mikey

This is probably a dumb question, but how do you normally mount a winch on the front of your truck?
Do you need to put a new bumper on, one that will accept a winch mount, or do you use something else?
I know this is most likely a dumb question, but I have never actually looked closely at a truck with a hitch on it!

Thanks

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Mikey
2008 4WD Extended Cab (no mods / K&N)
1999 Contour SVT (too many mods to list)
1969 Triumph GT6 (Frame off in progress)

blueovelboy

don't want to sound like a b hole but you should see if the local 4x4 shops could help you out the last thing you need is to have that winch come off the truck when you try to use it! i speak from deep in my wisdom of doing just that looking at my winch still hooked to the tree and me 45' deeper in the riven

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]2009 XL reg cab L4 2.3 automatic with a/c and nothing else

mikey

Ouch!
Good advice...I did just that, and they kind of looked at me like I was stupid! In this case I guess I was, but after laughing at me, they told me there are "front mounted hitches" that are specificaaly designed for most trucks. There are some for my model of Ranger, at a fairly resonable price. Pretty easy to mount the hitch, then get a hitch adaptor for the winch.
Which is what I kinda thought, but wanted someone with some experience to confirm that.

Thanks

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Mikey
2008 4WD Extended Cab (no mods / K&N)
1999 Contour SVT (too many mods to list)
1969 Triumph GT6 (Frame off in progress)

Jon

I would say that you want a way to get it connected to your frame so it has the strength needed to pull and won't just rip your bumper off.

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Jon

Have you registered??

mikey

Jon,

You are correct about that. I was told that the "front mounted hitches" do in fact connect to the frame, just like a regular trailer hitch on the back(not a bumper hitch).
If you get one that is actually made for your model, there is little if any modifications you need to do to your existing bumper etc.
I was told JC Whitney had them, but have been able to check their web site yet.
Do that today most likely.
Thx

__________________
Mikey
2008 4WD Extended Cab (no mods / K&N)
1999 Contour SVT (too many mods to list)
1969 Triumph GT6 (Frame off in progress)