My 2021 Bronco - FAQs about installing a hidden winch - Part 3

[@StephenLoosli1]

I hope I've fixed the sound levels on this video. I use a free editing tool called Shotcut and it has taken a minute to figure out how to adjust the sound. Thanks for your patience!

[@thrasher6355]

This is great!!! This is what I have been looking for thank you for sharing

[@StephenLoosli1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fretless05]

I really like this install, but was disappointed when I went to the Rough Country site and learned this mount doesn't support the 2.7.

[@StephenLoosli1]

I'm sorry for that. I do see a ton of aftermarket accessories popping up every day, so I'm sure somebody is working on options.

[@TacoBillRescue]

Hey sir just purchased the same winch setup and have found a waterjet cutting serivce, by any chance do you have the precise dimensions of the hole you had cut? Thanks for the great vids.

[@gjmacinnes]

I got this tray too and have the mod bumper. I want to know if you had to support the intercooler when both hangers are removed to install the tray? I don't want to remove both have the intercooler drop down. thanks.

[@StephenLoosli1]

I found the intercooler kind of hung in place, but I cut a 2x4 to hold it up during the install.

[@TubeRLH]

It's nice that you do a follow-up for your viewers; thanks.

[@StephenLoosli1]

My pleasure!

[@kevinkudlik9256]

Is your Bronco a 2.7l or 2.3l?

[@StephenLoosli1]

2.3

[@pilgrimwanderings7046]

Thanks for the follow up, the finished product looks very clean and highly functional. I curious as to any future impact of cutting away the frame extensions. Not sure if you have any idea but I really appreciate you sharing and I look forward to the rear tire storage project.

[@StephenLoosli1]

Those extensions were very weak metal "towers" mounted horizontally with some bolt holes for some application that my vehicle didn't get. I honestly don't know what it was for. I don't think they'll ever be missed.

[@pilgrimwanderings7046]

@@StephenLoosli1 Thanks for the follow up, this is very helpful. This upgrade looks more and more feasible and I really like the clean look to the front end, great job.

[@larryhackleman5957]

2.7 engine correct

[@StephenLoosli1]

No, I have the 2.3 engine.

[@675striple]

Did you by chance place the rough country skid plate in place to see if/how it fits? I'm curious if it would fit with the modular bumper with trimming of the skid plate, or the mod bumper. Any video or photos of how far off the fitment would be? Thanks

[@desjacobs8433]

Hi, I tried doing the same install on my Badlands 2.7eco but there is a smaller cooler radiator inbetween the chassis extensions that needs to be relocated thats not on yours. Not sure but do you have the 2.3eco?

[@StephenLoosli1]

Yes, I have the 2.3. I'm not sure how I'd go about relocating that cooler out of the way. Let me know how you work around it.

[@justinpeterson8104]

Des Jacobs were you able to get this to work with the 2.7?

[@desjacobs8433]

@@justinpeterson8104 Nope, I guess if you are more mechanically up to it might work. I should have taken a photo of it before I put the bashplates back but there is a small "radiator/cooler" right on the spot where the winch must mount.

[@justinpeterson8104]

@@desjacobs8433 That is a bummer. I was pumped when I saw this guy with the hidden winch. I was like, that will work! Mine is supposed to be here this week. I was really looking forward to getting it installed. This whole winch thing without swamping bumpers and or blocking sensors/camera is frustrating. Have you found any alternative?

[@desjacobs8433]

@@justinpeterson8104 same here, thats the reason I bought the whole kit in the first place. I like the look as it is with the modular bumper. Do not really want to change the "face" of it with an big bulky bumper or winch attachment. I have looked at a couple of options on the web but still very vague on models and specs so nope still scouting.

[@thepavementendsnow1901]

Very nice! I hope you plan on reinforcing the tailgate or adding a separate tire rack to the hitch, stock hinges won’t take much added weight? Look forward to watch more of your Bronco adventure! 👍🐴🐴🥌🤟

[@StephenLoosli1]

Thanks! I am taking a real close look at that tailgate. It might not work. But, I hope it does.

[@michaelstabile4893]

REALLY appreciate your videos and all the work you have done! I have been awaiting RC announcing their new version for the Mod bumper, but they keep delaying it and so I may just go your route and use my existing skid plate. The one question I have is whether you think it would be worth modifying the factory skid by, essentially, creating a 'dormer' that would be just large enough for the fairlead, and make it a bit more vertical. Also, originally you had noted you had a little space, but in the video that it 'snugged up' nicely flush. Was that just tightening over time (and perhaps the force of the bolts) or something else. If you mounted the winch tray just a 'smidge' higher (if even possible - maybe not grind off those bottom flanges, but sit on them and adjust mounting holes) would that have helped, in your opinion? I do not need the vertical height as I am mounting the control box remotely with my compressor in the engine bay, so I have some room to play. Thanks again! You are an inspiration!

[@StephenLoosli1]

To your first question, I'd give serious consideration to cutting out of the RC supplied skid plate their dormer and grafting it in to the factory skid plate. If you have skills or friends who do, that would be a great approach. To your second question, the factory skid plate effectively floats from the front bolt line up to the bumper and out to the sides. Because the winch mounting tray is a solid piece of kit along that same line, tightening up those front bolts too much will cause upward deflection on the two sides. I used the small gap at the bumper as a visual guide to decide when enough was enough. Hope that helps!

[@michaelstabile4893]

@@StephenLoosli1 Thank you! I have seen a couple people do the mix of the two plates - not sure I am sold on that yet. I was thinking of something like this - just making a 'bump-out' to make the fairlead more vertical. wish I could paste a pic - I did a mockup and posted it in B6G. I guess the issue, as you noted, is that the skid plate cannot be tightened all the way. It looked like you ended up pretty close - was it like 1/2" difference? I guess I will wait to see what RC comes out with (hopefully soon) and go from there.

[@cincicycles]

Love the install. Have you treated the soft top with a repellent? If so, what did you use?

[@StephenLoosli1]

So far, it looks like the factory treatment has been pretty good. I need to get familiar with soft top maintenance, for sure.

[@billgearhart5734]

I have not received my Bronco Wildtrack yet however I think your custom hidden Wench Mod is great and I plan to do this as well. I don't care for the wench sticking out in front of the camera especially for the $3,500 price tag that Ford is charging that blocks the camera. I can not believe that Ford Engineers didn't consider this approach. Have you though about going on the Bronco Forums and discussing the idea of mass producing these skid plate mods with the water jet hole created and painted. Maybe you could reach out to RC and see if they can provide a solution similar to yours for us with the Modular front bumpers? Congrats and excellent work my friend.

[@kgsspoom]

Does it reduce ground clearance up front

[@StephenLoosli1]

No, it doesn't. It is tucked up under the stock skid plate.