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

Has anyone installed a Winch after the Bumper was already on the Truck?
I haven't received my bumper yet. Trying to plan if I should get a Winch now or if i can wait a few months after having the bumper on the truck.

 

No way to do it. It was a pain in the butt to get the nuts on the bolts with the bumper on the ground as there is a pretty narrow space you have to work in. Also no room to drop the winch down from above once the bumper is in place. Too many Toyota parts in the way

 

Nice write-up

 

Anyone with a pro grill and tss have issues because of the bull bar? Thanks

 

I have that setup with no issues.

 

Question for those of you with WARN winches and the SSO Slimline Hybrid Bumper...

Those of you who have the top solenoid, what's the clearance like? Are we talking it doesn't clear by like an inch?
Anyone have a different WARN winch with the side solenoid that works better for clearance and doesn't require trimming of the support?

Thanks!

 

I don't remember exactly but it's probably a couple inches. Trimming the support is very simple and isn't any more intrusive than cutting your bumper apart for the install in the first place.

 

For those of you thinking of installing a Smittybilt XRC 3rd gen, it fits with the control box on the side. No cutting of the support needed. I'd go with the bumper cutouts, it's easier than trying to connect from under the hood. It fits like a glove, very tight clearances. I did pull up on the support bar with my hands a little so that the controller box wasn't touching. The only deviation I made to the steps was to run my cables in the gap where the top AC line runs. Plenty of room to snake the cables thru without drilling. Excellent writeup BTW!!!

 

Thank you @Hodakaguy

 

How was your lightbar mounting tabs? Direct drop in or did they need some bending/adjusting?

 

Do these bumpers have additional frame tie in supports like the Mobtown or ARBs? Is the whole thing supported by only the OEM bumper studs?

 

Just bolts to the 6 frame bolts and then has 2 more on the bottom, connecting it to the cross member below the radiator.

 

Thanks! Has anyone damaged their mounts winching hard or recovering frequently? Those OEM mounts are so week. I'd hope to see lower and side frame mounts.

 

what is the purpose of the angled support brackets and are the necessary?

 

Where are you folks who have the flip up license plate brackets getting them? I have to have a front plate.

Thanks,

 

Cascadia 4x4.
Flipster "Universal" | Flip Up/Flip Down License plate Mount | Winch | - Cascadia 4x4

 

I actually have mine mounted so it's a flip down.

 

I just got a cheap one off Amazon. They have quite a few It was like ten bucks. Need a front plate here in Colorado

 

Tons on Amazon. But you can even get one direct from SSO. Maybe it's included in their BF sales.