I have a 1996 Tacoma 4x4 that I bought about a month ago, and I have a portable winch for it, but I need someway how I can mount it. So these are the two options that I know of so far.

1. Front Receiver

Pros-fairly cheap to buy - about $300

Cons-winch is very low to the ground, so winch might not clear the mud, going downhill, etc.

2. Grill Guard with winch mount

Pons-winch is much higher off the ground, grill guard also protects the front of the truck

Cons-expensive - about $900-$1000

I am getting my licence in a few weeks, and I'm on a student budjet, so ideally I'd like the grill guard with winch mount, but I don't want to spend $900-$1000, but I'm afraid that if I buy the front receiver, it'll be too low. Also, I'd like to try and have the winch mounted somehow before I get my licence, or shortly after. Currently I have wanted ads on Craigslist and Buy&Sell for a grill guard or front receiver, so I 'm hoping that somebody will have a grill guard that they want to sell for a good price. So if anybody has any ideas on what I should do, or if they have any different ideas, or somebody that wants to sell, or knows somebody that wants to sell a grill guard with winch mount, or front receiver please let me know. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

2.

Cons - its a grill guard, they aren't worth jack.


Don't get a grill guard, get a real bumper, at least an arb or tjm. those accept winches but provide more protection than a grill guard.

http://4xinnovations.com/pages/guarding/bumpers.htm
http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/
http://allprooffroad.com/9504tacomat...04frontbumpers
http://mossyrocksfab.com/

I have the last one

 

I picked up my winch bumper used for $300. Look around for a used one, and "rattle can" it if it needs painting.

Also for a portable winch consider a rear receiver mount, nothing wrong with backing out and retreating out of trouble. It's sometimes the best thing to do anyway.

 

I'd like to get an ARB bumper, but like I said before I don't exactly want to spend $1000 on a bumper, but... I might I have to

 

Check with some of your local fabricators. Don't know your location but you might be surprised with at what someone could fab up for your as far as a reciever that is mounted up a higher than what you might get off the shelf. Having the option of a reverse pull is something I am considering.