Rascole's hidden winch install.

[rascole]

So I finally got around to start my install of my Schwarttzy hidden winch. I have had a very bust weekend schedule with kids in sports and work. It is only half way done but I should have it completed no later than Thanksgiving weekend, the last weekend of my sons football.
I was going to buy a Smittybilt 10k but there was some miss-communication at 4Wheel Parts and I never was notified that they ordered the older model. They fixed it by giving me the new model, X20 12k, instead. Great customer service.
Fitment is tight but it seems that it will work. Front of winch touches the mount and the back feet touch the core support but I didn’t have to pry it in. I haven’t mounted the bumper yet, just a dry fit so I don’t know if there will be any trimming needed.

 

[rascole]

I ordered the mount plain because I want to mount some LEDs in the grill next to the fairlead. I am unsure if I am going to add a bracket on the mount to add regular LED's or add a piece of sheet metal where the plastic grill goes and add flush mount LED's.

 

[digglesworth]

Is that the newer x2o that has the on/off switch on the control box? I have the 10k comp w/ synthetic line and had issues with the control box picking up stray frequencies and intermittently spooling the line in. Went through smittybilt and they sent me a new control box (w/ switch) and a new remote.... So if you have the newer one, you'll want that switch accessible...

 

[rascole]

I will check, I haven't taken everything out of the box yet.

 

[RamRod]

I'd put a set of LED's hidden behind the grill mesh, would look nice and stealth!

My winch rubbed the front of his mount as well, I only had to trim the grill mesh as expected.

 

[Pappibri]

Looking good so far, cant wait to see it finished and get a trail report...:thumbs:

 

[cbetts]

Are you gonna have this ready and join us for the Black Friday run up Last Chance Canyon? I would love to see this setup in person.

 

[rascole]

Are you gonna have this ready and join us for the Black Friday run up Last Chance Canyon? I would love to see this setup in person.

Can't make that one, last weekend of football for us then I'm headed to Boston the next weekend for 2 weeks for training.

 

[rascole]

Made some more progress this weekend. I did have to make a few small mods but nothing big. I did find a bonus though, the metal support bar behind the plastic bumper has a great location to mount the small square LED's.

 

[rascole]

 

[rascole]

 

[rascole]

Mounting is perfect. Now pull it all off, paint the mount, then re-install it all. I did use some of the shorter M8 stainless bolts I had to replace the plastic body rivets.

 

[ReconH3]

That's a very clean install. Good choice on the more powerful winch. People forget our truck weigh more than a wrangler.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

 

[RamRod]

Looking good!!!


Sent from handheld smoke signal device

 

[digglesworth]

I had to use my winch a few weeks ago. I was very satisfied with it. Did you get the comp w/ synthetic line?

 

[rascole]

I had to use my winch a few weeks ago. I was very satisfied with it. Did you get the comp w/ synthetic line?

Yes, did you use the Smittybilt fairlead? I don't want to cut the plastic so I am going to machine mine down to fit or buy one from Factor 55 along with one of their thimbles.
Did you have to re-clock yours?

 

[digglesworth]

I used the aluminum one that came with the comp... I'm running a Thorparts bumper so no, didnt have to clock it. And theres no trimming anything so the shape of the fairlead was fine. I see what you mean though about the extra trimming. Let me know if you end up going another route for a fairlead. I might take the X2O one off your hands. The only one I see for sale is the xrc stamped one.

 

[Happy Hummer]

Nice.
Chris

 

[rascole]

Is that the newer x2o that has the on/off switch on the control box? I have the 10k comp w/ synthetic line and had issues with the control box picking up stray frequencies and intermittently spooling the line in. Went through smittybilt and they sent me a new control box (w/ switch) and a new remote.... So if you have the newer one, you'll want that switch accessible...

Yes mine has the on/off switch.

 

[rascole]

Ran in to a problem today. The Smittybilt only clocks at the 12 or 3 o'clock positions. Clocked to the back and it hits the AC tube. May have to trim level down.

 

[rascole]

Update, so my work and family schedule allowed me to spend some time this weekend to work on the winch.
I had to modify the clutch handle so it would not hit the bumper. I added a 1/4" bolt through the side of the handle, filled the recess with JB Weld, cut it down, sanded it and painted it. Now it works great.

 

[rascole]

Update #2 for today. I had to make a small modification to the core support bracket. The backside cross support from the winch was rubbing on the bracket. I didn't want it to wear down to a weak spot and rust the bracket. I welded a support to the backside and ground down a recess to give some clearance.

 

[rascole]

Update #3. Installed the controller behind the grill. I wanted to mount the controller as close to the winch as possible without making all new wires. I got a piece of 4x2 aluminum channel and made a bracket to mount it to the core support bracket. Sure glad I took the time to plan it out.

 

[rascole]

So it is now all wired up and runs like a champ. The controller is easy to plug the remote in, wireless is even easier. Last step now is to machine the Hawse fairlead down so it will fit between the plastic gap. Should be done this week so I can spool up the line.

 

[digglesworth]

lookin good