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ua taco
05-27-2005, 07:03 AM
First of all THANK YOU guys who came to my wedding for coming, having fun [hopefully], and helping me with everything. I was really happy that so many of you came!
Second of all thank you for a really damn generous present - you guys are crazy for buying this, I know it's expensive - the warn M8000 winch. This thing is great from what alot of people with experience say. They say it is the best quality, dependability, and performance for the money.
In case any of you guys care, I know Tomas and Billy were interested in this, I am planning on mounting this winch behind the front bumper of my truck, so that it is hidden, more protected from water, doesn't change my approach angle, and most of all so that I don't have to get a hardcore steel offroad bumper for now. I want to have a steel offroad specific bumper in the future, but not right now because just the materials might run me a nice sum of money, and because if I get a heavy steel bumper + a winch, that will put quite more weight on the front of my truck and then I'll have to get stiffer springs for the front suspension, which is again money. And also quite important, fabrication of offroad bumper will take us quite some time, while making the hidden winch mount should be alot easier and quicker. This way we'll be able to use the winch sooner.
I say "we" because I owe all of you guys for this winch and in case any of you is stuck feel free to call me anytime [18584140781] and I'll do whatever I can to pull you out - just more fun for me.
Here is a description of how one guy in Canada mounted a winch behind the bumper of his tacoma, I want to do something similar.
'It's a 3/8 plate that goes from the outside edge to the outside edge of the frame underneath. It's secured to the frame with 2- 6" pieces of 3/8x3" angle iron with 1/4 steel backplates to distribute the stresses as far back on the frame as possible. It also has a 14" piece of angle iron used to support the fairlead and provide some stability against twisting and bending. I cut out the front crossmember to make it fit inside the bumper. Also cut off the engagement lever on the winch, turned it 90* and TIG welded it back on so I can turn it side to side instead of front to back. Works great so far, is light weight, especially with the synthetic line. It will also make it easier to make custom skids with a better attachment point. I'll try and get some pics of it all back together with the cable on it.'
I'll post pictures if I can.

masta-t
06-28-2005, 10:47 AM
....lets get it done man!!!!! :twisted:

ua taco
06-28-2005, 11:06 AM
I am looking for some cheap 2x2 or 3x3 tubing right now. If anybody knows any great source, tell me please! I will also need some angle and plate.
For now check out the creations at http://www.toy4x4.net. I like his design for simplicity = easier to make + lighter, functionality, looks, and hopefully low price and high strength of square tubing. I want something similar and with a winch plate mounted in the middle, at the bumper level, so it isn't blocking the radiator.
Do you guys think .120 wall thickness 2x2 or 3x3 steel tubing is right for this application?

masta-t
06-29-2005, 06:07 AM
....are you still going to hide it under the bumper? or are you going to just go full steel bumper? I saw a cool idea for the rear bumper yesterday that maybe you'll like.

Im going to California Metals for my stuff. i know their round tubing isnt that much but not sure how much their square tubing is.

ua taco
06-29-2005, 07:50 AM
I am undecided ...
OK, I know - I'll do just the winch plate and cut out corners out of plastic bumper thingy to make more clearance for the tires to roll-up rocks.This way my front will not be as heavy as if I aded a whole bumper. Which is good, because then the springs should hold up better and I'll end up with more lift. Plus the cost is less, plus I can keep my turn signals. By the way I am going to get Old Man Emu 882 springs [stiffer and longer than my current springs] and probably wheeler's offroad add-a-leaf for the back [will make it a bit stiffer and give me some lift [which is good for when I put on heavier off-road bumper and if I buy an atv in the future and drive it in the back of my truck]. Check this stuff out at http://www.wheelersoffroad.com.
I am going to go to industrial metal supply today and look at their scrap bean. Other than that so far I found the lowest prices in general at Reliance Metal Center in National City, 6192632141. My work usually buys metal from them.

masta-t
06-29-2005, 08:19 AM
awsome!......buy some metal then bring your truck over so we can make it happen!

ua taco
07-27-2005, 08:02 AM
I painted the winch plate with like 3 layers of paint and installed the winch. It fit exactly and very tight, but I didn't have to cut any metal or the bumper, except for an opening for the fairlead. So cool!!!! Thank you everybody who helped out during the plate fabrication!
I put the electrical box next to the winch on the winch plate, wired it to the winch and then ran 2 main wires to the battery. Also plugged in the remote control, which has like 12 ft of cable. Ran the cable into the engine bay and left the remote there, secured nearby the battery. Now if I need to use the winch I can just open my hood, pull out the remote, close the hood, and operate the winch either from anywhere near the truck, or while sitting inside and trying to drive out. Can't wait to test this baby! But first have to put my skidplates back on and that requires welding in that front crossmember with skidpalte mounts...

masta-t
07-27-2005, 10:07 AM
custom fab a beefier skid plate and mount!!

RIDEitINTOtheGROUND
07-27-2005, 11:06 PM
ya that should be pretty simple, but so is using the one he already has.

we should make a whole new plate and mount at some pt once he bashes it all up

post pictures!

ua taco
07-29-2005, 01:53 PM
Tomas, do you have welding gas?
Are you planning working on your truck this Sunday?

RIDEitINTOtheGROUND
07-30-2005, 01:42 AM
i have the welder at my house right now, doin some welding for work and gonna do all the small welder projects ive had building up on motos etc.. i could help you put on your skid mount tomorrow if you'd like! and yes there is gas

brian
07-30-2005, 02:06 AM
and yes there is gas

my bad :D

ua taco
08-17-2005, 10:00 AM
Somebody made a similar thing for 2005 tacos, but a bolt ot version and is now selling it on ebay for $375.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7974780691
time to make money of your fabrication equipment, huh?