NEW Hammer Built High Clearance Hidden Winch

[brnc_o_vrlndr]

I like the look but the design needs some work on the skid plate to cover up the caster bolts from getting hit by rocks.

The skid plate is unrelated to this winch mount. I’ve bent my caster/camber plates even using the OEM skid.

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[DoYouBronco]

I am assuming you removed the active shutter, did you need to terminate the harness to active shutter grill, do you get DTCs with it removed?

We just removed the motor from the shutter and you can either zip tie it out of the way, or the mishimoto intercooler has a bracket for you to zip tie it out of the way. This keeps the harness plugged in and the electronics happy

 

[telenerd]

Thanks for the comments on front skid plate and ability to run what ever front bash guard you want.

 

[GreyZ]

I am assuming you removed the active shutter, did you need to terminate the harness to active shutter grill, do you get DTCs with it removed?

I removed the shutters but kept the motors plugged in. Theyre just tucked and ziptied to my driver side skid mount. No issues and they still operate, thinking they are controlling something. Some have removed them and it does not throw a CEL, but will give a code if you plug in to obd2.
Mine hasn’t thrown any codes and they have been completely submerged/ covered in dust and dirt for 8k miles now without issue. Seems that everyones bronco reacts a little different.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Some have removed them and it does not throw a CEL, but will give a code if you plug in to obd2.
Mine hasn’t thrown any codes and they have been completely submerged/ covered in dust and dirt for 8k miles now without issue. Seems that everyones bronco reacts a little different.

Yeah mine have been removed for quite a while and have not thrown any codes that I've noticed. Will have to double-check.

 

[nolimits]

We just removed the motor from the shutter and you can either zip tie it out of the way, or the mishimoto intercooler has a bracket for you to zip tie it out of the way. This keeps the harness plugged in and the electronics happy

I have an entirely different winch setup than what you just released but also upgraded my intercooler to a Mishimoto. I wasn’t really expecting performance gains so much as trying to offset any potential blockages.

This video shows removal of the motor from the shutters starting around 3:25 for those asking. As noted when you reassemble just zip tie out of the way and plug in so you don’t set any codes.

 

[Squatch]

How's everyone getting to the clutch release handle with this setup? Especially in mud or other situations where there's less room than normal.

I have the RC Hidden Winch now and have to use a long sprinkler/water valve thing down the engine bay to get it until I make a different solution.

 

[Chrome_Pony]

How's everyone getting to the clutch release handle with this setup? Especially in mud or other situations where there's less room than normal.

I have the RC Hidden Winch now and have to use a long sprinkler/water valve thing down the engine bay to get it until I make a different solution.

Honestly, this and drum access to unfuck line snarls is the main reason I never end up with the hidden setups, even though I absolutely love the clean OEM install look. Gotta work in Alaska's worst situations, and hidden stuff complicates that exponentially with ice and snow.

Hammer definitely has the best protected design, and avoids the frame rail endplate weakness altogether.

 

[brnc_o_vrlndr]

How's everyone getting to the clutch release handle with this setup? Especially in mud or other situations where there's less room than normal.

I have the RC Hidden Winch now and have to use a long sprinkler/water valve thing down the engine bay to get it until I make a different solution.

For me, it’s going to be turning the wheel all the way passenger and reaching into the opening. I have long arms. In mud, using the feed, unfortunately.

 

[Gotchaa]

Yeah mine have been removed for quite a while and have not thrown any codes that I've noticed. Will have to double-check.

Here are the codes I am getting with it removed

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Here are the codes I am getting with it removed

Interesting. I'll have to double check mine when I get a chance tomorrow. Not that I'm going to change anything or really care since the Bronco operates great without them, and they definitely are never going back in.

 

[DoYouBronco]

Honestly, this and drum access to unfuck line snarls is the main reason I never end up with the hidden setups, even though I absolutely love the clean OEM install look. Gotta work in Alaska's worst situations, and hidden stuff complicates that exponentially with ice and snow.

Hammer definitely has the best protected design, and avoids the frame rail endplate weakness altogether.

By mounting the winch upside down, it places the lever in an accessible position. There are some situations where it might be a little difficult, due to the width of the stock skid plate, but it’s better than being completely obstructed and inaccessible

 

[Chrome_Pony]

By mounting the winch upside down, it places the lever in an accessible position. There are some situations where it might be a little difficult, due to the width of the stock skid plate, but it’s better than being completely obstructed and inaccessible

I don't disagree, exactly, but personally I prefer being able to cover my winch up almost 100% and avoiding clutchlock from water intrusion that then freezes and/or snow slush berging up around it.

The AEV Colorado Bison has a similar issue with a feet forward mounting and reclocking to a downward clutch access.

When you're working within the OEM design, you just end up having to make sacrifices. Nature of working within those specific limitations.

The fact that this works with your bumper AND OEMs is amazing design work.

 

[brnc_o_vrlndr]

By mounting the winch upside down, it places the lever in an accessible position. There are some situations where it might be a little difficult, due to the width of the stock skid plate, but it’s better than being completely obstructed and inaccessible

A worthwhile tradeoff, IMO. Clean lines, better approach angle, and protection > super easy access to clutch lever

 

[5GENIDN]

How's everyone getting to the clutch release handle with this setup? Especially in mud or other situations where there's less room than normal.

I have the RC Hidden Winch now and have to use a long sprinkler/water valve thing down the engine bay to get it until I make a different solution.

I think I am probably a bit unique.... I doubt I have any problems reaching that lever...

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