Can I mount a winch to my truck without changing the front bumber?

I don't know why I am so worried since my truck is never going to get stuck, right?

Thanks for the suggestions,
Noel

 

Some people have a hitch receiver put up front and then use a cradle mount from Warn to mount the winch that way.

But personaly IMO it sticks out to far.
If you want it done right, the best way is to go with a custom bumper on your rig.

It would end up looking like Rob's setup here.
http://www.pnw4runners.net/runs/11_9_02/29.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/runs/11_9_02/30.jpg

Plus having the ARB or a TJM bumper alone will be safer up front.
They don't crumple like the stock bumpers do.

 

No doubt you will never get stuck but someday you will come across someone who is stuck, you can be the hero and save the day with a winch. I think the only serious choices are the TJM and ARB bumpers. Everything else will stick out so far you will hit it on everything the trail throws at you, rocks, trees etc. You can get a TJM without the headlight and grill hoops for around $400 or $450 according to some people.

 

You can, but I am not sure why you would want to. Warn makes a transformer system that works on our trucks, or you can install a receiver for one of the portable, cradle mount winches.

The downside of the transformer is that it makes your approach angle just slightly better than a school bus. It really sticks out there.

The receiver system doesn't reduce your approach angle by much and it's pretty handy to be able to move the winch to the rear, but then you have 90# of dead weight floating around the truck when it's not in use.

Check out the receiver system that BajaTaco has rigged up (linked from my site). It's the cleanest and least obtrusive I have seen. I suspect you will go toward a front receiver if you decide to keep the stock Tupperware bumper as the Warn system is going to make you laugh when you see it.

 

Noel, one more suggestion for a bumper.
The guy who made my sliderz is now making a lot of stuff for Tacos.
Everything from a front & rear bumper, to extra long sliderz for the 4 door Tacos.

It's a nice front bumper as I took these pics a few weeks back, and examined it up close.
It is a hidden winch mount design too like the ARB & TJM.

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00046.jpg


http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00048.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00049.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00051.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00053.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00054.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00055.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00066.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00067.jpg

These pups are long:
http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00068.jpg

http://www.pnw4runners.net/badland_b...2/DSC00069.jpg

Badland Bumpers can be contacted from our vendor section.

 

It's just that I have that nice color keyed bumper. I didn't want to change it. It looks like I don't really have a choice if I want a winch. Looks like that tow strap will continue to live behind my back seat.


Thanks guys,
Noel