589 winch mount install?

[Nick3392]

I’m planning on installing the 589 hidden winch and RC 9500lb winch sometime in the next few days. For anybody else who did it, how was the install and how long did it take?

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[mrtfnt]

I’m planning on installing the 589 hidden winch and RC 9500lb winch sometime in the next few days. For anybody else who did it, how was the install and how long did it take?

OneMore
Jun 9, 2022
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#1
Greetings all,

This is not a how to post.
Just want to share some information that may be helpful to others.

Winch is a Superwinch SX12VSR12, https://www.superwinch.com/en/produ...0sr-12v-12000-lb-synthetic-rope-winch-1712201

Winch mounting plate is from 589 Fabrication, https://589fab.com/products/hidden-winch-mount

Time will tell if the winch holds up and works well. Or maybe I'll never know as it won't see much use.
But I wanted a winch for this truck. 4WD is great but that means you get further up the trail than 2WD and end up getting stuck in more difficult conditions.

The 589 winch mount is a well made product and attaches to the truck frame without problems.
Winch bolts in securely.

I went with this Superwinch as other members used this same combination and had pictures to verify it will bolt in.

This was a long task to complete. I have a good forty hours total for the complete installation.
But everything came out as I planed and wanted
The installation could be reversed and I would only need to buy the plastic tray above the factory skid plate to get the truck back to stock.

Here are the things I did to make this work.

1. Using the 589 mount requires the winch to flop over so the clutch release handle is on the passenger
side. In addition, the clutch unit needs to be clocked 180 degrees.
Superwinch says "that can't be done". Yes it can. They are saying it can't because the clutch release
handle will be below the mounting point of the winch body. But the 589 mount is designed for this as
there is an opening to allow access to the handle.
Also the winch will be operating as a top pull. Not the more common bottom pull.
This will make no difference in the operation of the winch. As far as the winch is concerned it is still
the same direction on the drum. IMG_4843.jpg
IMG_4839.jpg
2. The 589 instructions leave a lot of steps out. But not hard to understand overall.
I changed the order of placing the winch and mount onto the truck. They want you to attach the
Passenger side upper bracket onto the main mount and lift into place and then the driver side bracket.
In mocking up the winch into the main mount I could see there would not be enough room to install the
bracket bolts for driver's side after the winch is bolted to the mount. The motor side is almost touching
the mount with no room for the upper bolt. In fact I needed to drill new 1/2 inch bolt holes to relocate
where that one bolt. So I drilled one new location for the upper driver's side bolt and bracket.
Then I bolted on the bracket and winch into the main winch mount.
Prior to installing winch in mount I made new longer and larger gauge wiring leads. The winch control
box is removed from winch and relocated in the engine bay. Attach these to winch terminals before
lifting the winch and mount in between the frame rails.
There is ample room to bolt the passenger side upper winch bracket as the clutch is smaller than the
motor.

These are the main problems I encountered.
Be sure to use the correct length bolts mounting the winch onto the 589 mount. If bolts are too long you could crack the winch case.

Here are a few photos but not enough to be a step by step. Just general pictures I took as I worked away.
This added about 105 LBS. to the truck. Front dropped 1/2 inch. In talking with Fox I was told the stock springs will handle the extra weight without any problem.



IMG_4866.jpg IMG_4867.jpg IMG_4868.jpg IMG_4869.jpg IMG_4885.jpg

 

[Mr. Yuck]

Best upgrade for sure. Weird cutting out all that plastic on a new truck but i'd leave a day. Be ready for raising and lowering a bunch of times to get all of the wiring correct. Put cardboard on the bottom if you care about a finish that you will never see again... Definitely put plastic wire guards where needed and it wouldn't be a bad idea to put a disconnect right next to battery. Haven't put mine on yet but i disconnect positive cable right now when not needed. Keep in mind is that if you fuse it, it will draw over 400 amps at full load on the first wrap.... Probably isn't necessary as ALL winches have their own protection.

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