Ford F150 Semi-Hidden Winch Installation
	Category:	Recovery
	Author:	MachineMan
	Date:	June 14th, 2005

This write up explains how to install a winch on a 2001 Ford F150 using the Warn semi-hidden mount kit. The installation is probably similar for other full size trucks including Chevy, GMC, and Dodge. The winch is tucked behind the front bumper using the existing frame tow hook bolts for support. Note that installation requires some minor trimming of the front bumper lower plastics.

Semi-Hidden Winch and Mount
Parts
Desperately needing a winch and not having a lot of cash, I went this route rather than spending $500+ for a full bumper system. I purchase the Warn semi-hidden mount kit from 4wheel parts for $165 (p/n WAR 34701). My winch is a Mile Marker E12,000lb which comes with battery cables and fairlead. Mile Marker and Warn winches have the same bolt pattern (10” x 4.5”) so either one will fit the mounting plate.
If you don’t have tow hooks than you probably don’t have the bolts either. You will need to pick up the 4 high grade tow hook bolts to mount the kit to the frame.

Preparation

1. Start by removing your tow hooks, license plate bracket and small bottom bumper air dam.
   
2. Assemble the mount brackets onto the winch basin.
   
   
   Assembled Winch Mount
   
3. Using a tape measure start sketching out where to trim the bumper lower plastic so the fairleads can poke through. Use the mount with fairleads to approximate where to trim. There are some other plastic tabs behind the bumper that will also need trimming. The undercarriage rubber splash mat will have to be disconnected.
   
   
   Trimmed and Removed Parts
   
4. Install the Winch and fairleads into the mount basin. The mile marker was a tight fit where the winch planetary housing touches the mount basin top lip. If using the same MM E12000 winch I recommend filing about a 1/8” off the mount basin top lip corner.
   
5. Attach the battery cables and mount the electrical box. I mounted the electric control box flat and relocated the plug to the side so I can reach it through the grill. I had to drill a new hole in the plastic box to move the plug to the side and taped up the old hole.
   
   
   Winch and Mount Assembly
   

Installation

1. Using a floor jack host the whole assembly up under the front bumper. It’s best with someone to help steady the whole thing since it easy weighs 100+ lbs. Use the stock tow hooks and bolts to tighten it all up. I used some loctite just to be safe.
   
   
   Winch and Mount Installation
   
   
   Control Plug Location When Mounted
   
2. The mount kit may come with some clips to reattach the rubber splash mat underneath the radiator. Also if desired remount the small air dam underneath the winch mount and bumper. You’re on your own for remounting the front license plate.
   
3. Run the battery cables around the radiator wall and into the engine compartment. Make sure they don’t rub any sharp edge or touch anything hot. Bolt the up both cables to the battery.
   
   
   Winch Power Cables Connected to Battery
   
4. Double check all connections and test it out.
   

Testing and Opinion
This winch is definitely a life saver for long wheelbase rigs like mine. When wheel’n sometimes I get high centered and the winch has me back on the trail within minutes. The only downside is the slightly reduced entry clearance up front. A few times I banged the fairleads on some rocks or dirt but still not bad for a rig with stock lift. Also upgrading to a deep cycle Optima battery seemed to speed things up a bit.

High Centered Winch Pull
Links: www.warn.com, www.milemarker.com, www.ramsey.com, www.optimabatteries.com

Tom K. October 2003