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Winch recommendations for capable bumper

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Badlands
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Yes I talked to ADD and they said just need to get 2 nuts and washers to replace plastic OEM nut bracket thingy. My mechanic said he can do it.
Went and looked at Badland 12k winch. loved the one I had but trying to get something lighter smaller maybe 10k cheap X bull. 300 bucks.
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GI_Jo_Nathan

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Yes I talked to ADD and they said just need to get 2 nuts and washers to replace plastic OEM nut bracket thingy. My mechanic said he can do it.
Went and looked at Badland 12k winch. loved the one I had but trying to get something lighter smaller maybe 10k cheap X bull. 300 bucks.
On my buddies that I helped with we just zipped the bracket in two cutting out the middle piece and bolted it back on.
 
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Reading through the threads I am still on the fence with the winch. I like the way the rough country hidden winch looks. Has anyone installed it in the 2.7 with adaptive cruise control . Does it affect the front clearance and approach angle in any way. Thanks in advance
 
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Victorsen

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GI_Jo_Nathan

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Also Lobo has one to : https://lobooffroad.com/product/lobo-hnt-hidden-winch-skid-plate-bronco/

Hammer built https://hpbuilt.shop/products/hammer-built-bronco-hidden-winch-mount

It seems that the RC could get bashed a bit due to low clearance so now I am not sure anymore
So the the skid plate on the RC hidden winch is known to be pretty vulnerable and get bent up easily. It's also not a real well made skid plate with very minimal coverage and two little winged pieces sort of that bolt on separately. Just not a very well thought through design. I mean it was great when it came out cuz I believe it was the only option but now like you said there are plenty of options.

The Lobo one is pretty good I think, will suffer from similar clearance issues as the rc. Many people will say this does not affect your approach angle, and that sort of true. You're not generally Wheeling up a flat wall that hits both front tires evenly. So if there's a rock or protrusion of some sort it can get caught up there especially if you are taking an obstacle at an angle like you should. Not saying it would stop me from using it if it's the best option for me but just to be aware of.

The hammer built is by far the best off the shelf option I think. My main gripe is needing a pricey short drum winch. It's also definitely the most expensive, mostly due to needing to also mount a high mount intercooler, that alone I believe scares a lot of people off because there are a lot of other issues you have to deal with involving the grill shutters and such.

Plenty of us have developed our own hidden winch / High tucked winch systems, but not a lot of people are comfortable with that.

Another option to look at that's very reasonable in price, but is bumper-mounted is the 4WheelParts bumper and winch plate. I have not personally run the winch plate, but I do have the bumper and really like it.

The main thing to know about them is that they are basically out of production, so you will find them on alternate sites like walmart.com and a few others.
 

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Victorsen

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Thanks looking more into it I may just go with the IAG heavy duty winch mount instead of the hidden winch route. The Lobo one requires me to get a new intercooler and do other relocations it seems . RC I was concerned it appears really low and I know I have already scrapped my front plates
 

jaydub503

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I did the Buckle-up Offroad Winch Mount with a Warn 10K EVO. Very easy to install.

Ford Bronco Winch recommendations for capable bumper Bronco Winch 8-8-26
 

Douglasjwood

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Ford Bronco Winch recommendations for capable bumper PXL_20250830_143243666

Made my own removable. Easy enough to put on by myself. Two pins and a plug. Yes, that's a Vevor 13,000# winch. I have less than $300 into the entire setup, and it's saved my bacon a dozen times now. Biggest reason I went removable is our great winter roads. Regardless of how well sealed anything is, the salt tends to reek havoc on everything.
 

Douglasjwood

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Nice, but you must have installed a different intercooler?
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