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.SteveO said: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
Take a look in the "Cheap Tricks" folder for a link to the write up I believe you are talking about.platform389 said: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.
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...tacoma0309 said:What about pulling another truck out of a mud hole using your front tow hook? Would that do any damage to the frame??
Steve,SteveO said: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.
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.tacoma0309 said:What about pulling another truck out of a mud hole using your front tow hook? Would that do any damage to the frame??
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. ...SteveSilverTaco said: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 said: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
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. ....SteveSilverTaco said: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?
I got it covered, thanks anyways. :xmoon:Zzyzx said: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.![]()