SUPER EXCITED!

[Bludrok]

The winch is on the bracket, but I'm going to take a break. Haven't decided if Im going to remove my bumper tonight or not. Once I start, there is no stopping till it's done.

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[Bludrok]

Ok, so.....

I installed the winch to the truck:

Installed the bumper, only to realize the clearances are super tight, like practically non existent. Like so tight, I could barely rotate the lever to engage the clutch, even with the grill removed.

I called ADD to ask how the designed it to be accessed and they said I would have to wire up the control cable permanently.

So, I took the bumper off again, wired it all up and reinstalled the bumper. When I tested the winch, it wasnt working. (Wound slowly, made a clicking noise, even smoked after 10-15 seconds of this). I called Warn and the confirmed the winch is bad. So I will have to pull it off again to replace the winch when the replacement arrives.

Anyhow, the light bar works. I haven't wired the fog lights in yet, but here is a picture:

I will upload some more pictures of the completed install when I have some time.

 

[Stage3Motorsports]

Great choices and write up. Unfortunate about the winch but thats always how things seem to go, if it was in an easy to access area it prob would have been fine.

 

[Bludrok]

Great choices and write up. Unfortunate about the winch but thats always how things seem to go, if it was in an easy to access area it prob would have been fine.

Ya true, lol. Everything is very clean and tight looking, which is why there is no easy way to access it.

On the bright side, I can replace the bumper in a matter of minutes now.

 

[Bludrok]

Here are some more pictures:

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Does yours have ACC?

Did the bumper come with a relocation bracket and if so could you post pics of it?

Looks great!

 

[Bludrok]

Does yours have ACC?

Did the bumper come with a relocation bracket and if so could you post pics of it?

Looks great!

It did not come with one, but I did purchase it separately. I'll post pics in a bit. I havent had the chance to use it yet though.

 

[Bludrok]

Finally finished my install, but it was not without its fair share of troubles.


When I received the replacement winch, I tested it without issue before installing. However, once installed, it did the exact same thing as the other winch .

After a bit of troubleshooting, I found the cause. The winch power cable (going into the winch from the control board) was making contact with the frame. It is fine until you torque the bolts to their torque settings. I trimmed the bolt down with a Dremel, covered it with electric tape, covered the rubber boot that covers the bolt with electric tape, shaved a tiny bit out of the frame where it made contact, wrapped that section of the frame with electric tape, and put a thick piece of cardboard covered in electric tape over the section where the contact was being made. Finally everything worked properly.

I had to take the bumper on and off so many times, I decided to wire quick disconnect fittings for the light bar and fog lights. If I have to take it off 1 more time, I will make one for the ACC. Getting to it to plug and unplug now is very difficult.

Here is the finished install:

This thing can practically light up a baseball stadium now:

Here is a picture of the ACC relocation bracket as requested by @Dr. Zaius

Also, if I remove the bumper again, I will replace the 12 lock nuts that hold the metal plate that the fairlead attaches to with speed nuts. That way I can access that area without having to remove the entire bumper.

 

[joseywales]

@Bludrok or any other individual that has wired a winch to their ranger

I wanted to heed some advice from fellow DIYers
i found multiple threads about winches, but not necessarily how they wired them

I am wondering on the best method to route the wiring to the battery(+) and chassis (-).

I bought 0-2ga quick connecters to disconnect the winch when not in use

i was wondering what ways you guys ran the positive and negative wires into the motor bay from the exterior winch.

I have a winch tray on front, (will provide pic) i was thinking of going up through/behind the grille to the battery

How did you guys run the wiring?

thank you guys for any help or advice given!

 

[DanaBovender]

I have a hidden Superwinch, my wires are routed through flex conduit along the drivers side of the radiator. There’s enough room for the conduit and all the cables. All bends are covered with cable guard and it’s connected via 360A Rema quick disconnect plugs that tuck behind the driver headlamp. The controller box is remote mounted near the battery off the front of the truck. I keep the winch power disconnected and plan to use the Bluetooth controller.

 

[joseywales]

I have a hidden Superwinch, my wires are routed through flex conduit along the drivers side of the radiator. There’s enough room for the conduit and all the cables. All bends are covered with cable guard and it’s connected via 360A Rema quick disconnect plugs that tuck behind the driver headlamp. The controller box is remote mounted near the battery off the front of the truck. I keep the winch power disconnected and plan to use the Bluetooth controller.

Awesome man thats a great idea. Ill have to order some conduit and cable guard, i appreciate your time and guidance!

 

[DanaBovender]

Awesome man thats a great idea. Ill have to order some conduit and cable guard, i appreciate your time and guidance!

Just remember to leave a little bit of extra cable on each end for flex… that way there is no binding if anything moves.

 

[gwhalin]

Looks awesome!

So this bumper replaces the factory bash plate? Presume it gives as much coverage and protection as what it replaces?

Also just eyeballing this looks like you would get some improvements to your approach angle? Yea or nay?

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