Winch effect on stock?

Ha. Agreed it’s important to know your tools. As a trained firefighter I get to use all sorts of “extremely dangerous” tools, but I always take a methodical approach. Can’t learn if you don’t try.

 

Cutting for the fair lead? Measure twice, cut once. Start inside the perimeter and take it slow. Back off and restart as the blade warps. Double tape the protected face. Use a bastard file to finish it. Center punch all holes in steel every time. Paint everything. Done.

 

Nope. The bumper I’m looking at requires cutting the factory bumper. I’ll do the front suspension myself, but I’m not cutting into my factory bumper. I’m certain it’s easy…but I’m not doing it.

 

My winch has helped me many of times pull out the thick slop mud we have down here in sc. Best 500 dollar decision ive ever made. Also travel up to the nc mountains every now and then and help pull people that drive their 2wd vehicles up the mountains and end up in the ditch. I have the smittybilt x20 and it has been 100% fabulous. You don’t necessarily need a full bumper, but i like the added protection.

 

dude who cares if you fck up its ur bumper that youre gonna cut, its gonna be wrecked either way cus ur cutting it. Go to harbor freight buy an angle grinder and cutoff wheel and some glasses and hearing protection if ur a wimp like me and some masking tape. Total cost no more than $30

 

I’d deff get a winch. If I’m using a shovel or come along or high lift Jack things have done got shitty. One time of using a winch it’s worth its money. When I was young in high school and would do dumb stuff and get stuck ny dad would bring me the come along to get out with. It work you down even in good shape. The biggest take away for me was when I was older and had a job doing dumb stuff I’d have a winch.

 

Just get the right coil when you do the swap. 3rd gens are different from 2nd gen.

 

i cut my stock bumper with a 1” dremel disc and some tape

 

thts honestly better, they sell a knockoff one at horbor freight

 

I’m hoping I won’t need it, but based on the things I like to do I’m sure I eventually will. I spend most of my time in Ohio, WV, and eastern PA. We’re doing a trip out to Telluride in June, but I doubt I’ll need it out there for the trails we'll be on.

I’m going with a hiline bumper…not a full one.

Thanks for the info!

 

I have a bumper and winch sitting in my garage, same truck as the OP. I am currently researching suspension. I have a few kits in mind, but likely going with 6112/5160 and 886 springs.

I will be doing all of it the same day, in my garage, by myself. Like every other mod I've done. Not tough to cut the stock bumper or install suspension.

 

My logic behind traction boards, a shovel and even a recovery strap or two is multi-fold regarding available uses.

A winch mounted to the front of a truck really is only good for pulling pretty much from headlight to headlight forward. Although there are ways to rig a winch to pull under or at much steeper angles backwards, it isn't common place.

From the sounds of OPs typical off-road driving style, a winch might give him a false sense of security that could put him in a non self recoverable situation.

I've owned and wheeled seven different 4WD trucks in my life and never once needed a winch. We don't have a lot of mud in my region, vs wet slippery rock, sand, gravel, and snow. But I can say that I've negotiated trails and terrain in everyone of these rigs where getting stuck is absolutely possible if common sense was not applied.

A removable winch that can be used from the rear as well would absolutely be the route to take of a winch is going to be the recovery gear of choice.

To me a winch is similar to a gun in some ways. They both are a very specific tool for a very specific job. A gun won't save your life if you need a knife to cut your way out to survive. Likewise a winch won't get you unstuck if you are axles deep in mud, sand or snow without a solid winch point, let alone in the direction you need to be extracted.

Another option to consider would be a GPS locating/communicating device like Zoleo, Garmin In-Reach, or a Spot. You are just a button or text away from civilization.

 

What you need are real world comparisons, not he said, she said. With your stepson on the nose head out to your favourite trails to see how the truck handles.

 

And take pictures. This I gotta see.

 

I picked up an OME full kit. With the firmer valving and 886 springs, I should net about 1.75 to 2" of lift after all the parts are installed. Sliders and more skids will be added down the road, so maybe a little less when all is said and done.

 

You will notice the added 150 pounds. It will sag, and it will affect handling.

I just mounted a Greenlane Stump bumper and Warn M8000s. This is as light a rig as I could find, about 85 pounds, and I feel a change in ride with ADS 2.5” shocks and 650 lb springs. No sag, but reaction to small bumps is harsher.

My setup is pricey. You do you. Your concerns are well founded, IME.

 

If you knew my stepson, this isn’t a terrible idea.

 

All of my local shops have said it will be fine…..I’m getting about 50/50 from the places I’ve asked online. I’m going to have the bumper and winch installed and see what happens. If I hate it, I’m going to upgrade the front myself. I’m thinking some 5100's with OME 886's should do the trick?

 

All I can say is the folks that tell you it makes a big difference must have some nice roads in their state. Shitty Louisiana I haven’t noticed not one bit of difference. I actually took my winch off this evening and drove down the road to see (bumper was still on.) had to take off to put new rope on. I noticed zero difference once again. I’m obviously just a random stranger on the Internet and what I say don’t mean crap, but both my trucks weren’t noticeable.

 

Much appreciated. That’s what I’m hoping the result will be…and I think it will. We'll see in a few weeks though. Thanks!