Hi all,
I recently did this mod to my 2008 Silverado 2500HD and the only info I could find on it was here at Expedition Portal, but it had very little detail and zero photos.
I acknowledge the 2nd gen Silverado is not popular amongst GM truck guys and even less so for overlanding, but I want this project documented for any future wayward internet traveller looking to do the same mod.
This is the truck in question:
This is the winch plate in question:
bit.ly
This winch plate is made for the 1/2 ton 1500 Silverado. The problem with this kit for us 2500HD truck owners, is the HD frame is roughly 1/2 inch wider than the 1500, and the tow hook bolt is in a SLIGHTLY different spot than on the 1500.
Onto the mod...
1) First take a look at the front of your frame, behind the front bumper, you should see this 3 bolt pattern:
(Inside of frame) (Outside of frame) The top two are 21mm and the bottom one, which helps retain your tow hook, is 18mm. You might not have a 21mm in your toolkit, as it's a bit uncommon, so just a heads up.
Here is the bracket that comes with the winch plate:
2) Now take some 1/4 inch steel which you're going to drill and cut into a spacer. I wasn't sure how many I'd need so I made 4. But I only needed 1, as it would have been REALLY snug with 2. As you can see you need to copy the hole pattern and oval out the tow hook hole. I didn't have to copy the pattern exactly as I only needed 3 holes, but did it anyway. Check it out:
And here:
https://imgur.com/tDUtBzw
And here:
https://imgur.com/b0aNv1i
Once that's done, you can see here why you need to oval out the tow hook hole:
https://imgur.com/JpEhb9L
3) The spacer will go right in thusly:
imgur.com
Here is the plate with the modified brackets installed:
imgur.com
At this point, I installed the winch onto the plate itself.
4) Now take off your front bumper, couldn't be easier. It's 10 bolts. They are located here:
imgur.com
5) Put in the complete winch assembly, reinstall bumper
6) You'll have to cut an opening in the bumper plastic to reveal the fairlead. I used a Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel. Be careful not to slice into the winch rope/cable.
imgur.com
And done
imgur.com
Once it's installed, you actually reach through the bumper air damn vent thingie to release the winch clutch or plug in the controller.
ALSO, in case you're not familiar with this platform, the 2nd gen Silverado is split into the '10 model year and older and the '11 and newer. THIS tutorial is for '10 and older. No idea if it would work for the '11 and up. I'm guessing no, however,
I recently did this mod to my 2008 Silverado 2500HD and the only info I could find on it was here at Expedition Portal, but it had very little detail and zero photos.
I acknowledge the 2nd gen Silverado is not popular amongst GM truck guys and even less so for overlanding, but I want this project documented for any future wayward internet traveller looking to do the same mod.
This is the truck in question:
This is the winch plate in question:
GM Hidden Winch Mounting Plate (07-13 Silverado/Sierra 1500 PU)
A sleek recovery solution that looks like stock! Unlike many hidden winch solutions, Rough Country's GM Hidden Winch Plate boasts an incredibly easy install process and does NOT require moving your factory bumper from stock location.
bit.ly
This winch plate is made for the 1/2 ton 1500 Silverado. The problem with this kit for us 2500HD truck owners, is the HD frame is roughly 1/2 inch wider than the 1500, and the tow hook bolt is in a SLIGHTLY different spot than on the 1500.
Onto the mod...
1) First take a look at the front of your frame, behind the front bumper, you should see this 3 bolt pattern:
(Inside of frame) (Outside of frame) The top two are 21mm and the bottom one, which helps retain your tow hook, is 18mm. You might not have a 21mm in your toolkit, as it's a bit uncommon, so just a heads up.
Here is the bracket that comes with the winch plate:
2) Now take some 1/4 inch steel which you're going to drill and cut into a spacer. I wasn't sure how many I'd need so I made 4. But I only needed 1, as it would have been REALLY snug with 2. As you can see you need to copy the hole pattern and oval out the tow hook hole. I didn't have to copy the pattern exactly as I only needed 3 holes, but did it anyway. Check it out:
And here:
https://imgur.com/tDUtBzw
And here:
https://imgur.com/b0aNv1i
Once that's done, you can see here why you need to oval out the tow hook hole:
https://imgur.com/JpEhb9L
3) The spacer will go right in thusly:
imgur.com
Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more from users like xripx.
imgur.com
Here is the plate with the modified brackets installed:
imgur.com
Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more from users like xripx.
imgur.com
At this point, I installed the winch onto the plate itself.
4) Now take off your front bumper, couldn't be easier. It's 10 bolts. They are located here:
imgur.com
Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more from users like xripx.
imgur.com
5) Put in the complete winch assembly, reinstall bumper
6) You'll have to cut an opening in the bumper plastic to reveal the fairlead. I used a Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel. Be careful not to slice into the winch rope/cable.
imgur.com
Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more from users like xripx.
imgur.com
And done
imgur.com
Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more from users like xripx.
imgur.com
Once it's installed, you actually reach through the bumper air damn vent thingie to release the winch clutch or plug in the controller.
ALSO, in case you're not familiar with this platform, the 2nd gen Silverado is split into the '10 model year and older and the '11 and newer. THIS tutorial is for '10 and older. No idea if it would work for the '11 and up. I'm guessing no, however,
Last edited:
