Winch effect on stock?

I’ve seen this question a few times, but everyone has a different answer. I have a stock suspension 3rd gen TRD Off Road. I want to add a hiline bumper and synthetic winch…total will be 140-150 lbs.

Can I keep the suspension stock? I’ve heard yes, no, maybe..and the off road shop doing the install said it would be no problem and that I’d lose 1/2 inch at most. I asked the question on Reddit, and had various answers…thought I’d ask here.

If I absolutely have to upgrade the suspension I’ll do that first and add the bumper/winch next year. I like the mostly stock look and I don’t want to lift/level unless I have to.

Thanks!

 

Find stuff that weighs about that much and put towards the front of the engine bay. Take measurements from the fender to the ground with them on it and without. then you will know about how much it will drop.

 

You can and it’s not going to ride well. It’s going to sag for sure.

 

Haha…I was literally just doing this. My 200lb stepson drops the nose about 1/2”. I’m just not sure how big of a deal that is.

 

@eurowner made a good point. You may not suffer too much drop but your ride will significantly decline.

 

So what is the fix? The shop is saying go with rough country struts or shocks….this seems like a bad idea. From what I’ve read, the OR trim already has 700lb springs on the front…so to I just go to something like a 5100 and keep the springs? I’m not a diy truck guy. I just want to pay money and have it work.

 

search around for what springs are best with your estimated additional weight.

 

Based on 700lb spring rate and a 2-1 LCA mechanical advantage estimate 150lbs would lower the front .5”. If you want a more empirical answer stand on the bumper and measure the before and after.

Also remember that weight will affect the dynamic behavior of your suspension. You really won’t know about your personal preferences until you add the weight and drive it.

 

What’s broken? If the loss of ride height is what you are worried about, there are many solutions across a great range in price. Here is a good primer.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-tacoma-lift-guide.509171/

Don’t assume you need to modify your suspension, but do it if you like.

 

I’m not worried about a loss of ride height. I guess I’m worried that it’s going to seriously impact the handling. If all I’m going to do is lose half an inch…who cares. Putting my 200lb stepson on the bumper dropped it..about half an inch haha. I don’t “know” if they are 700lb springs….I’ve just read it in here. It’s been surprisingly hard to find the exact specs online.

My biggest worry is sinking 1500 on a winch and bumper, then realizing I have to spend more to upgrade the suspension. If I knew I could add the bumper and winch with very little impact, I’d pull the trigger.

The opinions have been all over the map when I’ve read through stuff, and my automotive knowledge is limited at best. My shop says I won’t need to do anything to the suspension…..but I don’t have 100 percent trust in them yet.

I have a feeling I’m overthinking this…..

 

Dont get a bumper. Just a hidden winch mount.

 

Haha…I really want the bumper.

 

I would recommend saving up for both the winch/bumper and the suspension and buy the bumper and winch first, then test the handling and such and then decide if something needs to be done with the suspension

 

That’s where I’m leaning. The only thing that gave me pause was someone saying it wouldn’t be safe….I find that hard to believe with the OR suspension.

 

I'm sure you would feel a change in the handling but I can almost assure you that it would still be plenty safe.

 

Worst case, I’ll just leave my boat hooked up to the hitch…that’ll even things out haha

 

This site is full of know it alls. I hardly think you wont be safe. I ran a full bumper and winch on my stock xterra for a year, just a spacer lift, it was fine.

But it will sag, thats for sure.

I say wait and do it all at once. Suspension, then add your new bumper and winch.

 

Something that hasn't been touched on yet, but could help steer you in the right direction.

What is your intended need/use of said winch?

Do you do a lot of recoveries in your area where a winch would play a big role?

Are you just planning for that hypothetical situation where a front pull self recovery might occur?

Or is this primarily for looks?

 

i did this years ago before I changed suspension and it dropped about .5”-.75” or so. My winch and lo-pro bumper with light is about 140lbs or so. Rake was noticeable, but it drove fine as long as you don’t mind that soft up and down Cadillac feel on the highway.

 

Could just get the bumper and the BIGGEST Come along you can find and keep it in the bed. That is unless you plan on needing a winch a lot when out alone in the sticks.