HF Badlands 9k winch install ARB bumper

Note for entertainment purposes only.

So after lots of searching I could not find a solid answer that I liked about the HF Badlands 9k winch being installed in an ARB Bumper so here it is.

First instead of taking the bumper off we removed the grille and supports across the front which made it easier to see how it was going to fit.

Then once we knew how far to clock it we clocked the winch.

After clocking the winch we noticed the HF winch farlead plate had its own bolts which we skipped and drilled holes to line up with the winch holes. In my opinion using longer bolts to accomplish this made the use of spacers unnecessary.


Then we relocated the remote plug and mounted the cilenoid box on the back of the winch like it was supposed to be mounted.


Used the die grinder to make an existing hole larger and self taping screws to hold it in place.

After everything worked right we used silicone to close up the holes on the box to keep water out. Put my light bar back on and called it good.

Please note you do not have to trim the handle if you clock it right on the 9k I have heard the 12k you may have to.


Finished product.

 

Did you just clock it 90 degree?

 

Yes any further forward you have difficulty accessing the handle may hands are small well compared to a mans hand so it works perfect for me.

 

Why didnt you mount the solenoid on the top of the bumper?

 

The light bar is in the way or where the box is supposed to be mounted. ARB provides a bracket for the solenoid in the hardware bag and there are holes pre-drilled for it. Being in the bumper it's more protected anyways. I relocated mine to inside my engine compartment when I put the light bar on.

Make sure that you keep your winch cable snug, not slack. Daystar makes a buffer block that works well. Ex.

$34 Daystar, Universal winch hook roller fairlead isolator, black, fits most 8k lb to 12.5k lb winches, KU70039BK, Made in America, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Daystar-Universal-fairlead-isolator-KU70039BK/dp/B001GH5PRE

 

I understand that arb comes with a mounting bracket for it. Installing it in your engine compartment is a lot better idea than on the winch tucked into the bumper. If there is an issue with the solenoid than itll be a bitch to repai on the trail. I would rather have my solenoid in a spot to get to than a sweet light bar. Get rid of that cheap ass hook and go with factor 55 shackle mounts. Safer and stronger

 

I actually used the mounting bracket that came with it. It’s not too bad to get to and another light bar is not in the budget. I use the light almost daily so in respects it was important to keep. My flush mounted lights in the rear bumper are great too.

 

Hey if that works then hammer down. All i was doing was critical thinking not criticizing, if that works for you then im just making shit up, except fot the hook. When you get a minute i recommend getting something like this