Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Looking for some ideas and input on winch solenoid relocation, I plan to move mine from the ARB and mount it under the hood somewhere and use the Warn remote (winch is a Warn M8000) for a cleaner/easier to use setup.
Funny you should post this now, I'm doing mine right now. Warn 8000, 2005 Tacoma. I'm rearranging the cables that come with it, short ones from the battery to the box (just behind the fuse box), then long ones out to the motor. Ordered two additional 0AWG cables for the long cable run.
Main thing I haven't yet figured out is the bracket to mount the box. There happen to be a nice pair of threaded holes on the side of the empty space I want to use.
Must... restrain... self.... from... picture... whoring... my... 2001 truck...
Seriously Dave, you will be very happy you did it.
While you're pulling wire have you considered placing remote operating capability inside the cab? I'm glad I did it - I can operate via the remote outside the cab or by dash controls inside the cab.
I spent some serious time working this one out:
I removed the solenoid from the original box and wired it into a completely water-tight box. I think it's manufactured by a company called Hammond.
The box originally had the control plug mounted directly as pictured below to be accessed with the hood open, however, this was moved to dash (see next image).
It's difficult to get a direct shot of the box mounted, it's tucked between the battery and fender.
The tricky part was wiring in an extra in-cab switch. (The red switch is the master "ON/OFF" with the amber LED indicating "ON" and the "IN/OUT" is controlled with the little black toggle to the left).
The clutch lever is also operated inside the cab with a "push/pull" style cable.
Finally, I filled in the ugly hole in the ARB bumper that let all the mud/rain/snow in from the top. A piece of aluminum was cut to shape and bolted in. I covered it all up with some grip-tape.
I spent some serious time working this one out:
I removed the solenoid from the original box and wired it into a completely water-tight box. I think it's manufactured by a company called Hammond.
The box originally had the control plug mounted directly as pictured below to be accessed with the hood open, however, this was moved to dash (see next image).
It's difficult to get a direct shot of the box mounted, it's tucked between the battery and fender.
The tricky part was wiring in an extra in-cab switch. (The red switch is the master "ON/OFF" with the amber LED indicating "ON" and the "IN/OUT" is controlled with the little black toggle to the left).
The clutch lever is also operated inside the cab with a "push/pull" style cable.
Finally, I filled in the ugly hole in the ARB bumper that let all the mud/rain/snow in from the top. A piece of aluminum was cut to shape and bolted in. I covered it all up with some grip-tape.
I fabbed a simple "L" shaped bracket to attach the Warn solenoid from my 9.5XP to the upper fender of my '99LC. It has worked out just perfect.
I added Slee's remote control/in cab circuitry along with a OEM Toyota antenna switch (momentary 2-way switch) for in-cab operation of the winch.
Not your engine bay certainly but it may give you an idea