Warn M8000 hidden mount in '01 ST

[Bigmellon]

Well, it was a pain in the @ss, but I finally got it all installed! The Warn just fit between the frame rails of the Explorer. I was able to modify a Universal mounting bracket to bolt directly to the stock tow hook mounting plates and the frame. To top it all off, I relocated the control plug to the grille of the truck!! Real slick - you don't even see the control box. Let me tell you, this thing is tight!!

Dead Link Removed

Dead Link Removed

Dead Link Removed

 

[soupbone]

WTH! a warn hidden mount!!

Nice! does the tupperware fit back on the bumper?
Ok pics show now. cool it does.

whats the part number for this?? How much did it cost?
Maybe i can do this on my 00. hrmmmm any tricks?

Thanks

 

[Bigmellon]

Including the M-8000 w/ roller fairlead and universal mount (#60368) the total cost was $720 from four wheel parts whlesalers. They have a free shipping deal, which saves about $50. I think the web link is:
4wheelparts.com but I am not sure...

The front fits back on OK. Not sure what happened to the first pic... I had to do a little trimming, but it turned out OK.

 

[Bigmellon]

Dead Link Removed

 

[TarHeel085]

thats SOO cool!!

 

[Stephen S]

That looks awesome!! Very clean install...looks like it looks right at home right there. Very nice!

 

[Paul]

Looks Good !!

BigMellon -

That looks pretty slick. Just did my own "hidden" winch mount, but it required some serious fabrication.

There is something so right about seeing an Explorer with a winch up front. . .

Here's mine:

Paul
'91 Sport

 

[yeti]

man that is one cool set up on your 01. I really wonder if that would work on a 00.

good job

 

[Bigmellon]

I am not sure if it would fit on the 00. They have a different front end right? I think the bumper is separate from the grill. Anyways, try to pull it apart and see how much room you have. I think the Warn website has specs on the mounting plate and dimensions for the winch too.

I know the frame rails are the same width, but just don't know how much room is inbetween the radiator and the bumper. Either way, she is TIGHT!!! I have even seen some people space out the bumper an inch or two....

 

[Zukster]

The problem with hidden mounts is that it is next to impossible to get the cable to properly spool when you can't see the spool itself and you are reeling it in under load. We ran into this problem a couple of years ago on my wife's Tahoe. A couple of pinched and snapped cables later we sold the mount and installed a more traditional winch bumper.

Anyways - looks sweet. Hope you have better luck then we did.

 

[Bigmellon]

I have been looking into winch rope. It is a high tension rope specifically designed for winching. It is really cool stuff. I saw a demo, but can't afford the rope yet!!

The rope allows for flexible line. NO KINKING!! Hopefully I won't snap the current one between now ands then. Then again, I have been so busy that I haven't been able to use it lately!