AMP'ed UP Fab Hidden Winch Mount

I few months back I decided that I wanted to have a hidden winch on the front of our Taco as my wife and I do a lot of solo trips. Nothing crazy but having a winch seemed like a good idea. Plus....its something fun to do.

I purchased a hidden mount from this guy:

https://www.ampdupllc.com/product-page/98-00-toyota-tacoma-hidden-winch-mount

He is very responsive to questions and my customized mount shipped in about a day. I think I got it 3 days after I ordered it. I had shackle mounts added to it for like $50 or something, cheap enough to want them. I am still in the process of installing it but its pretty much done, I just need to finish trimming the bumper to fit but I am waiting until I can properly tension the line before I cover the winch. I relocated the controller to the spot where the ABS controller would be on these trucks for a few reasons. Mostly for easy access. Used a kit from vicedesign.ca. Not cheap but very nice. A bit of a bugger to wire it up with the Gen 3 XRC but its workable. Just sucks.

Anyway, for the cost I am impressed by this mount, I just washed it with acetone and hit it with some good primer. Then just some basic rattle can on top of it. Good enough. Fits great. Nice quality. Would certainly recommend.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zajWMbV1RUQDub5u6

 

I finished this up, came out great, I need to add the final pics to the album but the end result is very nice. I have a bit of trimming to do to the bumper the next time I remove it but it's close enough for now. It's a truck, form follows function. I just need to put in a nutsert for the secondary faster to secure the winch controller after I relocated it under the hood.

 

Buttoned up:

 

Another angle:

 

The raw mount:

 

Controller relocation point. I am going to build a heat shield for it.

 

Nice job. That did come out really nice. Hidden winch mounts are sweet.

 

Thanks. It worked out well, gives us some added comfort when we are out on our own, and it was fun to setup. Truck rides better hehe.

 

How much weight did you add?

 

Maybe 100? If that. I think the winch is about 60-65 and maybe 15-20 on the mount. Something like that. But this is a non ABS reg cab manual with hand crank windows, pretty lean. I have a Softopper on it and not much else. Great lil truck. Just hit 155K miles.

ETA: I have a full Toytec suspension and I went with their suggested Eibach springs for a single cab without a heavy bumper fwiw. I can get the spring details if anyone is interested. It rode well before but it's a bit more balanced now when we have stuff in the back, and we usually do.

Found it. 500lb springs.

 

Yeah Albert makes a good product for those that don't want a full winch bumper.

 

For the cost I was super impressed, it's a steal, and I think it was one or two day shipping to OR. Free.

 

Gotta love this:

 

Looks good. I'm looking for a front receiver that is stealth which I could load up the winch when I need it.

 

That guy can certainly make you one, hit him up.