There is a starting point in all our hobbies and passions when we don't know a thing about what we're about to dive face-first into. After admiring the trick recovery winch on the front of your buddy's rig, you ran out and purchased one.Now you're concerned about installing the mechanical contraption yourself, and we'll be the first to say your concerns are justified. A recovery winch is a dangerous piece of equipment. We find some folks spending too much cash to have a winch installed when in fact the task could easily be completed in a driveway. Don't let your anxieties get the best of you; on certain model 4x4s like trucks and Jeeps, installing a winch is easy and doesn't require special tools. Depending on the vehicle, a winch basically mates to a mounting plate between the framerails or bolts directly to an aftermarket bumper with two cable connections to the battery. A major hitch to any winch installation is that some late-model vehicles have a massive one-piece plastic fascia in the front, which needs to be cut or trimmed, and this does require skill and some special tools. A high-quality winch such as this Warn 9.5ti comes with everything needed for installation (mounting plate not included). The kit includes the winch, all mounting hardware, a handheld remote, a wire winch cable, a hook, a safety strap, electrical cables, and an operator's manual.A high-quality winch such as this Warn 9.5ti comes with everything needed for installation Most aftermarket bumpers make winch installation easy by allowing the winch to simply mount to the top of the bumper. Other bumpers require the winch to be mounted inside the bumper. ...Most aftermarket bumpers make winch installation easy by allowing the winch to simply moun ...This type of install requires some help since the bumper and winch combo is extremely heavy. Winches can also be installed on removable hitch mounts....This type of install requires some help since the bumper and winch combo is extremely h A winch traditionally mounts in place by four bolts. Four floating nuts are used inside the base feet of the winch. After installing the nuts, place a piece of masking tape over the opening to keep them in place, then lower the winch onto the bumper.A winch traditionally mounts in place by four bolts. Four floating nuts are used inside th The nuts float inside the base of the winch for easier alignment to the bolt holes. The bolts will go up through the bumper and into the winch. If the nuts in the base of the winch aren't aligned, use a Phillips screwdriver to align them with the bolt holes.The nuts float inside the base of the winch for easier alignment to the bolt holes. The bo If a bumper requires the winch to be mounted internally the lock/freespool lever may need to be clocked so it can be reached through the access hole. Undo and remove the Allen-head bolts, then rotate the actuating lever housing (do not remove) so it aligns with the bumper's opening.If a bumper requires the winch to be mounted internally the lock/freespool lever may need The positive and negative leads of the winch should be protected where they come in contact with any part of the vehicle so they don't chafe and cause an electrical short. Wrap a rubber hose that has been split lengthwise with a utility knife, and secure with zip ties.The positive and negative leads of the winch should be protected where they come in contac Run the positive and negative leads through an area of the engine compartment so they won't touch any moving parts or the exhaust. Attach the leads to something secure so they remain in place.Run the positive and negative leads through an area of the engine compartment so they won' The fairlead is a two-bolt installation; afterward, pull the cable through the center of the rollers and then install the cable hook. The hook is held in place with a clevis pin, which itself is held in place by a cotter pin. When not in use, the hook should be attached to the bumper or D-ring and the cable should be kept taught but without too much tension or it will weaken over time.The fairlead is a two-bolt installation; afterward, pull the cable through the center of t SOURCES Warn Ind. 12900 S.E. Capps Road Clackamas OR 97015 800-543-9276 www.warn.com By Kevin McNulty Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
