After reading about it in this thread bumper lights I am considering getting this winch mount for my 12k winch that is currently on a reciever mount. What I am wondering is I with the added weight of the winch the front will sit even lower, would some Bilstiens be my best bet to keep it stock? I really don't want to put on a leveling kit. Also, I will have to get the Ecoboost plate frame, would this be better bought at the dealer or are there after market options? I haven't had the truck for a week yet so don't want to do too much to it yet.

 

I'm assuming you have the 5.0 since you want to add the eco plate frame.


will that hold your 12k lb winch? i didn't see what size winch will fit in the bumper.

At best you are adding maybe 100 lbs to the front i would imagine so it shouldn't drop too much. hold off on suspension until you install the winch and mount.

run synthetic line if you don't already have it, will weight about 2.5 lbs vs. nearly 20 lbs for steel cable and be safer.



I'd love to get a winch mounted up like that on mine, but can't justify it since i don't go offroad much in my truck.

 

I don't off road at all, we have a cabin up in the mountains that is 45 minutes up a logging road and the need for the winch is to pull downed trees from across the road to get in.

I retract my 12k statement. Its a 9500# Warn. The only thing I don't see is where you would access the controls for the winch.

 

probably wants you to use the wired (or wireless if your fancy) remote.

 

Looks like you have to open the hood to get to the lever to put the winch in/out free spool. This is the first time I've legitimately been dissapointed in my choice of engine.

 

Figures they would come out with something like that, but bupkis for the '04-'08 owners...

For what it's worth, you have a couple of options for winch control depending on your winch, but either open the hood to access the controls, or use a wireless remote...

 

I went a diffrent direction and installed a Curt front hitch, easy install, not cutting of air dams needed. This way when I don't need the winch I can put a bike rack there when we go camping. Now I want to get the ecoboost plate kit and billet insert for where the center plate is.

 

Nice!