RC hidden winch mount ground clearance, modular bumper

[Gnomad]

I'm trying to decide between the RC high mount or the hidden mount. I don't really enjoy the look of the winch perched on the front bumper so the hidden mount appeals to me. However, it looks like it might cut into the ground clearance and since I have an unlifted base I don't want to give up any clearance if I don't have to. So, are the photos misleading or daues the mount use up some of my precious clearance? Would a leveling kit make up the difference?

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[ChiliPepper]

If you plan on rock crawling, go with the RC high mount. If you are just mudding or roading, then the RC hidden mount may be OK. The hidden mount also requires the intercooler to be relocated. Read the install for both before deciding.

 

[Aman]

I'm trying to decide between the RC high mount or the hidden mount. I don't really enjoy the look of the winch perched on the front bumper so the hidden mount appeals to me. However, it looks like it might cut into the ground clearance and since I have an unlifted base I don't want to give up any clearance if I don't have to. So, are the photos misleading or daues the mount use up some of my precious clearance? Would a leveling kit make up the difference?

I chose the high mount because I was concerned about evenly spooling the line and being able to keep the winch clean. I encounter a lot of mud, so the winch would be caked in that shit with the hidden mount.

The main issue I've read about with the high mount is the frame horns twisting/bending under load. I ordered the Tricky Motorsports 21-23 Bronco Frame Horn Reinforcement Kit to mitigate this.

If you plan on rock crawling, go with the RC high mount. If you are just mudding or roading, then the RC hidden mount may be OK. The hidden mount also requires the intercooler to be relocated. Read the install for both before deciding.

OP has the 7MT 2.3L so no need to relocate anything for the hidden mount.

 

[Gnomad]

I had a chat with a guy at Bronco the Mac who had the bending problem and I believe he was using the tricky dick reinforcement plates. He seemed to think it was a good backup.

 

[Squatch]

I posted somewhere about this and my takeaway is that it cuts into a bit of the approach clearance. I didn't take a bunch of measurements beforehand so I'd have to park next to a stock Badlands to compare the tradeoffs more in depth.

I figured that if I was in mud so deep I couldn't get to the winch, then I should have a buddy to help me out. I have the 2 3L/7spd/Badlands but we've all seen the 2.7L alternator problems. If muddy is on the menu more often for you then consider the high mount or another option. I think the synthetic rope will need to be replaced due to mud, etc. before I have any issues with the winch.

 

[Canyon Coolers]

Mud, what mud ? I bashed mine enough at speed that the winch isn't presently working. Got a new controller via the RC Warranty, diggin into it this Saturday. Still happy I went this direction versus a high mount.

If I were to start from scratch I'd stick the winch in the back and get an exhaust system that will allow them both to co exist back there. Refer to the APG Bronco if you want to look at that.

 

[Fishwrinkle]

Like squatch says you probably don’t lose much if any clearance but the approach is affected. I have smashed several times in fast whoop sections and it’s still good to go. I was on stock black diamond 2.3 now I added eibach 2.0. Also get a can of steel-it to paint anywhere you cut or grind. Stuff is awesome

 

[Gnomad]

Mud, what mud ? I bashed mine enough at speed that the winch isn't presently working. Got a new controller via the RC Warranty, diggin into it this Saturday. Still happy I went this direction versus a high mount.

If I were to start from scratch I'd stick the winch in the back and get an exhaust system that will allow them both to co exist back there. Refer to the APG Bronco if you want to look at that.

Well your Bronco looks to be living its best life!
I hadn't thought of a rear mounted winch. Seems like one would be buying a fair amount of expensive wire to run it, but there is plenty of room if one ditches the stock muffler suitcase. Off to do a search on this subject now. Off into the rabbit hole...

 

[ScLeCo]

Well your Bronco looks to be living its best life!
I hadn't thought of a rear mounted winch. Seems like one would be buying a fair amount of expensive wire to run it, but there is plenty of room if one ditches the stock muffler suitcase. Off to do a search on this subject now. Off into the rabbit hole...

I don't have pictures but I use something like these for my rear winch setup.
https://www.roughcountry.com/quick-disconnect-winch-power-cable-rs108.html

 

[Bellime]

Here is my RC Hidden Winch.

the approach clearence is good

the one down side is the access to the release/engage lever. I came up with a solution posted :https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...ountry-hidden-winch-lever.75675/#post-1967971

 

[Rebecca Tiffany]

I’d love to know the clearance difference for a Sasquatch! I really want it but don’t want to affect the clearance too much

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