3rd Gen SSO Slimline Hybrid Bumper/Winch install guide - How To Article with Tips.

Thanks for the info. I don't hard core off road but mine will be mostly for emergencies so I'm hoping I won't have to use it much. Still trying to decide on Permanent mount or removable trailer hitch mount?

 

The Warn Zeon Platinum winches are about the best you can get. You can control everything with the wireless remote (even added external lighting) and also the clutch so no need to reach in and flip any switches. If you got the money it would be hard to beat these winches. I've had four of them including two in our Tacoma's and love them!

 

I was in that same boat. I am not a hardcore rock crawler or overlander, but I do like to get offroad to camp and I work at some pretty remote field sites and have had plenty of opportunities to pull other folks out of the mud using a 30' recovery strap. I mainly wanted to add a winch to be able to get the job done when I can't easily get within 30' or when I need to self-recover. I thought long and hard about getting a hitch mount winch, but kept coming back to not having a great place to store it when I am not using it. Much like self defense weapons, the best winch to use is the one you have with you. I could imagine all the times I would end up somewhere needing the winch and having taken it out of the truck either because I was worried about theft or needed the space for something else. Once I decided on a full time mount, it was an easy decision to go with a slimline hybrid style because I didn't want to do too much major modification to the front end.

 

Great looking truck! What suspension setup are you running in the third picture?

 

Dobinson 2–1/2” lift.

 

Yeah that’s a nice stance you ended up with. I have a pro comp 3/1 spacer lift that came with my truck, but I’m looking to upgrade. What spring rate did you end up going with for the coils?

 

My exact suspension -

• 1x Dobinsons 1.5" to 3.0" Suspension Kit for 2005 to 2020 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cabs
  $1,300.00
• Select Front Coils - C59-354 – 2.4″ lift with 110-220 lbs, or 2.75″ with stock weight
  -
• Select Front Struts -
  $356 GS59-221 Dobinsons Pair of Front Struts Compatible with Toyota FJ Cruiser 2006-2010 and Tacoma 4x4 2005-2018 - GS59-221
  GS59-221 – Twin Tube – standard coil seat height
  -
• Select Rear Leaf Springs - L59-111-R – 2.1″ Lift with 600LBS constant rear load – Heavy Duty (6 leaves)
  $100.00
• Select Rear Shocks -
  $315 GS59-940 Dobinsons Pair of Rear Shocks Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 4x4 2005-2018 - GS59-940
  GS59-940 – Twin Tube Shocks for 0-3″ of lift
  -
• Front Optional Parts / Add-ons - SC59-001 – New strut top mounts and hardware (pair)
  $90.00
• Front Optional Parts / Add-ons - Strut Assembly – Have the front pair of struts assembled, requires SC59-001 purchase
  $90.00
• Rear Optional Parts / Add-ons - SP59-001 – Pair of greasablepins/bolts for leaf springs
  $30.00
• Rear Optional Parts / Add-ons - SP59-001 – Additional pair of greasable pins/bolts for leaf springs
  $30.00
• Select Front Coil Color - Red
  -
• Select Struts/Shocks Color - Black

 

With your suspension setup, did you notice much, if any front end drop after installing bumper and winch?
Thanks

 

No because my bumper and winch were installed prior to lift. My truck has a nice rake to it but if I could go back I’d likely have gotten the slightly higher front lift than what I did due to the added front weight.

 

Ok, well did you notice any with stock setup? Just trying to be prepared.

 

Your truck won't drop any appreciable amount but it'll take a couple days to get used to the bumper hanging up there.

 

Thanks, I kinda figured that so was just planning to adjust the dampening on the shocks a little. Just dont want to add anymore preload if possible. I figure bumper n winch will add about 100lbs

 

The drop wasn’t that noticeable really. If I remember correctly was about 3/8” with bumper and winch.

 

Bumper and winch, if you’re referring to my exact setup was over 100lbs

 

I thought you weren't doing a winch. Yeah you'll definitely notice a little drop and a decent change in the front end feel at first. I did wings and bumper but no winch.

 

I keep going back n forth on front mounted winch or removable rear winch. Lol

 

Yeah I have a strap and I probably won't need that on the way to work or back.

 

Did my install yesterday and this morning. Light bar that SSO ordered from Baja Designs still hasn’t arrived, but I wanted to get all the chopping and cussing done while I was off work for a few days and had help available from my brother in law. Installed it with a Warn VR 10-s EVO, and had to cut the lower edge of the center support and fold it up to fit it. Will take more pics once I get the light bar installed. Love the low profile and already got compliment from the telecom guy who came out to upgrade my FIL’s internet service.

 

Turned out great. Which cut line did you use and how wide of tape? I've read different ways to do this.

 

This is the same setup I have coming. In preliminary QC... do you think there is a chance my hidden light bar will clear the Warn winch? It looks like the clutch may be in the way?