Lobo Off-Road WNC Front Winch Bumper

[TerryB]

I was even able to keep the plastic fins / louvers between the intercooler and winch in place with some modifications.

What mods did you have to do. If you have any, photos would be great.

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[Matt N]

Terry,

It has been a while since I did the install but I do remember most of it. I can send you some photos if you like.

I had the stock bumper (not the modular), and I do not have parking sensors, so it was as basic as you can get. Once I had the bumper off, I noticed there was a plastic shroud in front of the cooler that had fins on it. There was one piece I had to remove, and 99% of it remained intact. I did slightly modify the edges of the piece that remained intact. It really was not bad if you are mechanically incline and willing to try.

I know the bumper was designed for the Warn VR EVO 12 Winch, but I looked up the measurements and determined the Badlands ZXR 9000 which I think has now been upgraded to the ZXR 9500. I would confirm the measurement to ensure it has the same dimensions. I went with the Badlands because I maybe use my winch 3-4 times per year and really didn't want to spend the extra money for a Warn.

I removed the control module from the winch and relocated it under the hood on the passenger side. There is a black "V" bracket on the passenger side, under the hood that I attached a couple homemade brackets to for mounting the control box. When I use the winch, I do have to open the hood and plug in the controller but it has not been an issue.

I can tell you, I am happy with the bumper and really happy with the winch. When I was searching for a bumper option, I did not want one with a prevalent winch sticking way out front. That is why this one caught my eye.

Also, no issues with airflow to the cooler. I have had this thing in 100 degree weather and no issues.

Here are a few photos.

 

[Matt N]

Here are a couple more with close up of the plastic modifications.

 

[Matt N]

last one.

 

[Matt N]

Has anybody installed this bumper with the Badland Apex 12000 yet?

Check the measurement to confirm they are the same as the ZXR 9000. If so, yes I have.

 

[TerryB]

Thanks Matt N. Very detaile and great photos.

 

[mike8675309]

Check the measurement to confirm they are the same as the ZXR 9000. If so, yes I have.

Did you ever take measurements? (I found an old manual that says the ZXR9000 was 532mm long) The Badlands ZXR9500, which replaces your ZXR9000, has a width of 548mm. The Warn VR Evo 12-s shown in photos here is 534mm wide which means the ZXR9500 is just over 1/2" wider or 1/4" on both sides. The Badlands ZXR12000 is actually narrower at 540mm which is just under 1/4" wider than the Evo or 1/8" per side. Now that is .125" and it was mentioned earlier here that fitting a .125" plate between the Evo and the frame was a very tight fit. That assumes the distance between both ends is in the same relative center.

I think the Hidden Skid plus HNT bumper will give me more value for someone who looks for value and not the Warn $$$ name and wants more options. I can get a more reasonably priced winch, which more than makes up for having to buy the winch skid plate going that direction.

 

[Matt N]

I never took the measurements. I can tell you that each measurement from the mounting holes is different. On my Bronco, the gap on the passenger side, between the winch and bumper is less than a quarter inch. I is too difficult to access to get an official gap measurement installed. On the driver side, there is slightly more room but not a lot. Maybe a quarter inch. It is a tight fit.

 

[Lobo Off-Road]

A few images sent in over the weekend, of a black diamond, utilizing our WNC bumper and light mount!!! Thank you Rudolph for sending in the images!!!

 

[Hemisfear]

View attachment Bronco Cooling.pdf

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