I only meant having the engine off as you reach down to engage the clutch. Obviously I’d have the engine back on while operating the winch motor itself.
This is the 2.3L
I did not see an option for wireless for the RC. I'm sure it would be easy enough to mount a different brand winch to this plate, just need to match the dimensions. It really seemed to me after install that there is enough room for other models.
I have read the dimensions of the the RC winch and compared it to others. Smittybilt offers a winch with a very slight difference in size and I believe it offers a wireless option. If I finally decide to go this route I most likely will be going with the Smittybilt. May be of interest to you.
I picked up a HF Badlands winch for my FJ40 last year to replace a tired winch and was really impressed with it. It comes with the wireless remote and all the stuff to remote mount the solenoid, it really is a hell of a deal. I will likely get another one for the Bronco.
Not the intercooler, but the transmission cooler/heat exchanger. Intercooler is in the same spot on both the 2.3 and 2.7.
I bought a Warn VR EVO 10K - it allows you to rotate the clutch, and there is a company (Vice) in Canada that makes extensions for the clutch handle. They are typically Ram modifiers, but can make those at custom lengths. If I think I need it, I can have it rotated and extended to come out somewhere convenient.
Awesome job! Been waiting for updates on fitting this with the MOD bumper, nicely done on melding the two skids together.So I pulled the trigger and ordered the RC Hidden Winch Mount and 12,000 lb Winch Kit. Altogether cost about $900 which I think is great value, especially as the aftermarket prices and availability for the Bronco is ridiculous at this time. Everything arrived within 3 days… spectacular! The mount and winch are simple to install with minor cutting and painting under the truck. Very easy stuff.
I will say the recommended location for the winch control extension is not ideal as the hood will not close when the remote is plugged in, so I will be relocating that. (see picture below)
My dilemma with this kit since I found it has been the skid plate that comes with it. First of all, it isn’t designed to work with the steel mod bumper, so something has to be customized regardless. I also was not the biggest fan of how narrow it was. I know some will argue that it’s better for approach angle, but I love the aesthetic of the wider OEM skid. There is a 3 part video on YouTube where the OEM skid was used by just installing spacers and cutting in a place for the fairlead, but the angle for the cable is not optimal.
So, we decided to merge the two. This still requires 3/8” or 1/2” spacers for the skid to clear the front of the winch mount and a good deal of cutting both plates. After welding/grinding/cleaning, we sprayed 2 coats of bed liner which ended up looking like the OEM finish.
I’m very happy with the result. It is as sturdy as can be and the angle for the cable is perfect. I’m sure RC or another company will come out with the proper skid plates for a hidden winch and MOD bumper, but until then, this is 1 of 1.
Looks fucking sexy dude. This is exactly the winch set up I wanted to get for my BL. I love that it doesn't extend the length of the vehicle and keeps the weight down low which is great for stability in heavy winds (since this thing is a brick on wheels that gets pushed around) I definitely like the look you did with the full sized skid plate adjustment. Do you have a 2.3l or 2.7l? Have you noticed the added weight at all in acceleration or mpgs?So I pulled the trigger and ordered the RC Hidden Winch Mount and 12,000 lb Winch Kit. Altogether cost about $900 which I think is great value, especially as the aftermarket prices and availability for the Bronco is ridiculous at this time. Everything arrived within 3 days… spectacular! The mount and winch are simple to install with minor cutting and painting under the truck. Very easy stuff.
I will say the recommended location for the winch control extension is not ideal as the hood will not close when the remote is plugged in, so I will be relocating that. (see picture below)
My dilemma with this kit since I found it has been the skid plate that comes with it. First of all, it isn’t designed to work with the steel mod bumper, so something has to be customized regardless. I also was not the biggest fan of how narrow it was. I know some will argue that it’s better for approach angle, but I love the aesthetic of the wider OEM skid. There is a 3 part video on YouTube where the OEM skid was used by just installing spacers and cutting in a place for the fairlead, but the angle for the cable is not optimal.
So, we decided to merge the two. This still requires 3/8” or 1/2” spacers for the skid to clear the front of the winch mount and a good deal of cutting both plates. After welding/grinding/cleaning, we sprayed 2 coats of bed liner which ended up looking like the OEM finish.
I’m very happy with the result. It is as sturdy as can be and the angle for the cable is perfect. I’m sure RC or another company will come out with the proper skid plates for a hidden winch and MOD bumper, but until then, this is 1 of 1.
Thank you! It’s the 2.3L. This kit doesn’t work for the 2.7 unfortunately. I’ve put about 150 miles on the truck since install, haven’t noticed the weight, can’t give you a good idea of MPGs because I live in downtown area with lots of stop and go the last 4 days.
Awesome, well, keep me posted when you can please, I'm getting the 4dr Manual BL and would love to know the effect if any on MPGs. It looks great and I can't wait to do this to mine when my 22MY shows up. whenever that will be lol.
Hang in there, it’s worth the wait.
