Just finished installing this mount in my Badlands w/2.7L which is a much worse endeavor with all the things in the way. I recommend this set up for both the 2.3 or 2.7. Just know the 2.7L will be a challenge and several unmentioned mods are necessary beyond the oil cooler relocate. What I've posted as a review:
1. It is meant to be used with their winch - however, a Warn can be installed, but only the EVO series, NOT a ZEON, too big for the mount (learned this by trial and error.) There is a YouTube install using the Harbor Freight Badlands Apex 12K... very similar to the Evo... RC does not guarantee it will fit any other winch but theirs; their caveat emptor on this piece.
2. Control Head must be relocated to up in the engine bay - mine is above the Power Train Control Module behind the air cleaner on a custom fab'd plate. Additional correctly sized cabling must be run from the head to the winch.
3. The Clutch handle does sit directly below the radiator support (for most winches including the RC one I think) so a solution is needed as all the plumbing on a 2.7l forbids a hand/arm to get to it from the engine bay. A custom bent Irrigation Valve Key works great.
4. The relocation of the oil cooler on its custom bracket will meet/interfere with the inside shutter system of the Intercooler. I removed the lower flaps and using a Dremel, took out the interfering areas of the plastic frame. This shutter system is the passive one. The outside one is an active system. It is easily removed for this rework.
5. The Warn fairlead will not fit the RC skid plate/fairlead mount. A RC can be had at a reasonable price and my spare Warn will have a home should I switch my Classic Bronco to synthetic - currently 3/8 wire rope from a 12 year back upgrade.
If anyone is considering this upgrade, I can share the specifics one on one.
1. It is meant to be used with their winch - however, a Warn can be installed, but only the EVO series, NOT a ZEON, too big for the mount (learned this by trial and error.) There is a YouTube install using the Harbor Freight Badlands Apex 12K... very similar to the Evo... RC does not guarantee it will fit any other winch but theirs; their caveat emptor on this piece.
2. Control Head must be relocated to up in the engine bay - mine is above the Power Train Control Module behind the air cleaner on a custom fab'd plate. Additional correctly sized cabling must be run from the head to the winch.
3. The Clutch handle does sit directly below the radiator support (for most winches including the RC one I think) so a solution is needed as all the plumbing on a 2.7l forbids a hand/arm to get to it from the engine bay. A custom bent Irrigation Valve Key works great.
4. The relocation of the oil cooler on its custom bracket will meet/interfere with the inside shutter system of the Intercooler. I removed the lower flaps and using a Dremel, took out the interfering areas of the plastic frame. This shutter system is the passive one. The outside one is an active system. It is easily removed for this rework.
5. The Warn fairlead will not fit the RC skid plate/fairlead mount. A RC can be had at a reasonable price and my spare Warn will have a home should I switch my Classic Bronco to synthetic - currently 3/8 wire rope from a 12 year back upgrade.
If anyone is considering this upgrade, I can share the specifics one on one.
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