POTENTIAL PROBLEM: Switch to Synthetic Winch Line on BA Bumper

[MuDnYrI]

OK so I finally made the switch to Viking Synthetic Winch Line. I also replaced the Fairlead with the "Beyond Insanity" Aluminum model. As I was finishing up the install I noticed the Synthetic Winch Line will rub against the bottom section of the steel BA Bumper. We all know Synthetic Winch Line and Steel don't go together!
I assume trimming the bumper is the only option and was wondering if anyone tackled this problem and if so how?
I attached a PIC and would appreciate any or all ideas for a fix

TIA
Jimmy

 

[06 H3]

Can the fairlead be moved up? If so then u may get away without trimming it...if not pull out the angle grinder!

another option is putting some type of rubber peice over the bumper part but I don't think that's the best option

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[Scarsman]

Maybe drill two new holes up a little higher so they like up? Might be easier than cutting the bumper out.

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[ReconH3]

Definitely try redrilling the fairlead if possible. If you cut bumper, make sure it's a smooth cut, and if possible, polish the surface as much as possible. Rough edges are not synthetic rope's friend.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

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[Pappibri]

Looks like some fab time. No matter what it looks as if you are going to have to alter your bumper.. I would go the lesser evil route and just drill new holes higher and move it up.. If you cut a section out you will have to make sure its nice and smooth. You could always fill the old holes and touch up if you had to, replacing a missing section is a wee bit harder.

 

[08H3]

I'd vote for trimming it. I think 4Speed had the same issue on his old BA. Whatever you do, make sure you resolve it some way or you'll be ordering replacement line on your first pull. Also, I was a holdout still using steel for a long time. You're going to wonder why you didn't go with synthetic a lot earlier.

 

[tomp]

sorry - double post

 

[tomp]

Looks like the wrong fairlead to me. They make them with slot even with bolt holes or offset. Looks like you might possibly benefit from the offset type, from looking at this picture. Check with Phil over at Trailduty as he is familiar with the various options of fairleads and their offsets. Was this pic on the H2 or H3 BA winch bumper? The BA bumper for the H2 requires fairlead with an offset and the BA bumper for the H3 requires zero-offset.

This might be worth looking into before modifying the bumper cut-out.

 

[Bigunit]

Never mind....see BW's comment below. Mud has an H2 BA.

 

[Bigunit]

Speaking of BA bg's, I decided to have mine sandblasted and powder-coated the way they should have been done originally by BA. Came out nice & shiny. Also had Dwaine weld the upper cross-bar supports that were bolted to the bottom part of the bumper so that water can't get in & under there, as the BAs I have seen, all seem to develop rust isuues at those points of the bumper. Looks better than brand new and it should also be a lot stronger than with just those bolts holding it together.

 

[BW_Hummer H3]

Was this pic on the H2 or H3 BA winch bumper? The BA bumper for the H2 requires fairlead with an offset and the BA bumper for the H3 requires zero-offset.

I think he has a H2.

 

[Bigunit]

I think he has a H2.

BW,
I think you're right!

 

[BW_Hummer H3]

BW,
I think you're right!

This is his right?

 

[MuDnYrI]

Yeah that's my Rig. I didn't realize Fairleads had Offsets! I'll have to check into that! Thank Tomp!
Thanks for all the ideas!
Bigunit ... I'm luvin your modded bumper! Great job!!

 

[Renagade132]

Where did you get the leather hood bra??

 

[Mb30sdl]

I had to cut ARB bumper on H3, my synthetic rollers were set to low (lower winch bolts). There was no way of drilling and moving rollers up(much bigger head), so I cut butom of opening down where it was rubbing.