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

Yes, you can select the option on their menu for a winch hole cover. I actually ordered the cover when I ordered my bumper, but ended up finding a good deal on a used winch, so I never installed the plate. Here's what it looks like. I ended up donating it to a fellow member.

 

I made a rough PDF for my install - i don't like having to check my phone when I'm working. I omit the Warn install section seeing as I didn't use that winch. Thank OP for the instructions.

 

What’s the difference between winch cut outs and accessing through engine bay? Do you want the winch access holes or whatever they are called? What do most get?

Also I have 6112s up front. Without a winch, being only 40lbs heavier than stock... are spring upgrades really needed?

 

I ordered with the access holes, didn’t want to have to lift the hood to access the winch controls. The access holes add two holes on either side of the hole for the winch line, that’s the only difference.

Installing tomorrow

 

Most people seem to order without the access holes. That statistic is just based upon my observations and has no scientific backing. If you forgo the access holes, you'll need to pop the hood, reach down between the grille and radiator to operate the winch clutch. No matter what, you'll have to pop the hood to connect your remote, as the control box won't be accessible from the bumper access holes. The only efficiency would be if you had a wireless remote and left it plugged in for the day, then the clutch is the only variable that needs access.

My personal opinion is that the access holes are ugly, hence I ordered mine without. It's also another opening to catch debris and what not.

No opinion on whether you'll need to upgrade springs. I had to upgrade from my Pro suspension, as I got too much sag and weight with the bumper and M8000 winch with synthetic line.

 

Nice, didn’t even know you could get the pro in mgm! Thanks for the help

 

You can't. I purchased the suspension 2nd hand.

FYI... my badges say "TRD Bro"

 

Ah gotcha. I saw the rigid fogs too so just speculated.

 

OP, not a winch fan, but wow that looks great. Sweet rig and great write up!

 

Yeah. I'll admit I probably don't need a winch, but these look awesome and have extra recovery points. Is there a benefit to getting these other than winches and looks? Do they help with approach angle at all? Can one install by themselves or are 2 sets of hands needed?

 

Morning guys. I recently put this bumper on my truck and I love it. Had a bit of trouble putting tabs/screws back in the wheel well - I think they're the ones that connect the inner wheel well lining with the front panel of the truck. Did anyone else have trouble with those, and will it cause me any problems to be rolling without them?

 

Trucks looking mean. What size tires are you running? Any spacers on the TRD Pro wheels?

 

Thanks mate. Tires are 285 70 17s, but thinking I'll move up to 285 75s next time. And I'm planning on whacking a 1.5" spacer on them to widen the stance a little bit, but at the moment Im spacerless.

 

Thanks. I’m considering swapping wheels to the TRD Pros and I’m digging what ya got going on there

 

Guys, I had a dedicated thread for my question but gonna ask it here, does this 110lbs addition in weight affect the front end very much and does it do anything to the handling/braking? I’m not going to do anything to my suspension so it’s got to be good to go as is. I’m guessing I can skip the winch if I have to but don’t want to if I don’t have to. Thanks!

 

Short answer, yes, the additional weight will have ill effects. Based on your driving habits, this may bother you enough to upgrade, or maybe you won't mind it.

For starters, expect about .5" to .75" of sag on the stock suspension. This will also lead to nose dive when coming to a stop (OR suspension already dives without the weight). Lastly, you'll feel the additional weight when cornering. None of this will be unbearable, but in my experience, it definitely ate away at me until I upgraded. I had the Pro suspension but swapped to ADS for the adjustability and stiffer springs.

Fortunately, there's cheaper alternative to ADS. A simple billy upgrade with OME springs could be all that you need. And that's a pretty simple swap process.

 

Thank you for that, kinda what I though but wanted to ask ones that have it. I’m thinking about strapping 110lbs of weights to the front and taking a drive. I’m going to look at what you said would be a cheaper fix also. Decisions, decisions.... as for the winch, I’d like to have it but to be honest for me it would be cosmetic only and I been in Fire/Rescue for 32 years and have used a winch on 2 calls in my life and on the 2 calls a 10,000lb winch wouldn’t of done a thing.

 

Yeah, I imagine the winch would be cosmetic for a lot of people. However, I've always subscribed to the I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. I've been stuck in small snow drifts tons of time when it took me hours to get out and a simple winch pull would have got me moving in minutes. Of course, now that I have the winch, I haven't gotten myself stuck.

It's certainly an investment, but over the life of the vehicle and the way (Warn at least) maintains its value, it's not a huge investment. Also, it's easier to put it on when you do the initial install, as you have to take the bumper completely off to install it.

Good luck, no matter what you choose.

 

This is my main reason for wanting a winch, whether it’s me stuck or more than likely someone I run up on that’s stuck.

 

Installed mine a few weeks back along with a 9500 Smitty (synthetic) and have put it to good use. Im very happy with it.