I am in the process of fabing up a new bumper for my truck. I knew there was a way to have a winch on these truck with out a bumping sticking way out yonder, killing your approach angle on obstacles. And since 35" meats are biggest I think my front end can handle ( I am on my 3rd rack and pinion this year) I needed to find ways to increase clearance and drop weight off the front end to reduce stress on components. Sooo here ya go....

Before



After



ended up cutting out the main crossmember for the front of the core support and fabing up a new one out of 1"x1" 14 gauge and gusseting it with 3/16". It's probably over kill, but still light. Then I ditched the condenser. I will take more pictures as it comes along. But I got the winch moved back more then six inches and up about half an inch.

 

That looks sweet! You still gonna put some kind of bumper or stinger on that? I had the same concern for mine, So I just made it so the winch sits higher. Doesnt affect the approach angle at all!
It still isnt done, Needs a winch obviously, but I like it, mostly because I made it myself, and there is just something satisfying with doing that.

As far as shedding weight, have you tried synthetic winch rope? Its pricy, but its at least a 30lb weight savings right there!

 

Love that first pic!

I'm interested in fabricating my own hidden mount for a Warn M8000 winch - using the stock 'fat lip' bumper. Has this been done before?


Andreas