Tacoma Hidden Winch Install | 3rd Generation

[@thomasogilvie4990]

Mike, I just finished doing this on my Tacoma tonight. Took me about 10 hours total. It’s a big job. Your video was a huge help. Thank you so much for putting it together.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Glad to help!

[@dougherbert7441]

You did a ton of work. After watching what was involved I’m gonna save my pennies and pay a shop to do it🥸 Thanks for taking the time to video this for all of us not so expert mechanics.😁👍

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

If you can't install the winch, do you think it's safe for you to be using a winch?

[@martingomez4884]

Looks awesome! Working on your own vehicle is so rewarding in the end, specially when it all works as intended.

[@Offshore1977]

Love that stock look. Maybe you can rig the license plate to cover the winch. Maybe use the winch to hold the license plate snug. It could pop on and off for when you need to use the winch.

[@samuelfowler5921]

I'm glad you did, I'm new to the Tacoma world and getting a winch setup close to this

[@Saskidan]

Thanks for the video! I just picked up a 2018 and love it. I do a lot of logging road driving and in winter to some hotsprings where all kinds of trucks get stuck in snow. Looking forward to getting this installed.

[@drobs7279]

Looks good Mike! I'd hook the winch lead on your front tow hook for now.

[@officialyasir]

Dude, great job! I love the stock look myself. I will probably do the same if I end up getting a tacoma in 6 months or so.

[@Fzerotwo]

Did you get one?

[@officialyasir]

@@Fzerotwo yup, just pick one up last Saturday! Already took out on the trails, it did surprising well for being bone stock!

[@mcdoonaldsmanager8706]

@@officialyasir yooo what year taco

[@officialyasir]

@@mcdoonaldsmanager8706 2021

[@mcdoonaldsmanager8706]

@@officialyasir congrats thats awesome

[@finditfixitmechanics]

Nice job and good video, thanks for sharing. I like the stock look.

[@Bugjuicedad]

Thanks for the tutorial. I just did the same install, and this video helped immensely.

[@claudebergeron1980]

Looks good! Nice work!

[@phillygrappler]

Kudos to you for doing this on your own! That was a ballsy move considering your a self-proclaimed novice. I don’t think I’d have the nerve to attempt something like that.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yeah I was pretty nervous going in but it all worked out and there's a lot of satisfaction in having done it myself. Its given me the confidence to take on some other pretty big projects since then too!

[@nismo613]

OEM plus. I dig it

[@ericfike1861]

Try aTuffy Flip-Up License Plate Holder. It's designed to be attached to the hawse fairlead mount for synthetic winch cables. You'll need to secure the cable loop so it doesn't flop or get pulled inside the bumper. If you run through any deep water it will wash inside the bumper and make the winch useless if you can't access it. The cable/rope should be kept snug, but not overly tight on the drum. Paint the hook black and it won't stand out.

[@Bugjuicedad]

😂 I was going to suggest the same thing. I guess it’s good I read the other comments first. I too used the Tuffy. Completely hides the fairlead.

[@danphilpott6302]

Awesome video! So helpful!

[@andyb4101]

Wow. For not being “mechanically inclined,” you did an amazing, professional grade job. Thanks for a great install video.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Thanks for the positive feedback! I'm glad it all turned out ok.

[@ronmccall6511]

Thank you! This will really help.

[@andrestorres6307]

Any idea if this would also fit with a rough country bull bar?

[@edolesya]

I like your roof rack what brand is it? Thule?

[@bodybuilderfriends5087]

Great job man!! Very helpful!! One thing I learned is that if you are half handy all you need is to be fearless and you can accomplish anything you set your mind in👍😀

[@enderud24]

Vice design sells a flip up license plate mount

[@Mlhsurf]

hey there...how do you access the clutch for the winch?

[@rdsmith415]

We have the exact time truck and I want to keep as stock as possible. I’m going to add a 70 lb hiline bumper and winch….do you think I can do this without a lift or level kit? I keep hearing different things.

[@JeromeCasper]

Looks good but if person was install 3" body lift then the brackets they have in the lift kit are bolted up to where the winch plate attaches to so think a winch would not bolt up to a truck that has a body lift done to it.

[@Hansaman58]

Awesome job!

[@bradwilson22bw]

How did you got the correct cut to the lead holes and know exactly where to cut without a stincle ?

[@boardmemberlaurel3229]

Is the control device detachable or do you store it some where under the hood?

[@MartyCanter]

Surprised you was able to even work on the front end removing everything being the truck is almost up against the wall of the garage I have to have lot of elbow room where I got lot of room to move around @ least 8 feet or more away from the wall other then that very informative vid on how to👍

[@DrivenCompanion]

Wouldn't have liked some more space but the truck is a tight fit with that long bed!

[@dampainter1]

so been awhile, how are u liking the winch mount? how do u use it when u can`t see it when feeding it to keep wire or rope from binding?

[@DrivenCompanion]

I still like it. There's a chance I'd go with one of the low profile bumper options out there if I did it again but I do like that this maintains the stock look

[@dwtimmons]

Perfect, glad you asked. I'm looking to keep a more stock look but with upgrades!!

[@kingkongmegatronboss]

Great video. Thank you.

[@robertt4239]

I'd like same on my Tacoma but I live in Michigan. I think the salt will eat away at this type of setup. I am thinking of going with the front receiver then use a winch plate. Easy to remove and store in a dry area. Any thoughts?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Its pretty well protected behind the bumper and tucked up above the skid plates, especially if powder coated. i wouldn't expect it to rust any more than the frame.

[@rickgolden9220]

Do you have to beef the suspension up any from stock

[@DrivenCompanion]

I already had upgraded suspension. You could probably leave it stock and be fine too.

[@thehuntingparadox2291]

Nice install, how them tires holding up? I'm getting a set of them in a month or two, any complaints yet? I saw your vids from when you had them put on. Been out less than a year so it's good to see someone using them thanks for the vid!

[@DrivenCompanion]

They are doing great so far. No regrets at all!

[@thejamiefoster]

Are you still running this winch setup?

[@markwentworth5347]

Great video!!

[@Mjr1348]

Great job and vid. 👍🏻

[@rmeashes]

can you see through the grill well enough to spool the line?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yes

[@larrybraga3471]

Geeat video Mike but do you think the rc9500 winch will be enough if you really got stuck...considering the resistence of the vehicle you are rescuing and the resistance of what you are pulling out of, mud, snow, etc?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yes I'd say in general a 9500 lb winch will be more than accurate. hindsight being 20/20 I'd probably go with a higher quality winch if I did it again because if it breaks you've got to repeat this whole process to replace it. I am in the process of doing a winch/bumper for my 4Runner and went with this winch from Warn: amzn.to/3zQDu2Q

[@MrJeepguy1974]

What did your truck have in a way of a lift and tire size , spacers in this video mike?

[@DrivenCompanion]

At this point I had a 2 inch spacer in the front, 1 inch block in the rear and 265/75/r16 Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrains on stock wheels.

[@adamh3272]

Do they make tow hitch winch mounts? Then just plug it in into outlet in bed when needed?

[@generalvee2773]

So, how do you turn the clutch lever?

[@JasonWh]

Go with Factor55 to give you a solid, flat option.

[@DirtShy]

I was thinking a factor 55 thimble on the winch line for your shackle to hook up too.

[@andreasgauckler3152]

How do you like the RC winch?

[@canardsalle7731]

What do you do if you have front plates?

[@canardsalle7731]

How about a flit plate? Flip the plate to the reveal the winch!

[@Oses14]

How much did the mount cost you

[@Iwtbaf]

use magnets to stop the hook fro,m bouncing around. magnet and some rope

[@ramoncampbell1170]

What size are your tires? They look 👀 good!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Thanks! They are 265/75/r16

[@MDB94]

I went with a Blitz winch bumper from Victory 4X4, and 10,000 lb synthetic winch from Smittybilt..

[@MDB94]

Don't know how to add a pic

[@splatmacpuffin]

MDB94 What was the cost of both units ? Did you install yourself?

[@JohnKidd]

Seeing that the winch mount has a $100 shipping fee. Anyway around this? That seems crazy high. (I know, its steel...)

[@DrivenCompanion]

Maybe you could pick it up if you live relatively close or you could call to see if there are cheaper shipping options available? Maybe something slower?

[@unlimited_4x493]

Did you have any issues reaching the winch remote from behind the grille when using it??

[@DrivenCompanion]

Its a little tricky but doable. Wireless would be nice but they cost more and I'm always worried the batteries in the remote will be dead when I'm actually ready to use it

[@glock22jojo]

Factor55 hook keep for the fair lead

[@rx8dude907]

What tires and size do you have on this video?

[@DrivenCompanion]

265/75/r16 Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrains

[@Rickydbaby]

how do you get to the free spool release? can you get to it from inside the engine bay?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yes, its easy to access with the hood open through the engine bay

[@Rickydbaby]

Mike C good to know. Was wondering how it would be as the warn with wireless spool release is super expensive.

[@erikzamboni9575]

Great work! I'm really wanting to install by Nov 1st but not sure I can pull it off. Anyone out there with experience installing these want to make some extra $$, get the parts, and install one for me? I live in central Oregon as well!

[@mohammadrazahussaini3151]

Hi is there any way to install a winch on highlander 2019 any trim??

[@DrivenCompanion]

That is a really interesting idea. I've never considered the possibility of a winch on a Highlander but it sounds cool. I think you'd have to get custom mount built to make it work but I'm sure it could be done.

[@zacstred452]

how much did the winch tray weigh?

[@DrivenCompanion]

I'd guess about 30 lbs

[@remi1213]

I went to the website for buying the bumper and there is option for 2 recovery points (+190$). What is the 2 recovery points?

[@cgrizzwald7831]

What kind of roof rack is that?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yakima. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYG3opefabeHmdE

[@scottfergusson8411]

Should have just put a front hitch on that way you can use the winch front and rear . No hassle at all ! 20 min

[@MrScalilou]

Push pins for the license plate holes, they come in various sizes. As for what to do with the hook sliding around....2 eyelet brackets that normally bolt into the bed of the truck, they're available on Amazon. Buy 2 black ones and use the bolts for the winch opening to bolt them to the front of the plate then clip the hook onto either eyelet.

[@antonio7815]

The winch mount has a bad link. Would you please fix it? Thanks

[@DrivenCompanion]

Link is working now. Thanks for the heads up!

[@bretthoffman2128]

Looks good- How much did it cost too get the radar cruise control calibrated?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Mine is a 2016 so no radar cruise control or TSS

[@bretthoffman2128]

@@DrivenCompanion true, but they had a few other issues, transmission, and Toyota can't get White right? What else are they screwing up

[@bretthoffman2128]

@@DrivenCompanion I'd forgotten those didn't have radar cruise, but its a nice feature

[@boots1131]

So what is the weight all of this is going to be adding to your front end,,, my concern is when you're off roading and you drive in a deep Drop off.. With the spacer lift kit that you have on your truck and with all that extra weight it can bottom out your shock to a point it can bend the shaft or break through the shock.. I've drove into some drop off's that it would bottom out and hit my skid plate and I have 11 1/2 inches of clearance from the ground to my skid plate,, but I don't have a spacer lift kit I'm running Bill Steen 5100s ride height adjustable's and set to the fourth ring that clip fits in so that's just under 3 inches.. I don't have the extra weight Of a winch in the frame, and it still drops that far,, So it's just something for you to think about and maybe ask somebody who knows about the problems this can cause.. You might have to change out your springs in the front.. Good luck and nice work

[@DrivenCompanion]

I would guess I added about 100-150 lbs. I don't do much serious or hard off-roading so I'd be surprised if I managed to bottom out the shock. Eventually i could see upgrading to the 5100s as well.

[@boots1131]

@@DrivenCompanion Yeh I hear you,, Im not that serious eighter Im not going out to tear up my Truck, Just out to have fun,, And I was surprise and caught off guard when I drop down that far myself, Did not see that dip in the trial, It was like walking down stairs and missing a step,, Didn;t see it coming..

[@MATTX250X]

Does good year not make those anymore I was looking for them for a couple days online

[@lechicklet]

MATTX250X try DiscountTire.com, they have exclusive rights

[@DrivenCompanion]

They only sell them through discount tire so you can find in store or on their website

[@MATTX250X]

I wish they had 285/70r16

[@genxiong2695]

Get a flip-up license plate holder to conceal everything. Flip-up when in use down when not. Simple as that

[@DrivenCompanion]

I concocted my own setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGLZdHuoeNN1p8U

[@carlosarevalo2874]

Where’s the winch controller

[@minnesotaco8880]

Flat link factor 55

[@Kfry311]

Nevermind. Found it.

[@DB-hb6kp]

The amount of work space you gave yourself gave me mild anxiety.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yes it was less than ideal. Tight fit in the garage with the long bed!

[@Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

Just take that bullshit factory tow hook off. Either get demon brackets and run shackles, or just remove it. It's held on by two bolts.

[@bobac1083]

$490 for the winch mount? Plus the winch? By the time i put in that kind of money, i could get a proper bumper that has the mount built-in.... Absolute nonsense.

[@SimplyCarReviews]

That is true. It looks very oem and weight is much less as well. Which contributed to his choosing this set up most likely.

[@seanharreld1104]

As much as I want the winch ill pass on this build

[@75Built]

Says "I like the stock look" ...proceeds to hack into front bumper.

[@tls5669]

the sound sucks