[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.

 

[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.

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.

 

[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.

 

[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.