STingray1300

I solved the problem [for me] by building a front receiver hitch. I wired up 2ga to the front and the back, so I can use the winch in either location. Here's the link to my build (scroll down):

https://www.f150forum.com/f119/home-...-heavy-369186/

The issue isn't really what the winch makers say, it's what Ford will say if you have turbo/CAC issues and find out you have/had a winch mounted in the air flow sweet spot. Some have had a big fight on their hands about it.

Brian Glendenning

Wow, nice! I really should learn to fabricate metal.

I thought about a bolt-on front hitch receiver, but I assume that you lose 2+ inches ground clearance / approach angle.

Steve Osborne

5.0's are so much easier....got started on my new setup...light bar next...and blast and paint...

kbroderick

The actual amount of space in the OEM bumper opening isn't huge to begin with, and the stock front-plate mount reduces it further. Most aftermarket bumpers with significant holes in that area should provide enough open surface area for adequate airflow.

However, you will need to remove the plastic intercooler ducting to fit a winch behind them. I'd be far more concerned about that impact on airflow than the straight amount of surface area (check my bumper thread, linked in .sig, for the comparative opening sizes on my aftermarket bumper vs stock), but I don't have the necessary background in fluid dynamics to figure out that impact.

With that said, I just drove cross-country hauling about 7k of enclosed trailer, with air temps up to 99 degrees (according to the truck) and I never saw any indication that I was seeing decreased performance due to the bumper and winch.

Steve Osborne

not happy with paint....powder coat or bed liner.....????

Steve Osborne

lights wired in the tube...little more progress...sorry to the OP.
..adding mine to yours...easier for others to look at one post..

Steve Osborne

all done ....wired and working again...

Steve Osborne

added a hitch....made it a little better..

hybridtuner

iTrader: (5)

unfortunately the SDHQ which mount won't work even if you relocate the intercooler. The intercooler pipes are in the way for the winch to be up that high. I have installed a winch behind the bumper on my 16 3.5 eco using a swarfworks winch plate. originally advertised for the Raptor only until I did the install on mine. You do have to use the full race intercooler and tell them what you are doing so you get the 17 and up piping kit. Ask for Colin and tell him what you are doing and he will know what you need> I have work with them on this setup up (being the test dummy) trying to figure this out myself. If you have the right parts its a pretty straight forward install. My wife basically said the same thing after we started overlanding with our kids. That made the winch sell really easy. Instead of buying an aftermarket (i didn't want to add that much weight either) bumper, most all of them that look good say which options only work for v8 models. Addictive Desert Designs won't confirm that a winch will fit on EB models, however they will sell a winch option for the raptor with a intercooler relocation (their original intercooler option was made by Full-Race) but the raptor bumper is too long for non raptor trucks. Then I was able to get an intercooler since it was needed for install. win win!

Brian Glendenning

I'm the OP and I should probably say what I ended up doing - I went with a Westin brush guard with a winch tray.

+ Most inexpensive option
+ No issue with airflow
- Still pretty heavy
- - I lost some ground clearance/approach angle. I checked with Westin and there's no problem cutting off the downward facing "horns" getting some ground clearance back, but all in all this makes me regret this choice and I wouldn't be surprised if I still get a winch bumpter at some point in the future. (Completely my carelessness that I didn't realize this would be the case).