it to make the mount? Just wondering about have local fab make one for me.

[SteveO]

So the winch fits behind the bumper good? How hard was it to make the mount? Just wondering about have local fab make one for me.

It fit's fine, I just cut out the crossmember that the skid plates bolt to and trimmed the cross piece in front of the rad for the handle on the winch and it worked fine. After it was all finshed and bolted on I just drilled three holes and mounted the skidplates to the bottom of the winch plate. I think it will need some bracing from the bottom to keep the plate from twisting but I'm going to try it this weekend and see where it flexes then add some bracing after. It was pretty easy to make the mount, I spent most of my time measuring and I built a moch up from OSB to make sure everything would fit properly.

[SilverTaco]

It fit's fine, I just cut out the crossmember that the skid plates bolt to and trimmed the cross piece in front of the rad for the handle on the winch and it worked fine. After it was all finshed and bolted on I just drilled three holes and mounted the skidplates to the bottom of the winch plate. I think it will need some bracing from the bottom to keep the plate from twisting but I'm going to try it this weekend and see where it flexes then add some bracing after. It was pretty easy to make the mount, I spent most of my time measuring and I built a moch up from OSB to make sure everything would fit properly.

When you say to keep the plate from twisting is that the winch plate or the skid plate?

[SteveO]

The winch plate. I'm not sure how it will handle the load of winching, it will definatley put most of the stress on the back bolt which might pull try to pull up on the plate but I'm not sure. I'm an electrician, not an engineer so I'll be experimenting to see what kind of forces the plate is under. I think it will need to be reinforced though. ...Steve

[Dick Foster]

I don't worry about mine. I beefed it up right from the get to when I added the winch. I cut the end caps off of the frame rails. Then milled some solid rectangular blocks of steel to just fit inside the frame. They project way up inside of each frame rail. Each of the blocks are held to the frame rails with four grade eight bolts through the outside side of frame and the two stock bolts through the bottom of the frame rail. I just enlarged four existing small holes in the side of the frame. The blocks serve to mount the front bumper/winch to the frame. Later in the SAS process the little tinny cross member between the two frame rails was replaced with 2" X 4" .120 wall rectangular tubing. I don't think it's about to go anywhere any time soon. The only problem with this approach is that it more or less eliminates the stock crumple zone. It renders the other vehicle involved in any accident your new crumple zone.

[SteveO]

Hey Dick, do you think the 3/8 plate my winch is bolted to will bend up while winching? It's supported on the ends by 3" angle and has a piece of 3/8 angle attached for 14" in the middle to hold the fairlead. It shouldn't deflect forward but I think it may try to pull up and bend or else twist the back up and forward. I'll know for sure Saturday but am curious now. Thanks.

[Dick Foster]

I don't know Steve. I'd have to see it and then it would be a guess. It would depend on how much and what kind of loads you put on it too. Shock type loads resulting from slipping cables or a slipping load result in much higher forces than just the dead weight of what ever you are winching. I typically handle things like this by just going the overkill route. Then I don't fret about it anymore. Some folks bitch at me about it sometimes, Chuck and AJ for example but I don't fret about that either. LOL

[SteveO]

Thanks, I prefer to overdo everything as well just in case but I'll see on Saturday as long as my winch line shows up. I probably could have driven to Oklahoma and back by now and picked it up. USPS sucks.

[ATLRoach]

Have you talked to PHIL88 yet? He has the same setup as you for a couple of years now and doesn't have any problems.

[SteveO]

Have you talked to PHIL88 yet? He has the same setup as you for a couple of years now and doesn't have any problems.

No, never heard of him or seen it I don't think. Does he frequent the NB?

[ATLRoach]

Yeah his user name use to be Ippy88. Here is his member rig info..
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/memberrigs/profile.php?id=199&go=200&submit=Go&

[SteveO]

Oh yeah, sounds familiar. Just emailed him, thanks.

[SilverTaco]

It fit's fine, I just cut out the crossmember that the skid plates bolt to and trimmed the cross piece in front of the rad for the handle on the winch and it worked fine. After it was all finshed and bolted on I just drilled three holes and mounted the skidplates to the bottom of the winch plate. I think it will need some bracing from the bottom to keep the plate from twisting but I'm going to try it this weekend and see where it flexes then add some bracing after. It was pretty easy to make the mount, I spent most of my time measuring and I built a moch up from OSB to make sure everything would fit properly.

Also how did you know har far to mount it inward so the bumper would bolt back up? Trial and error kinda thing? i really like the looks of the fairlead when it is all you see on the truck. Lookes like its stock and it covers it up from the elements some what and theives.

[SteveO]

Also how did you know har far to mount it inward so the bumper would bolt back up? Trial and error kinda thing? i really like the looks of the fairlead when it is all you see on the truck. Lookes like its stock and it covers it up from the elements some what and theives.

I built a mock-up out of wood and clamped it on and tried it a few different ways until I got it to fit. The way it is there's no contact at all except around the fairlead but that's easily trimmable if I want to. I don't think it looks bad the way it is though so I'll probably leave it. ...Steve

[SteveO]

Hey Dick, I found you a new winch. 24K gold plated, would look nice on your rig.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=160152&stc=1

[Ted]

Hey Dick, I found you a new winch. 24K gold plated, would look nice on your rig.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=160152&stc=1


Link did'nt work.

[SteveO]

Link did'nt work.

I suck but here's another that should work.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307032

Pics are 8 replies down.

[Dyingyak]

Bling Bling!

[Ted]

I suck but here's another that should work.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307032

Pics are 8 replies down.


That would look perfect on Dick Fosters Taco.

[Phil88]

Oh yeah, sounds familiar. Just emailed him, thanks.

Looks gooooood. only difference i did was i mounted it ontop of the frame rails, either way its definatly stronger than on a arb. Had mine for about 3 years and i cant belive i havent destroyed it, i winch everyother day with it, push trees down and pulling my tractor out of the mud every rainy day. i dont have any pictures of it but its just on a plate like urs with a bolt on each frame rail and 2 plates booger welded on the side or the framerail and on the bottom of the plate .

[platform389]

Bling Bling!

Just when you think you have seen everything.... Note the $600 synthetic rope as well. Some people just have too much money for their own good...
:mad:

[Dunk]

Here is a link to petes site with step by step instructions on how to beef up the end caps. which tend to get ripped off (along with the whole bumber) when doing heavy winching.

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacoma%20mods/arbbumperupdate/arbbumperupdate.htm