2012+ Winch Mount Bumper Development

Is it possible or practical to add a 'high lift' jacking location(s)?
E

 

Any update on how the next prototype build/install went?

 

No...I'm running behind. Had some medical related testing scheduled for this time of year and it's taken the wind out of my sails. I had to pause while I did that... still recovering but getting my energy back day by day. Sorry, apparently I'm no longer immortal.

The multi hole concept won't work, places the holes right on the edge of the 'skid'. That's a no go.

As you can see we were aligning 4 of the holes with the winch mounting bolts for installation/maintenance access.

1. It just won't work.
2. I don't like how it looks.

The ONLY other option is 4 x 4" lightening holes, the center two giving you a fighting chance to get to the bolts with an extension and swivel on ratchet.

Other than that it will be no holes, all smooth, and mount the winch before mounting the bumper, if the winch needs to come out or be tightened up for any reason the bumper would have to come off.

See attached.

 

Would the 4 - 4" holes become a point that could be hung up? Maybe I am wrong but isn't that area used to help slide the front over obstacles? If that is the case I vote no holes and mount the winch prior to the bumper going on.

 

Brad how did you do the same area on the 2011 and earlier as well as the FJ?

 

Well.... I guess it's possible but if you look at a lot of the bumpers out there they have 4" holes for lightening or air flow to radiators/coolers.

And really, I can't guarantee that adding the 4" holes will give easy access to the bolts for everyone. My big paws won't fit in there but some can. However you could probably get to them with a ratchet/extension/swivel setup.

We might could dimple die them and punch the holes inwards a bit to help prevent hanging up on something easily too.

 

The 2011 was bolt the winch on first.. no access. The FJ doesn't hang down like these so access is easy.

 

Even though it sounds like it may be a bear, it also sounds like mounting the winch before the bumper is the best option. I know I'd rather the solid skid than a bunch of holes if they are more than just access holes.

 

Here's a more accurate rendering with the other small holes left in place for comparison.

 

Would the ratchet/extension/swivel be a realistic option? Would you trust that you could lock a winch down this way?

 

It's a valid point to make but you can look at bumpers like Relentless' and others and there are plenty of holes, partly to eliminate weight, air flow and access to the winch.

You can search Tacoma bumpers and/or skid plates in google images and see that almost everything has holes for one reason or another.

 

Another valid point to make.

Me? I'm probably mounting the winch on there before hand and adding locktite to the bolts for long term security anyway. I've never had a winch come loose so I look at this from my personal perspective as a one time thing. Bolt it in the bumper, get a buddy and mount it on the truck and rock on.

But that's just me.

Oh.. and on that note. So far we have shaved about 5lbs off of the 2011's 67lb weight with this new design and I expect it to hit around 60lbs when done.

 

I know there are plenty of folks watching this thread so now is the time to chime in as come Monday morning I'll probably just say build it with no holes and go.

 

I am very excited. I'll be happy with whatever final options you choose.

 

And on the other side of the coin, there are plenty of bumpers out there for various vehicles that require the winch to be mounted prior to mounting the bumper so it's nothing new in that regards. Just with this design you have the added work of removing the bumper cover in addition to the bumper itself but that's a 10 minute operation.

 

À

 

add the holes, if nothing else you can get a hose in there to remove some dirt

 

I'm not going to lose sleep over it either way. Holes, no holes - make me a bumper!



David

 

Something to be said for that as well. One of my favorite sayings is 'let's skip the labor pains and deliver the baby'.

 

I'm still a little on the fence with this purchase, so my opinion may not matter. The 4 holes would add air flow, possible access to winch mounting bolts, saves weight, possible light mounting locations, and no real loss of strength.
Not a deal breaker either way though.