Winch/Lift/Winch Mount Question

Hey everyone,
Quick question that I'm not sure can be answered without more information but just incase.

I am looking at doing the following. Putting a Winch/Winch Mount/~2" lift on my 2014 DCSB Taco. The question I have is not so much what manuf. do I go with but more the order in which to get/place the various items. Would you do the lift after you got the winch/winch tray to see how the extra front weight adds up and effects the truck or is doing the lift first usually ok then doing the winch/winch tray second ok? I have no preference on which one to do first just want to get some opinions.

For those needing more information here's my best shot:
About the only thing I am sure about is the winch which would be a Warn M8000 likely with a synthetic line (still doing research on the whole steel vs synthetic line).

I'm looking at several different winch mounting systems everything from the Pelfrybuilt Hidden Winch mount to the US Off Road bumper Winch mount. I know I don't want to replace my full bumper but I really like the US Off Road because it has the two recovery points and keeps the main bumper intact Open to other options, it's not set in stone.

The lift I'm not sure about yet. But the ICON's keep catching my eye, like the stage 3's. And several of Toytec's offerings. I would likely do a Coilover.

Thanks so much for your help with my question.

 

I'm with you. I wanted a winch but didn't want to go for a full plate bumper. I chose an Undercover Hidden Winch Mount. Like it mainly because it mounts the winch a couple inches higher than either Pelfry or US Offroad. Its not a lot, but if you've ever stuffed the front of the truck in the mud, sand, under water, or up against a rock...higher helps. I really hate digging holes. They have recovery points if you want them.
Anyway, I've used my winch several times and the mount performed fine, installation of any of them is a tedious PIA, so fairly equal there. Good Luck!

 

Ohh yes I like that! I'm curious did you do you winch/winch tray first or did you do your lift first?

 

If you do get a winch I recommend spending a little extra and getting the synthetic line. It is safer and a ton lighter.

 

I'd recommend looking at the Mobtown Offroad front hitch with recovery points as an option. I love having my winch on a removable tray. I can use it on the back of the truck when needed too. Warn makes quick connect wiring kits for front and rear.

 

Ohh that looks super interesting!!!!!! Thanks man! My biggest thing is wanting good recovery points I plan on getting a high lift jack that I could always use as a come along Dan you're making me think. I could easily hook a winch tray to that front receiver point.

 

Most of the year, my winch is either in the bed of the truck or not in the truck at all. Why carry the weight (at least up front) if you don't need to. I've been stuck nose-in, where I just grabbed the winch from the bed, hooked it up to the rear hitch, and pulled myself out.

 

That is pretty neat. Man you're really making me think about my winch/winch tray needs now. Kinda nice to be able to just be able to move it to where you need it front or back. Hrmmmmmm. How much does your winch/tray combo weight? How do you secure it in the bed of your truck do you have some mount so it doesn't get all shuffled around while wheeling in the woods?

 

The lift came first.
Another reason I went this route is that mount, winch, and line only added 102 lbs to the front of the truck.

 

Lift first then @usoffroad bumper with M8000s (synthetic).

 

Ohh thats not bad at all!!! Do you have any issues with getting to the parts of the Winch that you may need to with it being up higher and more closed off than the @usoffroad one which looks like it's pretty open and easy to get at. I like that you can mount lights to it fairly easily like @EDDO 's

I know @58 Siesta uses a winch receiver mount with the @Mobtown Offload mount which is also really nice looking I like the minimalist look and the apparent easy going from front to back with the winch as long as you yourself carry it. Have you found that you wish your winch was moveable to the front or the back?

Yeah I like the @usoffroad winch bumpers they are very nice, no doubt. Were your lights easy to mount to the steel plate does it come pre drilled or was that an after the fact modification? Have you found that it is to may be too low as another user pointed out having never used one or gotten stuck in the mud I wouldn't' have even of thought of that.

With your lift, did you wish you had waited to do your lift till after you put in your Winch/Bumper to see the drop to know how much to correct it or to change springs to a higher lb rating?

 

Mounting tabs are part of the bumper design so these lights mounted up no problem. Icon coil-overs (and Fox, King, etc.) are height adjustable in-place. Crank them, re-align, done. So far, I'm good with the 650 lb. springs.
Sink the truck to the point that the winch fairlead is buried? That could ruin your whole afternoon and make you late for dinner.

 

I don't know what the weight is. I have the steel rope because I frequently need to use it for work, so it's on the heavy side. When the winch is in the back of my truck, it just sits back there with all of my other gear.



I have a divider so stuff can't move too far when bouncing up hills.

 

I know @58 Siesta uses a winch receiver mount with the @Mobtown Offload mount which is also really nice looking I like the minimalist look and the apparent easy going from front to back with the winch as long as you yourself carry it. Have you found that you wish your winch was moveable to the front or the back?

Guess you're just gonna have to make a decision about what works for you. They're all good products and thinking too much will make you crazy. I've worried about being out solo and needing to be pulled out from behind, but in over 20 years of experience (maybe just dumb luck) its never been required. I follow the rule - don't get yourself into something that you can't get out of. Receiver hitch style mounts are great but for me they don't work so well because I often go on multi-day (multi-week) trips where the truck is really loaded. If space is a premium they're a little more difficult.

 

The winch can live up front if bed space is an issue. I do a couple week long trips each year, so the winch stays up front for those. In fact, it's up there for months at a time since I use it for my tree service on a regular basis. It's in back for much of the winter when I won't need it regularly - and my needs could really vary depending on what situation I find myself in, intentional or otherwise.

 

Pretty sure I've already driven myself crazy. Between trying to figure out the lift to this so many damn choices!!! Trying to figure out my future needs over the next ten years lol. Ughhhhh. You all have been super helpful though I really appreciate the advice and words of wisdom

 

Question if all of you dont mind, sorry for high jacking thread. I have been thinking about getting a winch. Really like the undercover hidden mount or the us off road. I do not want to lift my truck. Would the stock springs (coils) be ok or should I see about a stiffer spring (coil)...
thanks

 

Thanks for the plug. You guys can find more info on our product at the following links:

http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/front-recovery-bar/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...idden-recovery-bar-by-mobtown-offroad.363805/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-on-recovery-bar-for-2005-2015-tacoma.401428/

 

Thanks so much for the links and info. I was going to go with the US OFF ROAD or the hidden winch mount but your product seems to be much better suited to my desires and needs. Very very versatile. I am really looking forward to the Black Friday sales and to getting one of these bad boys. I know some others have asked about mounting light bars on your product but that the hitch was in the way have you been able to figure out how to mount like two 10" bars or some other lighting product in the remaining spaces not taken up?

 

Perhaps you can answer this question as well Joe @jowybyo does your product work with the avid lightbar for 2014 Tacoma I know that the male portion on the winch cradle with a winch would need to be longer to accommodate the Avid products horizonal clearance from the truck but other than that will they fit??