H2 Rear Winch in Bumper Install

[whitehumh2]

It appears that I like to do projects that no one else has ever done...so here I go again!



My trusty T-Max winch portable mount has taken a beating over the years since I already can use it in the front or rear of my truck, but recently I have bent many of the components tothe point where I needed to do something with it and my T-Max winch. My winch is still good so I decided to give it a new home! A winch condo in my factory rear bumper.



SO, tonight I got out the sawzall and started cutting a hole and recycling whaterver is useable from my old winch plate. I have gotten pretty far already and have done several test fits and it is looking great!



Tomorrow I should be ready to start welding pieces in place and then doing the final cuts in the bumper.



Yes I am taking lots of pictures...but for the moment you will just have to imagine!



Stay tuned! <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... /wavey.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wavey:' />

[whitehumh2]

So here is the first round of pictures;



Making the marks before I get the hole saw and the sawzall out.

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Here is the first cut.

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This is my first test fit with my winch...just to make sure it will fit before I go to far...but seeing as I already have a big hole in my bumper I will find a way!

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It Fits!!!

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Next I start to modify my existing winch mount to work with my new winch location.

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Here is the first test fit with the mount.

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Next week I will start welding everything into place!



Stay Tuned! <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... /photo.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':photo:' />

[s0ulst3al3r]

I like it.

[nitrous]

very nice, just make sure to leave a little room between the winch and the body to allow the frame to move a little separate from the body. Although I guess at the center of the body there probably isn't all that much movement. I know when we had all the H2's 3 wheeling on our last time out the body lines were off by about an inch or maybe a little more at the edges of the trucks.

[Gadgets]

Interesting project, can hardly wait to see the finished product.

[Autumn Walker]

Cool idea - looking forward to the pics of progress.

[whitehumh2]

[quote name='nitrous' timestamp='1364015373' post='42755']

very nice, just make sure to leave a little room between the winch and the body to allow the frame to move a little separate from the body. Although I guess at the center of the body there probably isn't all that much movement. I know when we had all the H2's 3 wheeling on our last time out the body lines were off by about an inch or maybe a little more at the edges of the trucks.

[/quote]



I have a hair over 3/16" between the rear of the winch and the truck body and close to 1/2" between the winch and the bumper cover, so no worries there. I 3 wheel and 2 wheel my H2 frequently and so far have never had any issues with gaps...I think those H2 guys need to check their body mounts and rockbars...something is a tad loose!

[whitehumh2]

So here is my present update.



The plate is welded into position and now I simply have to add some extra bracing for the sides to ensure no issues during heavy side angle pulls. I have also bent and wrapped the plate around the frame to give more surface area for the welds and to increase the strength. I have done multiple fits of the winch to make sure it is perfectly positioned and square and level.



It looks great!



I will post some pics once I have the remaining braces in prior to painting it and then once it is painted.



I did notice that I will need to Clock my winch engage/freespool lever to allow me to freespool the cable...just missing a bit of clearance...oh well!



I will probably add some extra steel on the inside of the bumper to compensate for the huge hole I made to fit the winch and mounting plate.



Stay tuned!

[whitehumh2]

All Welded Up and Braced and ready for painting!



I should have pics up tomorrow so that everyone can see the progress.



This rear winch project will be completed by Monday so stay tuned for the pics of the final product!

[Sub]

interesting!