Project Vulture

[DintDobbs]

@Fix4Dirt That's a bridge I wasn't willing to cross then, but with it all falling apart after the garage rebuilt it, my life was at just as much risk either way. At least if the unloader got me, it would have been my own doing. Hopefully there won't be a next time any time soon, but when there is, I'll probably just do it on my own.

Now I'm playing the waiting game, got a set of bar pins coming from Superlift to replace the broken one. According to my tradition, if I manage to break a non-wear component, I start keeping spares.

 

[DintDobbs]

It is time.

Westin Trailblazer series 42-2005 tube bumper has been ordered.

It will require some fabrication in order to fit this bumper onto a second-generation Ford Explorer. This modification will be done so that the bumper clears the front hitch receiver, which will still serve as the primary recovery point. It is my intention to have a hitch-receiver-mounted winch plate fabricated in the future, which will be designed to clear the bumper. This will allow the winch to be easily removed and reinstalled.

My intention is to add some KC or Hella flood lights to the bar and/or the roof, and mount factory fog lights onto the corners of the bar, pointed diagonally outward slightly so as to improve the field of view. The factory fog lights aren't bad at all, and they are road-legal, which cannot be said for all aftermarket driving lights. Any recommendations for NON-LED driving lights are welcome and wanted. Personally I'm leaning toward rectangular Hella's, as Hella tends to use aluminum housings.

I didn't want to have to get a winch, but it's easier to have a winch than it is to have somebody else to go with you in an other truck every time you want to try some thing dumb. With hitch-receiver-mounted winch plates, if I run power to both the front and rear of the vehicle, I would be able to put the winch on the back if needed. I could also buy a second winch, but for weight and storage management purposes I think one relocatable winch is plenty.

There is a slight concern for overtaxing the electrical system, running all of these lights and the winch at the same time; as I don't intend at this time to configure a dual-battery setup or run a high-output alternator, I am fully expecting to have to turn off any optional auxiliary lights during winching.

Tractor Supply sells affordable synthetic rope winches, anybody know if they're any good?

 

[DannyW]

I don't know anyone running one. I came across a guy using his x-bull in a nasty mud pit. It sounded strong with quiet gears. He said it's been excellent. Not sure how the $ compare.

 

[DintDobbs]

Situation update...

I received a telephone call from my vendor informing me that the last Westin 42-2005 had already been claimed before my order was processed, and that since Westin no longer manufactures the unit, I would be receiving a full refund.

So... on to Plan B. Quadratec makes a unit of nearly exactly the same dimensions, for a slightly lower price. I've heard that they aren't the best at updating their web site to reflect current stock, but I'm going to take a shot in the dark and order the QRC front bumper in stead. I've heard good things about their products and customer support, so I'll see what happens.

X-Bull, I'll add that to the list to research. I know WARN and Ramsey make winches of legend, but I'm not sure I want to spend the price of the truck again just for a winch. I'll do my diligence to research before probably buying one of those two any way. I have never regretted spending big and getting big name equipment, but I have always regretted spending little and getting no name equipment.

 

[DemonMudder]

Tractor Supply sells affordable synthetic rope winches, anybody know if they're any good?

Not sure about what they sell, aint been to one myself. But I know the harbor freight badlands ones ain't bad, especially if ya go all the way for the 12k ones, I have the Badlands ZXR 12000 on the rado and it's worked real well in the times I've used it for things. But soon that one is going on the explorer and I'm upgrading to Badlands Apex 12k for the rado, same winch, but it's beefier, better motor, etc.. so that'll be more than enough for the rado, and that slightly older model of ZXR 12k will be MUCH more than enough for the explorer too. And I like your plan for keeping it movable from front to rear, that used to be my original plan too, still may nab a small winch on a receiver plate, like a 5k one or something, as an extra to bring along on certain trips if needed, so I can have both front and rear. Though I'd love to just build a rear bumper that can just house one.. anyway, Badlands I'll vouch for being pretty darn decent, especially if ya go up for the Apex, but Warn is definitely fantastic too!
Light wise, not sure there, Hella is a good choice there I'd say, nabbed a set from a junkyard once and ran them for a small while, wasn't bright enough (they were who knows how old), or the look I was going for, so I went up for the 7" round led pods on my roof rack. But Hella is definitely where I suggest sticking to for the halogen kind

 

[DannyW]

Situation update...

I received a telephone call from my vendor informing me that the last Westin 42-2005 had already been claimed before my order was processed, and that since Westin no longer manufactures the unit, I would be receiving a full refund.

So... on to Plan B. Quadratec makes a unit of nearly exactly the same dimensions, for a slightly lower price. I've heard that they aren't the best at updating their web site to reflect current stock, but I'm going to take a shot in the dark and order the QRC front bumper in stead. I've heard good things about their products and customer support, so I'll see what happens.

X-Bull, I'll add that to the list to research. I know WARN and Ramsey make winches of legend, but I'm not sure I want to spend the price of the truck again just for a winch. I'll do my diligence to research before probably buying one of those two any way. I have never regretted spending big and getting big name equipment, but I have always regretted spending little and getting no name equipment.

I've used my Warn 10k a bunch. Having confidence, in what I consider a critical component in more aggressive exploring, makes the trip more enjoyable. There are places I happily point my rig that would never have been considered without it.

To your point on big name equipment, it's kind of like a saying in the networking world "nobody ever got fired for buying Cisco".

 

[Fix4Dirt]

X-Bull, I'll add that to the list to research. I know WARN and Ramsey make winches of legend, but I'm not sure I want to spend the price of the truck again just for a winch. I'll do my diligence to research before probably buying one of those two any way. I have never regretted spending big and getting big name equipment, but I have always regretted spending little and getting no name equipment.

WARN is what the utility trucks run (if they have one). Definitely great and Ive never seen one break. If it can pull a utility truck I imagine it can pull a sport haha. That said for this one I bought a Badlands 12.5k with steel rope. Works fine, I dont need much more. If I was to do it again I might go synthetic rope but thats it.

EDIT: 12k not 12.5

 

[DemonMudder]

WARN is what the utility trucks run (if they have one). Definitely great and Ive never seen one break. If it can pull a utility truck I imagine it can pull a sport haha. That said for this one I bought a Badlands 12.5k with steel rope. Works fine, I dont need much more. If I was to do it again I might go synthetic rope but thats it.

EDIT: 12k not 12.5

Exactly, that badlands is awesome! And I watch a bunch of offroad recovery groups on YouTube and most of what they use is the badlands 12k apex, aint seen them have much issue either and they've had some serious recoveries. So really depends on price and preference, Warn or Badlands would be great choices! Synthetic rope is 100% the way to go, much much safer, I'm getting myself a new longer Synthetic one to swap in on this one and getting an Apex one to swap in on the rado, which comes with the synthetic anyway

 

[Fix4Dirt]

I think its like going Baja Designs vs Diode Dynamics

For those who want the absolute brightest light or have dough to blow go BD

But for something thats definitely a really solid unit thats got chops and is good for 97% of things go DD

same w Warn and Badland... Warn for the absolute best

 

[DintDobbs]

I've heard good things about Badlands. I'm not after the fastest winch available; in fact, I sort of think slower would be better, for my purposes. But I'd like to have a hardwired remote if possible, with or without a wireless option.

@DannyW I've reached the limits of what this truck can do as it is currently equipped. This build is not receiving any further suspension or drivetrain upgrades, so the bumper and winch will be the final step before the project is fully complete. After that, it will only be small changes (like the aux lights, and possibly other accessories). It's been good fun building this truck, and I want to spend less time upgrading and more time driving from here on in.

@DemonMudder I don't need forward range, as I rarely go faster than 35 MPH off-road; I need a wide spread. The Internet fails to discuss beam patterns, but judging by shape, I'm going to guess that the Hella 450 is probably among the best picks for my uses, as its dimensions are fairly small at 161mm x 90mm x 60mm, and it can be had with amber or clear lenses. It is one of extremely few options available with stipulations for "driving" and "fog" beam patterns. A pair for the bumper and a pair or two for the roof (fogs at the corners and driving in the middle) ought to be more than enough lighting.

@Fix4Dirt Your advisements are always regarded highly; thanks for the input! I expect the winch to be needed infrequently, but it will be crucial that it operates every time it is called upon. I quite intend to winch unnecessarily just to put it through its paces before actually relying on it. No review or recommendation beats a field test!

All of this aside, I'm no spring chicken, and the facts of life are starting to make themselves more apparent over the last few years. I've got a few trips planned for 2025 (including the annual Uwharrie run, stay tuned!) and a few unscheduled lifetime-goal trips that will never happen if I don't make them. Opportunities are changing; money flows freely, and time is had by request only now, so it is the time to finish building. When the money stops and the time returns, it will be time to drive.

 

[DemonMudder]

Glad you're about right where ya want her to be! Not often does I see a rig finished, just always something added to the list! Glad to head! And go for it, let us know how those lights go, may look into a set myself eventually for fogs! Being not after distance lighting primarily then those should be perfect I'd bet! The set I nabbed way back were pretty good for that too, kinda miss 'em honestly, sold 'em for cheap..and sadly this is the only shot I got of the beam pattern, but they did work quite well for a junkyard find!

 

[DintDobbs]

@DemonMudder Hmm, that's somewhere in the scope of about perfect. Thanks for the pic, that helps a lot!

 

[DemonMudder]

@DemonMudder Hmm, that's somewhere in the scope of about perfect. Thanks for the pic, that helps a lot!

No problem at all! I was so close to going with a few just like those for the roof rack, may do like you and do some sets like those for the explorer since she needs some new lights!

 

[Fix4Dirt]

@DemonMudder I don't need forward range, as I rarely go faster than 35 MPH off-road; I need a wide spread. The Internet fails to discuss beam patterns, but judging by shape, I'm going to guess that the Hella 450 is probably among the best picks for my uses, as its dimensions are fairly small at 161mm x 90mm x 60mm, and it can be had with amber or clear lenses. It is one of extremely few options available with stipulations for "driving" and "fog" beam patterns. A pair for the bumper and a pair or two for the roof (fogs at the corners and driving in the middle) ought to be more than enough lighting.

@Fix4Dirt Your advisements are always regarded highly; thanks for the input! I expect the winch to be needed infrequently, but it will be crucial that it operates every time it is called upon. I quite intend to winch unnecessarily just to put it through its paces before actually relying on it. No review or recommendation beats a field test!

Definitely. Ive used the Badlands a bunch of times so far and it hasnt let me down. I think more than Badlands vs Ramsey vs WARN the biggest difference is steel vs synthetic rope. Syn wil be alot smoother but I use steel because I winch around and on rocks so dont want it to fray as easily. But for yall I imagine its more mud than bpulders haha. But I will say Ive seen WARNs go to hell and back and still work, so dunno. I havent put the Badlands thru hell yet haha.

Oooooooh lighting!

Correct me if im wrong but arent those halogens? IMO (and this is literally IMO) the LEDs will do better than Halo in trail conditions. I have Diode Dynamics fogs on the Explorer, very bright very good throw. The Ranger got Auxbeam spot flood combo. But they also have spot or flood non combo. The Diode lights I couldnt be happier with. Aux has been very good too, throws very good light and has a very good pattern for the $$$. I think the Aux was something like 130/pair and the Diode 2something/paiir.

Last I checked Hellas were something like 150/pair or thereabouts, if youre buying say 3 pairs thats 450 in lighting- I think theres better bang for ya buck but JMO! Im happy to snap some pics of the lights and test em


EDIT: I scrolled up forget what I said about LEDs haha! In that case Hella is a good bet.

 

[DannyW]

Exactly, that badlands is awesome! And I watch a bunch of offroad recovery groups on YouTube and most of what they use is the badlands 12k apex, aint seen them have much issue either and they've had some serious recoveries. So really depends on price and preference, Warn or Badlands would be great choices! Synthetic rope is 100% the way to go, much much safer, I'm getting myself a new longer Synthetic one to swap in on this one and getting an Apex one to swap in on the rado, which comes with the synthetic anyway

Nice.
Why do you feel synthetic is safer than steel? I've only ever seen a synthetic one break, never steel. Synthetics will cut you in half when they break if not weighted - if you're hanging out in the kill zone, bad idea.
I saw a perfectly good rig "Totaled" when a synthrope broke and dropped the truck down a hill.
Just curious...

 

[DemonMudder]

Nice.
Why do you feel synthetic is safer than steel? I've only ever seen a synthetic one break, never steel. Synthetics will cut you in half when they break if not weighted - if you're hanging out in the kill zone, bad idea.
I saw a perfectly good rig "Totaled" when a synthrope broke and dropped the truck down a hill.
Just curious...

Steel will whip back just like a chain, which is why they sell weighted blanket things to over it, you put it right in the middle in case of snap. Synthetics tend to just fall where they are, they pull back some but not compared to the steel ones, that steel one will kill much more often if not careful. They both do have their perks though, steel generally is stronger for sure and less prone to abrasion, but the synthetic tends to be lighter and ain't prone to rust like a steel one.
Think what you saw was actually a steel cable, I've never heard of a synthetic whipping back that bad, ask anyone, they generally just fall to the ground. Steels they make the dedicated blankets for, doesn't hurt to use those in either application, but the steels NEED it. Either way it's definitely best to stay back some, but 100% the synthetic is the way to go, though while it's new and on lower applications that steel is just fine! Like mine is still steel, but its meant for 12k lbs on a 4500lb truck, it doesn't even notice me pretty much, so things like that, until they get older and/or rusty, are just fine, but best to play it safe! Sorry if I made this a bit long too.

 

[DannyW]

Steel will whip back just like a chain, which is why they sell weighted blanket things to over it, you put it right in the middle in case of snap. Synthetics tend to just fall where they are, they pull back some but not compared to the steel ones, that steel one will kill much more often if not careful. They both do have their perks though, steel generally is stronger for sure and less prone to abrasion, but the synthetic tends to be lighter and ain't prone to rust like a steel one.
Think what you saw was actually a steel cable, I've never heard of a synthetic whipping back that bad, ask anyone, they generally just fall to the ground. Steels they make the dedicated blankets for, doesn't hurt to use those in either application, but the steels NEED it. Either way it's definitely best to stay back some, but 100% the synthetic is the way to go, though while it's new and on lower applications that steel is just fine! Like mine is still steel, but its meant for 12k lbs on a 4500lb truck, it doesn't even notice me pretty much, so things like that, until they get older and/or rusty, are just fine, but best to play it safe! Sorry if I made this a bit long too.

No, I didn't say the cable whipped back. The synthrope just broke and dropped the truck down a mountainside. It was totaled. I know steel can break too, but just never seen it. I think the synthetic is fine in most cases, it's probably more of a lack of maintenance that makes them so sketchy. I doubt most people go home after wheeling and unspool the rope and wash it out. I know that's exactly what would happen for me, I am way to lazy, lol. So steel is great for me. Respool it once in a while and spray WD on it as it goes in.

 

[DemonMudder]

Sorry, I thought thats what ya meant in the first bit, mentioned a synthetics will cut ya in half when they break if not weighted, saying usually that it was the opposite way around. I definitely have to agree, a lack of care is a huge part of the problem, mine needs to re-spooled too, kind of wound up funky in there. The steel does break less often due to its strength over the synthetic, it's just the matter of when it breaks; if means mine or someone else's life vs a car, I'll lose the car. To me they both have their place, steel is definitely best for heavier duty applications like in your situation on the mountainside, but for smaller stuff like stuck in a ditch or what not, the synthetic would be my choice. You choose yours when ya get it, of the two Badlands 12,000lb ones: ZXR comes with steel, the APEX comes with synthetic, and I'd probably guess Warn automatically has steel, but that's just a wild guess having no experience beyond seeing a few.

 

[DintDobbs]

@Fix4Dirt Not a fan of LED lights, personally. I prefer halogens because they deliver a constant, natural light. It's not as bright as LED's, sure, but it doesn't glare nearly as much, and it's much easier on the eyes. I don't know if other people can see it, but I can see the LED flicker with my naked eye. I know that flickers such as that can (and do) trigger epileptic seizures, and law enforcement uses flickering lights to trigger nervous reactions as a crowd control technique. While I don't have epilepsy, I am a human being and cannot take the risk of having any adverse reaction to unnatural light patterns in a trail recovery situation, as that could result in me becoming a gator snack, and then who would feed my cat?

@DannyW @DemonMudder I'm leaning toward synthetic just for the lighter weight. I don't get into situations where the vehicle would be seriously damaged if the winch broke; as Fix4Dirt mentioned, it's basically just mud holes that I need to get out of.

Quadratec confirmed that the bumper has been shipped, so that's good news to me. Guess I'd better start watching some winch videos!

 

[DemonMudder]

Some leds I can see the flicker, generally to me that hints at cheaper stuff. The ones I've got seem alright on mine, but completely a fair enough reason there.

Go for it, wish ya luck and look forward to seeing it and the bumper installed!
I'll recommend a channel like Matt's Offroad Recovery for videos on winching. You'll learn a few tips and tricks here and there, plus all they use is the Badlands Apex 12k, so you'll get to see how ya like it's performance before buying one. Most of my winching knowledge and tricks are learned off that channel