New to ExPo. Saying hello, and presenting a predicament.

bcrez

bcrez

Adventurer
Hey everyone... I recently swapped a nightmare of a Jeep JK for a brand new 2010 Tacoma TRD Off-Road doublecab, V6, 6-speed manual, in white.

I absolutely love it so far. The 6-speed is phenomenal at climbing the passes at high speed, and at low-range the 6-speed is geared VERY low and can crawl under 1000rpms. I love it!

THE PREDICAMENT...

Before I chucked the heep I stripped it down. I took the WARN 9.5ti off it, and about 8 lights (spots, floods, fogs), CB etc. The problem is, I need a bumper to mount the winch... but if I mount a bumper and winch on the front I have to swap out the suspension to handle the added weight (I dont have enough cash for a lift kit/ I dont want to void the warranty). I was thinking about selling the winch and getting MaxTrax. Obviously this is not an equal replacement, but its a cheap alternative, and I could get new tires with the extra cash + little from the savings acct. I am really paranoid I will get a puncture on those 'Rugged Trails' in an inopportune place. More importantly I hear they are horrible in snow/ice/water... I am on a limited budget and I dont know what to do...
Parting with such an expensive piece of gear just because I cant mount it at the moment is a painful thought, but a winch in the closet or tires? Has anyone had any warranty issues after a mild OME lift with some tires?
 
jh504

jh504

Explorer
There is something about a winch that makes it seem like gold. I cant seem to part with them either. Have you thought about a hidden winch mount behind the front bumper? Then you would keep the factory lines of your vehicle, save a ton of weight, and you wouldn't need to swap suspension. Then down the road when you have the cash, you could swap the suspension and add a steel bumper at the same time.

My old FJ62 had a hidden winch mount and I will probably do the same in the future.

Welcome to the forum, by the way!

Edit: Here is an example of what it could look like behind the bumper.

winchcradle1.jpg
 
Last edited:
AlwaysExplr87

AlwaysExplr87

Member
I can understand hating to get rid of the winch, but I think you have a good idea in selling it and using the cash for tires and other recovery gear. Honestly, the rugged trails are awful and if you keep them you will need the winch. Another thing to consider is are you going to be taking your brand new truck down trails where you will be winching often, and if so are you going to be alone? I understand a winch can be an invaluable tool but for most of the trails and situations you will be getting into with a stock truck on those awful tires there will be other options for recovery. If you do decide you can't part with it you could look into having a receiver fabbed up to hide behind the front bumper and get a removable winch tray to mount the winch to. This gives you the option to move it from front to back and you dont have to haul around the extra weight when its not needed although you will probably lose approach angle.
 
jh504

jh504

Explorer
AlwaysExplr87 said:
Honestly, the rugged trails are awful and if you keep them you will need the winch........................... If you do decide you can't part with it you could look into having a receiver fabbed up to hide behind the front bumper and get a removable winch tray to mount the winch to. This gives you the option to move it from front to back and you dont have to haul around the extra weight when its not needed although you will probably lose approach angle.
Click to expand...

X2, the Rugged Trails are not that great. They handle like road tires off road and wear down fast like all terrains on the road.

The receiver hitch option is a good one. My next build will entail a permanent front mounted winch and a smaller receiver mounted winch for the rear. We do a lot of solo trips so self recovery is big for me.
 
ETAV8R

ETAV8R

Founder of D.E.R.P.
Hang onto the winch. Wear out the stockers and save up for some new rubber. When the time comes, and it will, to put that winch on you won't regret having sold it.
 
bcrez

bcrez

Adventurer
I am alone quite a bit. I have had a friend get stuck in stream crossings, I've been door high in snow drifts, and even slid off the road into a drainage ditch in winter etc. being able to get yourself out of trouble is important to me. I like the idea of the hidden winch mount. I hear what you're saying though, and I did think of the fact that with the rugged trails I'm much more likely to get stuck. I'm going to have to meditate about this and get back to you.
 
fbksurferjoe

fbksurferjoe

Adventurer
Trying to remember if I ended up posting pictures of my rear receiver mounted winch. If i find it ill attach them. Basically welded a 12x12 plate to the top of the receiver with tube bracers to keep it strong. I cut a hole behind my license plate and mounted the fairlead on backwards on the back of the bumper. It is completely hidden, and has worked for near every stuck i have gotten into. I thought about putting it up front and for self extrication it is better for me to have it in the back to pull me out of something rather than pull me through it. Just my 2 cents
 
D

Deleted member 9101

Guest
SilverBullet said:
Agreed, then the weight is not an issue unless needed, and you are still able to have the recovery when needed in front or rear.
Click to expand...

Yup..the best part is you can take it off keep it in your garage.
 
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